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What Should I Consider When Buying Power Cables?

By Carol Francois
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 6,622
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Power cables are used to extend the distance between an electrically powered item and the power outlet. There are five items that you should consider when buying power cables: quality, number of outlets, length, warranty, and cost. All these factors are important when deciding to purchase power cables.

Electrical power is created in power generation stations and moved around the country using a network of power transmission stations and high voltage cables. The electricity is provided to the household circuit board. From this source, all the power outlets in the building allow electrically powered units to plug in and access electricity.

The quality of the power cable can be checked by inspecting the joints. Power cables is comprised of three parts: plug, cable, and outlets. Check the plug for breaks in the protective coating or loose plug connections. One prong should be slightly wider than the other. This configuration ensures that the plug is facing the correct way up.

The cable length should be pliable, smooth and have no kinks or breaks. The outlets should be well spaced, clean, and dry. If you see any signs of breaks or pressure points, do not purchase the cable.

Think about where you plan to use the power cable and select a model with enough power outlets. Avoid plugging one power cable into another by purchasing cables with enough outlets for your needs. Check both sides, as many power cords provide double-sided outlets.

Cables come in several lengths, and it is important to select the one that meets your needs. In general, the longer the cable is, the more it will cost. A long cable with many outlets will also be quite thick and heavy. Avoid purchasing cable to meet one specific need. Instead, purchase a cable length that will provide the required flexibility to meet changing needs.

Many power cables come with a limited warranty. These cables are covered for manufacturer defects and often have a specific level of insurance coverage. This coverage is used in the rare circumstance where a defect in the power cable was determined to be the cause of a fire or power surge. Read the details of the coverage with care. Any manipulation of the cable or attempts to repair or modify it will void the warranty.

The cost of this kind of cable varies depending on the length, supplier, and quality. The average cable price range is between $10 and $35 US Dollars (USD). Shop around to get the best price.

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