A wide variety of household appliances gives rise to the variability of their connection to the network. A new garden appliance may well not work if connected to a low-power extension cord. A power strip is needed for electrical appliances that are so powerful that they cannot be plugged into an outlet directly or through a standard extension cord.

As a rule, such a need arises during repairs: most power tools have a lot of power. The next aspect that attracts users to power extension cords is the length of the wire; without a wire of sufficient length, it is almost impossible to work in a summer cottage.

What is the difference between a household extension cord and a power one?

Popular models of power extension cords are very different from their household counterparts:

  1. Power of the connected equipment - you can connect devices with a power of 3 kW or more to a power extension cord, such high indicators are not required in everyday life, but will be very useful for repair or garden work;
  2. The length of the cord - the power extension cord can be removed from the stationary power point even by 50 m, in an apartment it is useless, but for work on the street, a large length becomes a real salvation;
  3. Reliability - the power extension cord is much better protected from external factors. Double-insulated cables and enhanced electrical outlets reduce the risk of electric shock to zero.

How to choose a power extension cord, taking into account individual characteristics

The first thing a future owner of a power extension cord should pay attention to is the wire cross-section and its marking. This factor will directly affect the possible load, the maximum permissible for a particular extension cord.

  • 0.75 mm wire2 capable of withstanding a load of up to 6 A, which is equivalent to 1.3 kW - such a cable will not withstand the load of powerful tools and is suitable only for household appliances;
  • Wire with a cross section of 1 mm2 will withstand a load of up to 10 A, which is equivalent to 2.2 kW - this cable will withstand the voltage from the work of small tools;
  • Wire with a cross section of 1.5 mm2 will withstand loads up to 16 A, which is equivalent to 3.5 kW - professional equipment remains beyond the capabilities of the cable, but it is optimal for any construction tools for personal use.

Subsequent sizes from 2.5 to 120 mm2 - the best options for people whose careers are related to construction and repair, which cannot do without powerful tools and equipment.In order to determine what cable cross-section will be ideal for a particular person, room and task, you can use a simple calculation scheme:

  1. Calculate the power of all electrical appliances in the apartment: the value will turn out to be impressive, and it is unlikely that anyone will use all the devices at once, but you need to know the upper limit for safety reasons;
  2. Add up the previous value and the sum of the powers of all lighting fixtures in the room. The final figure will reflect the maximum load limit. For example, the indicator is 10 kW;
  3. Use the table below, find the desired cross-section, for an indicator of 10 kW you can choose a cable with 4 mm copper conductors2 power 380 V.
Cable sectionCopper cable Aluminum cable 
220 V380 V220 V380 V
1 mm35.3--
1.5 mm3.35.7--
2 mm4.17.235.3
2.5 mm4.67.93.56
4 mm5.9104.67.9
5 mm7.4125.79.8
10 mm11198.314
16 mm17301220
25 mm22381424
35 mm295116-

Among the brands of wires, you can most often find PVA options, although their characteristics are far from ideal. A summary table will help you to choose a wire brand depending on your needs.

Cable brandTemperature limitsRecommendations for useLife time
PVS-25 to +40It dubs in cold weather, so it is better to use it in warm seasons. The cable is resistant to sunlight and heatOver 6 years
PRS-40 to +40Excellent technical characteristics for indoor and outdoor use, withstands extreme temperaturesOver 6 years
KG-40 to +50The cable is not very fond of the sun, but it behaves well in field work: it is not afraid of bends and creasesAbout 4 years
CGN-30 to +50The cable must be protected from the sun, but it copes with other external problems perfectly. The optimal answer to the question of which cable is better to buy if sparks and aggressive chemicals that corrode the sheath can get on itAbout 2.5 years
KG-HL-60 to +50The cable perfectly shows its advantages at low temperatures, while maintaining flexibility, it does not lose electrical and mechanical properties. The weak side is sunlight, he does not like direct sunlight4 years

Top Power Extension Cord Manufacturers

If the issue has been resolved with the technical parameters of power extension cords, it is worth paying attention to the manufacturing company: buying a product of a well-known brand is safer, since there is less risk of getting a defective product, and if this happens, there is a higher chance of getting a replacement, large corporations are more expensive than quick money.

Which company is better to buy a power extension cord:

  1. Glanzen is a large corporation that produces not only extension cords, but also LED lamps, spotlights and panels. Modern laboratories and workshops are located in Kolomna, Moscow Region. The brand has proven itself well in the modern Russian market, and the popularity of the models allows you to believe in the bright future of the Russian industry;
  2. Lux is a Russian brand that produces decent, but at the same time, budget power extension cords. The company does not save on raw materials, but reduces costs due to simple design;
  3. Inforce - over the 8 years of its existence, the company has managed to enter the top ten of the best manufacturers of tools and accessories in our country. The company closely monitors all new products on the world market and makes them available to the Russian consumer, studying his needs according to opinion polls and correspondence communication.

The best power extension cords on a reel

Power extensions on a reel are convenient and usually have a fairly long cord. These devices are often used by professionals in the field of repair due to the large number of outlets - there can be from 3 to 4 of them.

1st place - power extension cable Glanzen EB-50-007

An extension cord from the leader of the Russian market will be an ideal solution for owners of large summer cottages - a wire length of 50 meters will allow you to work at a decent distance from a stationary power source. A special handle is provided for winding the cable, which will facilitate the process.The plastic case is light - the specific weight of the entire product is only 5 kg, but it is reliable, which is supported by the manufacturer's warranty. The 4 outlets are equipped with covers and are built into the body of the reel - perfect splash protection. The reel has a carrying handle and a metal base that stands firm even on uneven surfaces.

The maximum power is 3500 W.

The cable section is 3x1.5.

The average price is 2300 rubles.

Advantages:
  • Great design;
  • The reel is made of impact resistant plastic;
  • The presence of a carrying handle, a handle for winding a cable, a metal base;
  • Cord length 50 meters;
  • There is a thermal switch that protects against overloads;
  • There is grounding;
  • Affordable price.
Disadvantages:
  • Not very high power;
  • The entire length of the cable must be completely unwound before each use.

2nd place - LUX K4-E-50

A powerful power strip that even professionals can use. The cable of the KG brand allows safe use in severe frost conditions: the wire does not crack and does not deteriorate its technical characteristics. A fairly high power - 3500 watts - gives the product a wide functionality. The reel is made of metal, has 4 sockets, is equipped with a carrying handle, a wire reeling handle and a solid base. Among the significant shortcomings, users note that the load in the declared 3500 W is still beyond the power of the extension cord.

Advantages:
  • Wire length 50 meters;
  • Quite high power, suitable even for professionals;
  • Metal coil;
  • KG cable is frost resistant;
  • 4 sockets allow you to use several devices at once.
Disadvantages:
  • Does not always withstand the maximum indicator of the declared load level;
  • The outlets have no covers and are not splash proof;
  • Large weight - 50 kg;
  • Not everyone can afford it.

The maximum power is 3500 W.

The cable section is 3x2.5.

The average price is 6,600 rubles.

Best Power Extension On Frame

Glanzen ER-40-001 00012325

Many owners of summer cottages and just areas in need of care cannot purchase power extension cords on a reel due to their considerable cost, but the selection criteria include the point of the cord length. In this case, a reasonable solution is to buy a power extension cord on the frame - such a device has a sufficiently long cord, but in cost it does not greatly exceed its shorter counterparts.

Glanzen model ER-40-001 00012325 is an excellent solution for domestic use. The cable does not withstand outdoor conditions very well, despite its moisture resistance and protection from dust - it is better to work with it indoors. The 40 meter cord will not get tangled thanks to the frame, but winding and unwinding it is a rather tedious process.

The maximum power is 1300 W.

Cable section - 2x0.75.

The average price is 750 rubles.

Advantages:
  • Long cord - 40 meters;
  • Low cost;
  • The frame prevents the cord from tangling;
  • Protection against moisture and dust.
Disadvantages:
  • Low power;
  • No grounding;
  • It is inconvenient to constantly unwind and wind the cable manually.

The best power extension cords for one outlet

Power extension cords for one outlet will be an excellent solution if you have your own farm: you can connect a saw, jigsaw or lawn mower one by one.

1st place - power extension cord LUX YC1-E-10 (Y-161)

This power extension cord will be the best option for individual repair work in a small volume: the PVA wire is not afraid of bends and large loads that may accidentally appear on it, and a length of 10 meters will allow you to work in the yard without any difficulties and inconveniences. The socket is completely safe thanks to the rubberized housing, it is not afraid of high humidity.

The maximum power is 2200 W.

Cable section - 3x0.75.

The average price is 550 rubles.

Advantages:
  • Affordable price;
  • Ground wire;
  • Bright cable color, visible from afar;
  • Rubberized socket.
Disadvantages:
  • Low power for a power extension cord;
  • The cable length is only 10 m;
  • Before work, be sure to unwind the wire to the end.

2nd place - Power Cube PC-E1-B-20 power extension cable

Power Cube is a Russian full-cycle holding company that produces not only extension cords, but also surge protectors, wires and all accessories for them. The rating of quality goods in the field of renovation work cannot do without a promising young organization. The brand produces inexpensive but reliable products, one of which is the Power Cube PC-E1-B-20 power extension cord. A twenty-meter cable of the PVA brand will be convenient to use, and the copper wire will become an excellent current conductor. There will also be no difficulties with a remote socket - high quality plastic will delight connoisseurs of solid things.

The maximum power is 1300 W.

Cable cross-section - 0.75.

How much it costs - 560 rubles.

Advantages:
  • Quality materials for manufacturing;
  • Copper cable;
  • Excellent length;
  • Bright wire color;
  • Despite the fact that the cable has the PVA marking, it dubs slightly in the cold;
  • Affordable price.
Disadvantages:
  • Socket and cable without grounding;
  • Low power, suitable for domestic use only.

Whichever extension cord the user ultimately chooses for himself, it is important to observe safety precautions when working:

  1. The wire should be unrolled along its entire length to avoid cable burnout or impairment of the ability to conduct current;
  2. Monitor the temperature level of the extension cord - this will help to avoid fire;
  3. Do not buy power extension cords of unknown manufacturers - at best, this will result in a breakdown of the device connected to the network, and at worst it can cause an accident.

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