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Extension cable for indoor and outdoor use
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What was an extension cable?
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Which extension cables are available?
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What do you need to pay attention to when purchasing extension cables?
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Different designs for extension cables
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FAQs: The most common questions about extension cords
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Conclusion: How to buy the right extension cable!
What was an extension cable?
With an extension cable private persons like craftsmen and companies provide for a flexible power supply at the desired place and can distribute this also to several devices. Special cables for the outdoor area provide for secure power supply in the open. Extension cables can be used with variable couplings and plugs for devices of different protection classes. Extension cables are equipped in variable cross sections also for high current with suitable plugs and couplings (CEE, CEE-Cara, earthing contact).
Which extension cables are available?
| For Indoor use. | Power extension cables for indoor use with variable cable lengths provide a stable power supply wherever it is needed. Various plugs and sockets (earthing contact) and combinations offer great comfort. Extensions of several cables are also possible. |
| For outdoor use | Extension cables for outdoor areas are protected according to protection class IP44, i.e. they can withstand splash water and shocks. With special rubber seals and lockable protective flaps for the connections (earthing contact, CEE), they offer the necessary comfort and great security. |
| For high current | Special extension cables with CEE couplings and connectors for three-phase current are available for the special loads caused by high current, which can be identified by the red marking and the five poles. These extension cables also have protection according to IP44. |
| With personal protection | For construction sites and commercial use, special cables are equipped with PRCD-element (as integrated FI), which detects faulty currents and also serves for testing. |
| For small devices | Extension cables are available for small devices, which extend the distance from the device to the power supply. They bring the necessary small appliances plug (C8) and the suitable small appliances socket (C7). |
Purchase criteria for extension cables – what do you need to pay attention to?
The matching extension cable
- Suitable plugs and couplings: Earthing contact, Euro plug, angle plug and flat plug
- Sufficient cable length to the desired location
- For high current: Cable with CEE-connection
- Spiral cable for space-saving flexibility
- Velcro tape for proper winding of the cables
Technical extras
- Switch for interrupting current flow
- For outdoor use: Protection according to protection class IP44 (minimum)
- For construction sites and professional use: Personal protection (PRCD)
- Sufficient couplings for several devices
- Phase inverter for three-phase current
Different designs for extension cables
Not only installed connections, but also the design of the cable itself decide on the usage possibilities of extension cables.
The cross-section of the cable directly affects the maximum load capacity. Cables with a cross-section of 0.75 mm² or 1.5 mm are mainly² used for indoor use. Extension cables for high current are² available from 1.5 mm cross-section and can² even provide 63 A nominal current at 16 mm.
The component identification shows which components the cable is assembled exactly. An extension cable of type H05 is harmonized and suitable for voltages up to 500 V, N07 corresponds to the national standard and is suitable for voltages up to 300 V. Cable of type XYMM are special types. The other letters and numbers provide information about the materials used in the coat and other special features.
Practical advice
Some tools are available to safely lay extension cables. In addition to hooks, adhesive tapes, cable shafts as well as mats and cable bridges are suitable to prevent falls, pressure damage and jerky tensile loads on the extension cables.
FAQs: The most common questions about extension cords
Can I combine extension cables?
In principle, extension cables to which only one device is connected should not be combined, as each cable has its own resistors and rated currents. Use a longer cable at this point.
How to lay extension cables safely?
It is best to lay extension cables on walls or behind furniture. There, they do not represent obstacles and cannot be moved jerkily. If an extension cable has to be passed through the room, cable bridges or adhesive tape are suitable for a stable attachment.
How to dispose of an extension cable?
If the extension cable has become unusable due to cable breakage or similar damage, it will not be disposed of in the household waste. The cable contains precious metals such as copper, which should be recycled. Therefore, cables of any kind can be handed over to recycling centers or collection points.
Conclusion: How to buy the right extension cable
Always select the extension cable for the desired purpose. This also means that the cable is sufficiently long. With Velcro tapes or cable ties too long cables can be wound up and fixed.
Simple extension cables are suitable for consumer electronics and the connection of individual devices. As soon as the path leads to the outside, it is essential to observe protection class IP44.
Special extension cables are required for high current, which are also used on construction sites. Here, extension cables with personal protection (PRCD or PRCD-S) are recommended.
Whenever multiple devices are connected to an extension cable (with multiple couplers), pay attention to the maximum power indicated on the cables. A full power disconnect switch can also be useful (for example, for the PC or TV) to save energy.