Overview 8 kinds of the best electric extension: how to choose what to buy, the pros and cons, features, rating

Electric extension cable allows you to connect to the network devices located away from the outlets. Inexperienced user in selecting always focused exclusively on the length of cable, and sometimes - in the number of plug-in sockets. This approach is correct only if you really want to connect low-power appliances, such as a desktop lamps or ordinary kitchen mixer. In all other situations, a choice should be approached with skill.

How to Choose an extension cord

Most manufacturers of electrical appliances in the instructions are often advised not to connect them into a power strip. And rightly so, because the extra length of the wire of the power is lost. And if the product is of poor quality, it can and does lead to a short circuit or fire cord as a result of overheating. But if no additional meters can not do, the choice should be based on the following characteristics.

Degree of protection

For standard extensions, there are 2 variants of the degree of protection:

• IP20 - designed for indoor use without a lot of dust. Equipped with an open outlet types.
• IP44 - is allowed to work in a dusty environment or in open spaces in the rain. Such extensions are water-resistant casing, and protective covers are installed on all outlets.

cable type

Extension cords, designed to work with the home network, two types of wires are installed:

• KG (flexible cable) - designed for professional work. Easily withstand temperatures from -40 ° to + 40 °. Such a wire is bent without damage and resistant to abrasion. It has two versions: T - ambient temperature to + 50 °, CL - to -60 °.
• PVA (connecting wire sheathed in PVC) - is designed to operate at temperatures higher than + 1 °. This option is almost a third cheaper than the previous one, but it is not resistant to abrasion and eventually crack at the bending point. At low temperatures, the insulation is destroyed by bending. Extenders with cable mainly used indoors.

Maximum load (power) and the cross section

Indicator measures the total power of the connected devices. The higher the maximum permissible load, the greater is the cross section of wires.

There are 3 types:

• low power - up to 1 kW, the cross section of 0.5-0.75 mm;
• average power - up to 2.2 kW, the cross section of 1 mm;
• High-Power - 3.5 kW, the cross section of 1.5-2.5 mm.

The load capacity is indicated on the package. When connecting electrical appliances, the total power which exceeds this parameter extension may be damaged: the wiring is heated and melted, the junction otgorayut wires. This often leads to fires and smoke, so that the load should pay particular attention. Since long wire creates significant additional resistance when it is more than 50 m length must be cross section of 2.5 mm.

Length of cable

The parameter that is selected depending on the situation. The house and the office frequently used extension to a maximum of 5 meters, while for work at construction sites often require more than 20 meters of cable length. It is important to remember that most of the length of an inconvenience to use an extension cord, so it is better to pay attention to models with a coil winder.

grounding

Additional core cable to connect the ground (unless the contact is in your power outlet) has a protective function. It not only prevents electric shock during operation faulty appliance, but also reduces noise level on the equipment connected in the same network, and just located nearby. Such extensions should be purchased in the case where it is intended to use them with the always-on devices, for example, TVs or refrigerators.

Number of outlets

This figure depends on the design of the model. It is obvious that the number of outlets depends on the number of connected devices. As a rule, most extensions have from 1 to 4 sockets, but there are options with their large number.

options

If necessary, you can select an extension cord with additions such as USB-connector for charging mobile phones, The power button, which allows disconnect devices without the need to pull the plug. The presence of the protective shutters would be useful if the extension cord can access the children, and the power indicator will always show whether the electricity flowing through the wires.

Best electric extension cord on the reel

Extension on the reel ZUBR 55075-50 great for work at construction sites, extended suburban areas. High quality brass is used for making the busbars, PVA wire has cast plug (Impact resistant, rubber) and double insulation, where each core has its own fire shell. one socket mounted collapsible design for connecting consumers, which allows its easy to replace in case of breakage.

The terminals are securely attached to the cable, which prevents arcing, and also heat due to poor contact. To secure the cable on the reel, there are special clips, which also prevents its spontaneous unwinding. The frame structure is made of metal, equipped with a convenient carrying handle.

Characteristics

• permissible load - 2.2 kW;
• length - 50 m;
• Current - 10 A;
• Wire specifications: type - PVA number of strands - 2, the cross section - 1 mm²;
• the number of outlets - 1.

pros

• double cord insulation;
• cable length;
• the presence of the collar on the reel, preventing abrasion of the wire;
• availability of clips for securing the wires;
• stable frame coils.

Minuses

• only one outlet;
• no grounding.

Best of household electrical extension cord

It's compact household extension cord Power Cube PC-Y-2-05-3 5 outlets (3 on the one hand, two reverse), whose body is made of a flame resistant polypropylene. Wire strands are made from pure copper, which reduces the intensity of the radiated noise. Bilateral arrangement outlets - the perfect solution to save space, but hang on the wall this model will not work.

Power Cube PC-Y-2-05-3 has a IP20 protection. In other words, it is forbidden to use it in a damp environment. The housing has a sufficient resistance to mechanical stress, ensuring a long service life.

Characteristics

• Load - 2.2 kW;
• length - 3 m;
• Current - 10 A;
• Wire parameters: type - PVA number of strands - 2, the cross section of each core - 0.75 mm²;
• the number of outlets - 5.

pros

• compact by arranging the outlets on both sides;
• minimum radiated interference due to pure copper in the cable;
• fireproof material of the housing.

Minuses

• there is no ground;
• can not be hung on the wall.

Best electric extension cord with grounding

Power extension socket 1 LUX YC1-E-10 length of 10 meters. Suitable for use on construction sites and garden plots. Designed for connecting low-power electrical devices located away from the network. It is based on a three-core wire with a PVA-section of each core is 0.75 mm.

The bright orange color of the wire is clearly visible from afar. The device is equipped with a ground, which increases operational safety of electrical appliances, and fork, the disposable type, which is equipped with antitheft element.

Characteristics

• permissible load - 2.2 kW;
• length - 10 m;
• Current - 10 A;
• Wire parameters: type - PVA number of wires - 3, the cross section - 0.75 mm²;
• the number of outlets - 1.

pros

• reasonable price;
• an earth;
• conspicuous color cable;
• rubber coating.

Minuses

• need completely unwinding the wire before work;
• power cable for lack of power.

Best electric extension cord with switch

Powerful electrical extension cable Brennenstuhl 1391000016 6 outlets (at 45 °) to line filter function. The model case is made of aluminum, which increases its strength, the perimeter grooves are arranged for winding an extra length of cable. Mounted switch with illumination, signaling the presence of a current in the network. In addition, the housing is located an ear that allows its placement on the wall.

Built in Brennenstuhl 1391000016 net high quality filter protects connected electrical overcurrent, over-load and short-circuit. At each outlet mounted protective curtains for added security.

Characteristics

• load capacity - 3,5 kW;
• length - 3 m.
• Current - 10 A;
• parameters wire: type - pvc, number of cores - 3;
• the number of outlets - 6.

pros

• High load capacity;
• 6 sockets;
• line filter;
• solid aluminum casing;
• switch presence.

Minus - a great length of the hull.

Best power strip with USB

Extension Navigator npe-usb-05-180-esc-3 × 1.0 It designed for domestic use. 5 has earthed sockets for electrical connection, and USB-connector 2, each of which is 2.1 A and 5 for charging various techniques, e.g., mobile phones. Model equipped with built-in overload protection as well as impact resistant housing made of plastic that does not support combustion. Navigator npe-usb-05-180-esc-3 × 1.0 has a modern design.

Switch located on the housing for easy disconnection from the power supply without the need to remove the plug from the socket. Great for use in the office or at home.

Characteristics

• load capacity - 3,5 kW;
• length - 1.8 m;
• limiting current - 16 A;
• Wire parameters: number of wires - 3, the cross section - 1 mm²;
• the number of outlets - 5.

pros

• 5 sockets;
• 2 USB-connector;
• switch presence.

Best electric extension cord on the frame

A powerful extension force PowerCube PC-LG5-R-30 with a cable length of 30 m it makes it easy to solve the problem of connecting the remote appliances. The main body 5 located outlets, each of which has a ground and connected to a common switch with LED current. The model is assembled by the organizer as a frame that allows you to neatly wind up and store cable, and prevents it from tangling.

PowerCube PC-LG5-R-30 is produced in the classic black color, ideal for use on construction sites and private plots. Side of the case is a simple handle for easy carrying.

Characteristics

• load capacity - 3,5 kW;
• length - 30 m;
• limiting current - 16 A;
• Wire parameters: number of wires - 3, the cross section - 1 mm²;
• the number of outlets - 5.

pros

• long cable;
• high power;
• low cost;
• the presence of the organizer for laying wires.

Minuses

• no protective shutters;
• there is no serious defense;
• decent weight.

The choice of the extension is always based on operating conditions. These include not only the place of use, but also the power of the connected electrical appliances. Strict rule: the load should not be more than the maximum allowed, which is indicated on the housing. It is desirable that the model was equipped with protection against short circuit and overload.