Extension cords (also called extension cables, drop cords, or power extenders) are a common sight in many modern homes and offices. These cables allow users to connect multiple electrical appliances located close to but reasonably far from the nearest power outlet.
Like most electrical devices, extension cords come in various sizes and designs. Some cables are relatively short and ideal for powering equipment in a standard room, while others are long enough to be used outdoors.
Power extenders also differ in gauge ratings, weather proofness, safety specs, and whether they come with switches. In this article, we’ll explore what it means to buy an extension cord with a switch.
What Is A Switched Extension Cord?
An extension cord with switch is exactly what the word implies – a power extender designed with a switch or several switches.
Many extension cables today come with a handy switch that controls how the various sockets are powered. That includes 220 drop cords.
A 220 extension cord is a power extender rated for 220 volts. This wire connects various high-amperage tools and appliances, such as hot water heaters, refrigerators, and modern cloth dryers.
220 drop cords can deliver twice as much voltage as the common 110-volts, typically used to power home entertainment systems, computers, and smaller appliances.
Where Is A Switch Located In Switched Extension Cords?
The placement of an extension cord switch depends on whether the entire strip is powered by a single master switch or multiple switches for each socket.
An extension cord’s master switch is typically located at the end of the cable, right where the flexible wire begins. This location allows the single switch to power all the strip’s sockets.
For cables with individual switches, each socket has an adjacent switch, usually on the left side. The switches may also be color-coded for easy identification. However, they all tend to glow red or orange when turned on.
Note that an extension cord can have both a master switch and individual switches. This design provides extra flexibility in controlling how the power strip operates.
What Are The Benefits Of Switched Extension Cords?
1. Better Convenience in Using Power Strips
Switched extension cables offer the flexibility of determining which sockets to power up, depending on the connected appliances. That’s especially true for strips designed with a switch for every socket.
With such power strips, you can turn a socket on to operate specific appliances without affecting adjacent equipment.
Besides, you don’t need to unplug each connected electrical device when not in use. Simply flick the switch off, and you’re good to go.
2. Higher Control over Power Consumption
Extension sockets with a switch also help to regulate power consumption in your home or office.
It’s important to note that electricity flows from the outlet to electrical devices as long as such appliances are connected (even if they’re not necessarily in use). Keeping a piece of equipment on “standby” mode means there will be consistent power consumption. And while it’s easy to dismiss the amount of electricity utilized as negligible, the cumulative effects can be devastating.
The surest way to conserve electrical energy and keep your monthly power bills down is to switch sockets off whenever the connected appliances aren’t in use.
3. Enhanced Durability of Electrical Gadgets
Plugging and unplugging electrical appliances alternately can easily destroy the prongs, resulting in costly repairs or replacements. It can also damage the power strips by expanding the holes and dislocating the terminals in each socket.
Investing in switched power strips is one way to guard against such breakdowns. Instead of unplugging a device after use, simply switch its socket off.
It’s also great to know that most power strips have several sockets. So, you can connect multiple appliances simultaneously and decide which ones to power up or down. You’d only unplug the connected equipment if you’re moving homes or replacing your power strip.
However, be extra cautious before concurrently connecting several devices to a switched power strip. Remember that the switch is a convenience feature rather than a safety spec. So, you’ll need to match the voltage rating of your power extender with that of the appliance you plan to use with it.
Saving Power with Switched Extension Cords
The most straightforward way to minimize monthly power bills with switched extension cords is to power the sockets up or down as required. Another way is to choose between a master switch and several individual switches.
A master switch controls the power supply to all the sockets with a single flick. It’s suitable for connecting electrical appliances that need to be powered concurrently, such as home entertainment systems.
On the other hand, individual switches control the power supply to each socket. These switches are ideal when connecting unrelated equipment.
If you’re in doubt, insist on a power strip with a master switch and individual switches.
It’s also important to know when an extension cord switch is powered on or off. You can tell by simply checking if the indicator light is glowing.
Wrap Up
Switched extension cords let you determine which sockets to turn on or off in a power strip. The switches are an ingenious convenience and energy-saving feature that can minimize electricity bills caused by “standby” power consumption.
