How To Tell If an Extension Cord Is for Outdoor Use?

An extension cord can be handy when your electrical outlet is not conveniently located for your needs. The holiday season and outdoor events necessitate knowing which type of extension cord is best for the situation.

Extension cords are not all created equal. Identifying an outdoor extension cord suitable for outdoor applications is critical to ensure electrical safety, property protection, and life preservation. Americord is proud to be a leading manufacturer in the extension cord industry in the United States and internationally.

They have been providing high-quality products and excellent customer service since 1989. Consider Americord when you need to buy extension cords online. The information provided below assists you in knowing an outdoor extension cord.

Colour

The colour of the insulation can also be used to determine whether the cord is suitable for outdoor use. Outdoor extension cords are typically bright yellow, blue, or green.

There are also waterproof orange and brown extension cords, ideal for wet and moist conditions.

Amperage

Outdoor extension cords have a higher amp rating when compared to indoor extension cords. This means they can hold more power, making them ideal for power-hungry devices.

Technically, the amp rating of a cord can be determined by the wire gauge size or AWG. The wire size increases as the number of AWG decreases.

Plug

Unlike indoor extension cords, which normally have two prongs, outdoor extension cords frequently include a three-pronged socket. The extension cord's third prong acts as a grounding wire to reduce the risk of electrical shock or fire. An outlet with a ground slot is intended to accept a three-pronged plug.

Insulation

Another feature that distinguishes an outdoor extension cord is its insulation. Its insulation is typically thicker and made of heavy-duty rubber, plastics, or vinyl, making it heavier and more robust.

Rating Indicator

When shopping for an extension cord for outdoor use, look for a "W" sign on the cover or insulation. This letter stands for weather-resistant compound, which is strong and suitable for outdoor use. This sign and the other cord features can be found on the packaging.

Guidelines for Proper Outdoor Extension Cord Usage

These are some crucial safety measures to follow while utilizing outside extension cords around your home, in addition to using the right kind of extension cord for a GFCI and outdoor use:

Storage of Extension Cords

Unplug the extension cord after use, coil it properly, and store it in a dry place away from extreme temperatures and moisture.

Inspect Cords Before Each Use

Before using a stored extension cord, inspect all sides along the entire length of the cord for cracks in the covering and exposed wire. Check that the plugs on both ends of the cord are securely attached, not loose or allowing exposed wires above the plug.

Choose Highly Visible Cords

Use brightly coloured cords when powering construction tools, maintenance equipment, and so on to avoid creating a trip hazard.

Outdoor Extension Cord Categories

Extension cords are classified into three types. Choosing the one that is best for the situation may determine you.

• Occasional use of outdoor extension cords- On rare occasions, Outdoor extension cords are designed to power electric power tools for a limited time. This could be used to power a circular saw during a construction project. They are not intended to convey power continuously for long periods.
• Rugged outdoor extension cords- they are the most durable and are intended for use on commercial job sites with high-amperage power tools. They also have better weather resistance, making them a better choice for running a small campsite generator.
• Frequent use outdoor extension cords- Outdoor extension cords for frequent use are designed to handle larger tools and equipment and heavier use. In your workshop, you could use this to power a 110-volt table saw.

What Are the Different Extension Cord Plug Types?

There are various types of plugs that you may encounter, just as there are various types of extension cords.

Two-prong plugs- light-duty interior extension cords typically have two-prong plugs. They are less secure and should never be used with high-voltage appliances.

Three-prong plug extension cords- for outdoor use, three-prong plug extension cords are the most common. The third prong acts as a super ground for carrying high voltage. It significantly lowers the risk of an electric fire caused by a short circuit.

Does Gauge Affect Amperage Capacity?

Most outdoor extension cables have an AWG rating stamped on the jacket. This is the maximum current that can be supplied from the outlet to the appliance without causing it to overheat.

A cord can sometimes deliver more amperage than this rating, but its resistance can cause it to gradually overheat, short circuit, fail, or even start an electrical fire.

If you are unsure of a device's or power tool's amperage, check the stamped metal plate on the back or bottom. The amperage or wattage is usually stated on the label or in the owner's manual. If it only shows the wattage, some basic math can be used to calculate the amperage. Multiply the number of watts by 110.

It's also worth noting that the extension cord's and internal wire's gauge will affect the amount of amperage it can deliver. This is usually stamped on the jacket tag of the plug or wire. If you see something like a 14/3 on the cord jacket, the extension cord is a 14-gauge wire with three wires inside.

Bottomline

Using the incorrect cables for electrical applications can endanger everyone in your home. As a result, to avoid injury and property damage, you should know how to tell if an extension cord is intended for outdoor use. Also, remember that this item is not intended for long-term use.

If you require a permanent outdoor extension cord, we recommend seeking advice from a professional and your city's electrical inspector.

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