Extension cords can be a big help, especially when you need to get power to a remote location that doesn’t have a power outlet. Extension cables can be as long as 60 meters or more, which means that you need a way of wrapping them up nicely after use.
Taking good care of your cable means that it will work for longer without getting damaged, and it will be easier to use in the coming days. Here is a guide on how to wrap an extension cord without damaging it;
How To Wrap An Extension Cord
Electrical cords could be tedious and challenging to wrap if you don’t do it right. However, you could wrap up a long and heavy extension cord in a few minutes with the proper technique. Here is a simple way to wrap up a cord;
1. The Elbow Wrap
The elbow wrap is the most common method of wrapping a cable because it is simple. Hold one end of the cord in your hand and pull the cable down to your elbow and around it back to your palm, so it forms a loop around your hand.
When pulling and turning the cable, make sure you hold it ever so gently, so you don’t force it to twist. If you bend it, it might get undone or develop knots and wrinkles. When you get to the end of the cord, use the last arm length to tie the body together and connect the connectors.
2. The Braid Wrap
This is the best method for longer cords that will be difficult to wrap around the elbow. To begin this, you need to fold the cord in half to have both connectors in your hand. Tie a loose knot with the connector ends without straining the cable.
Pull a new length of the cord through the first knot, and in the loop that results from it, pull another length of cord as if you are making more knots, only it is continuous. Keep doing this until the entire cable has formed a series of knots.
It might seem messy, but it is effortless to untangle. You only need to grab the end of the cord and pull it. Your cord will come out with no knots and without wasting your time.
3. The over-under
This loop is another simple way to fold short cables that you are comfortable holding in your palm. Hold the connector end of the cord and create a loop of reasonable size as you work towards the other connector.
The first loop should go over the top, and then the second comes in from underneath. The point of this is to make sure the cable doesn’t get twisted up since each clockwise turn will get negated by the following anti-clockwise shift.
You have to use a small rope or tape to tie the cord together, so it doesn’t come apart. An advantage is that you can throw the cable while holding one end, and it will open up without any entanglements.
Reasons To Wrap Up An Extension Cord
Wrapping up a cord takes some time, especially if it is a long extension cord. This process might make you wonder if it is worth the trouble. Here are some crucial reasons to wrap up your extension cord;
- It prevents the cable from getting tangled up. A tangled-up cord can be frustrating, especially if you are in a rush and working with a long cord. Having it wrapped up saves you this trouble and your time.
- They make it easier to use the cord, especially if you tie them in a way that gives you access to both connectors. This way, you only pull out the cord length you need and leave the rest in an organized pile.
- They are easier to store and move around when wrapped up. It will be like carrying a bag; you grab the pile and move it or hang it on a hook in your garage. If you don’t wrap it, you will be stuck with a messy pile that takes a lot of space.
- It makes for a better lifespan for your cord. The reduced number of twists in the cord reduces the chances of it getting some form of internal damage. This care will allow you to use the cord for years before you have to replace it.
Tips On Caring For Extension Cords
For any product to work well, it needs to be taken care of, and this logic also applies to your extension cord. If you don’t take good care of it, you will end up with a damaged cable that does not work reliably.
It could cause an accident and damage appliances or hurt you. Here are some tips you can follow to keep your cable in good condition;
- Do not fold the cable into very tight knots since the bending could damage the wires and compromise the working of the cord.
- Please don’t connect the extension cord to an appliance that draws more voltage than the cable is calibrated for since it might cause the cord to overheat and get ruined.
- Don’t put heavy objects onto the cord, exceptionally sharp things like edges, since they can cut through it.
- Do not cut into the extension cable to add more wires to extend it further since it will increase the resistance in the wire and could potentially damage it if you get the connections wrong.
- If your cord has kinks, you can get it straightened out by laying it out in the hot sun on an asphalt surface. The heat will warm it and cause the curls to stretch out, leaving your cable good as new.
Conclusion
Wrapping the extension cords is a significant part of taking good care of your cord. A well-wrapped extension cord will make it easier for you to store the cord and release it for use the next time you need it.
The few minutes you spend wrapping the cable will save you a lot of stress and time retrieving the cable.
Make sure you keep the cable in a good spot without any heavy or sharp objects on it to ensure it lasts long.
