Selecting the right type of Extension Cord isn't always as simple as it sounds. Understanding your power needs, gauges, and types of wiring can help you pick the most appropriate cord for your energy requirements. In this article, we'll discuss which types of extension cords are the safest and most reliable to use in any application.

1. Check Your Wattage

The wattage your electrical device or tool draws out determines how much power your extension cord needs to carry safely. Calculate this figure by multiplying the voltage times amperage - also known as volts x amps (V x A). If a device will draw 12 volts at 5 amps, then it requires 60 watts of power. Anything above that level means you need a higher-grade wire to handle it safely.

2. Compare Gauges

Extension cords come with different gauges or thicknesses determined by the amount of electricity the appliance requires; for example, the majority of extension cords used today are 16-gauge wires that can handle up to 13amps at 125V in total without having exposed wiring from fraying hard plastic sheaths often used on other lower-gauge models. Meanwhile, thicker 14/12-gauge wires are rated up to 15/20 amps at 250V respectively - perfect for larger appliances such as washing machines or refrigerators that require more juice.

3. Match Wiring Method & Cord Lengths

The wiring method is another important factor when selecting a suitable cord: 3-conductor cables include a built-in ground pin that should be connected properly with an appropriate receptacle, whereas 2-hole flat cables only contain two prongs and therefore require plugging into 3prong outlets; they’re best used with short indoor projects since their metal insulation is not meant for constant exterior exposure due to its vulnerability against water damage over time - so if planning an outdoor job make sure you get special UV resistant models available on many manufacturers' websites online! Finally, keep length in mind – longer ones work better outdoors since they don’t have as much capacitance loss making them ideal for heavier tasks such as leaf blowers and chainsaws since their thicker insulation will be able to hold an extra layer separating ground and line currents reliably even after many uses year round!

4. Use A Plug Lockout For Flimsy Connections

Another way to ensure safe connections is through using a plug lockout: these devices fit directly onto outlets turning them off while still providing safety by stopping power accidentally coming back on due to accidental reconnection issues when dealing with flimsy connections or worn down plugs while trying avoiding shocks or overloads in general - especially if working around wood/metal construction sites where these risks tend happened more often than not!

5. Look For Approved Labels

Finally, look out for UL (Underwriters Laboratories) approved labels printed onto product packaging – this official stamp usually indicates that a product has been tested according to safety standards set forth by United States federal law guaranteeing certain levels of quality assurance from each item purchased under its jurisdiction ensuring proper specs like gauge lengths match acceptable ranges preventing malfunctions from taking place inside equipment running off that particular model!

 In conclusion, selecting the right extension cord for your needs is paramount to safe and reliable energy use. Be sure to calculate wattage, compare gauges, match wiring method and length, use a plug lockout for flimsy connections, and look out for UL-approved labels. Following these tips can help you find the perfect cord that meets all your electrical requirements.