You can never have too many electrical sockets! Even if you have planned a large number of them at the construction or renovation stage, there are usually no contacts to connect the devices in your home. Power supply shortages are effectively compensated by surge protectors and extension cords. The surge strip has the form of an elongated casing containing electrical sockets and various types of protection. It functions as a splitter and allows you to safely connect several devices to one socket. Thanks to the long enough power cable, it also serves as an extension cord. It allows you to avoid modifying the electrical network when the contact is located far from the connected equipment. The Onninen electrical wholesaler has plenty of surge strips and extension cords - for home use and special applications. Find out which extension cord to choose.
Check extension cords at the Onninen wholesaler
What wattage should a good extension cord be?
When choosing an extension cord, you should look at its type (including construction extension cords, garden extension cords and home extension cords) and the most important parameters. The following are important:
- number and type of sockets,
- cable length,
- maximum load,
- number of switches,
- IP tightness level,
- wire insulation,
- cable cross-section.
The selection of an extension cord should take into account the requirements of the equipment that is to be connected and used at the same time. The parameter that determines the power of the devices is the maximum load. Most extension cords available in our warehouse can be loaded with a current of 16A, which is sufficient for the operation of a wide range of devices. Standard home and garden extension cords can carry current up to 10A. They are suitable, for example, for connecting a lawn mower.
It is worth remembering that manufacturers recommend working with a fully unwound extension cord. However, as the length of the extension cord increases, the voltage drops, so the receiver on a very long cable may simply work less well. If you are looking for, for example, an extension cord to power a lawn mower, do not exaggerate with its length. Don't choose it excessively. Adjust the cable length to your real distance needs. To supply electricity to the mower and conveniently mow the grass in the garden, a 20 m cable is enough? Buy this length. In this case, a 50 m drum extension cable is unnecessary. Moreover, a cable that is too long will get tangled and in the way.
In addition to the principle that the voltage decreases with the length of the cable, it is worth knowing one more rule that affects the efficiency and safety of work - do not exaggerate with the number of connected high-power devices! For example, a kettle, microwave and hob should not be connected to the same extension cord. If in any doubt, consult an electrician - especially if you are not experienced in counting watts. You will sleep more soundly.
When choosing a heavy-duty electrical extension cord , look at the dimensions of the cord. The large cross-section of the cable wires (min. 1.5 mm) means greater possibilities of the extension cord. The number of veins is also important. Special power extension cords (three-phase) are designed for working with high voltage. They provide power to devices of various powers. They are mainly used by professionals. They are useful on construction sites, in workshops and production plants.
How many sockets should an extension cord have?
Pay attention to the sockets placed on the surge protector or extension cord, both their number and type. The functionality of the product depends on this feature, and more precisely - the number and type of devices that you will be able to connect to the electrical network. You can choose from extension cords, power strips and surge strips with a variety of sockets. Usually there are from 2 to even 10. Consider how many sockets you really need and add 1-2 sockets to this value just in case. In addition to traditional sockets, modern extension cords and strips often have USB inputs. You can read more about extension cords with USB sockets later in the article.
Is it better to choose an extension cord with or without grounding?
Grounded extension cords are becoming a standard due to much greater safety of use and universality of use. They can be connected to devices that do not require grounding, as well as devices equipped with a plug with a hole for a grounding pin. In our warehouse, even simple and inexpensive extension cords have grounded sockets. However, you can use an extension cord without grounding for devices made in class 2 insulation, equipped with flat plugs - without an input for the grounding pin.
Extension cords with USB socket
As we mentioned earlier, extension cords may have both standard 230V sockets and USB ports. An additional USB socket or sockets are usually offered by modern home extension cords. They enable convenient charging of mobile devices. And of course not only that. You don't have to connect the "entire" charger (network adapter), just plug in the USB cable with the appropriate type of tip. The USB extension cable supports the mobility of users at computer workstations, both in homes and apartments, as well as in companies.
Check out extension cords with a USB socket at the Onninen wholesaler
What types of USB splitters are there?
A USB splitter , also known as a USB hub or USB splitter, is an extremely useful device that allows you to connect more than one type of plug to one USB port. The structure of the USB splitter is based on a cable with a USB plug, e.g. USB-A, micro USB or USB-C, and several identical or different USB inputs. There is a special controller working under the casing. The device may additionally have a main switch or independent switches for each input. USB splitters are divided into:
-
passive - without an additional power supply system, they are compact and light, used in devices with lower energy consumption; - active – with a separate power supply and many USB ports, they are larger and heavier than passive models, perfect for connecting devices with high energy demand;
active-passive – an intermediate solution that allows you to disconnect the power source.
Attention! A USB splitter is also often called a strip or extension cord with traditional sockets and additional USB ports.
How to choose the right surge protector?
A surge protector is one of the most popular variants of a home extension cord. It differs from a standard power strip in functionality - it protects devices connected to electricity against the negative effects of overvoltages from the network. When an incorrect voltage is detected, the device (e.g. computer monitor) is immediately disconnected from the power supply. In high-class strips, the reaction time is approximately 1 nanosecond. The process of purchasing the right surge protector is similar to choosing an extension cord. It is based on similar criteria. You should consider the maximum load, the number and type of sockets, the length of the cable and the type of security. For home use, a strip with traditional and USB sockets, a 3-wire cable and a switch is ideal.
Which extension cord for household appliances is the best?
To connect valuable household appliances, it is worth using a good-quality surge protector with the required parameters. However, in the case of large household appliances with a high demand for electricity, e.g. a refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine or electric stove, it will be safer to connect the device directly to the installation (socket). Connecting to an extension cord increases the risk of it overheating, and overheating is one of the causes of fires.
Which extension cord will be suitable for a welding machine?
The parameters of the power supply are crucial for the proper operation of the welding machine, and therefore for the quality, efficiency, safety and comfort of welding work. Even small voltage drops may have a negative impact on the functionality of the device and increase the risk of failure. Therefore, it is worth choosing an extension cord for a welding machine - especially if you are a professional welder and have advanced, expensive equipment.
- First, pay attention to the cross-section of the wires. It must be large enough. 2.5 mm2 is the minimum.
- Secondly, choose an extension cord with the optimal length for you. Remember that when using an extension cord, the cord should be fully unwound to prevent overheating. Don't buy an overly long extension cord just because it may be useful for other tasks.
- Third, look at the types of sockets. Make sure the model is compatible with your welding machine.
- Fourth, check the resistance of the equipment - an extension cord used in difficult environmental conditions should be resistant to mechanical damage and have an appropriately high IP tightness class. Be sure to verify the type of cable insulation.
Extension cords at the Onninen wholesaler
At the Onninen electrical wholesaler , you will find extension cords, surge protectors and USB splitters designed for a variety of standard and non-standard applications. You can order an extension cord from us for construction, home, apartment and office use, as well as for gardening. We have models with increased tightness class and resistance of cables to damage, adapted to work in extreme conditions. The offer includes reel extension cords with a length of up to 50 m and many shorter models whose cables are less than 3 m long. We cooperate with the most respected producers and suppliers of residential, office and electronics equipment on the market. You gain a guarantee that you are buying a product of reliable origin and proven parameters.