Vacuum cleaners are one of the essential machines in our homes since they help maintain cleanliness and healthy living. Nonetheless, sometimes the reach of the vacuum’s power cord may be an issue occasionally. A high-quality extension cord for vacuum cleaner can offer you more length to cover big areas without the need for constantly changing from one outlet to the other.
However, having the right extension cord for a Vacuum cleaner as a consumer is not as easy as randomly selecting one from the available lot. By reading this guide, you will be able to understand the right extension cord to purchase for your vacuum cleaner and how to safely use it for cleaning.
Why a Proper Extension Cord is Important When Using a Vacuum Cleaner
Appliances with damaged cords have a high risk of fire. Vacuum cleaner cords take a lot of power. The cords need to be strong. Using the wrong extension cord can lead to wiring issues, voltage fluctuations, overheating, or even damage to your vacuum cleaner. A proper extension cord ensures:
- Safety: Reduction of overheating and fire occurrences.
- Efficiency: Regulates the appropriate supply of electrical energy to the vacuum cleaner.
- Durability: Makes the cord have a longer durability in the event it has to be used frequently.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing an Extension Cord
1. Cord Gauge
The gauge of the extension cord simply means how thick it is. A low gauge number therefore means a thicker cord hence it can carry more power. For vacuum cleaners, it is suggested to use cords at least 14-gauge or 12-gauge because they can take high power safely.
2. Cord Length
The length of your bristles should not be too long because that may require more time and effort in washing and also may affect your cleaning area of focus. Long cords would lead to a decrease in voltage hence a poor performance vacuum. For most homes, a length of between 25 to 50 feet is normally preferred depending on the requirements of the house.
3. Amp Rating
Ensure the amp rating of your vacuum cleaner and the extension cord for vacuum cleaner is the same or the cleaner is higher. Amps should also match or exceed that of the vacuum cleaner, and this is where the extension cord for the vacuum cleaner will help provide a matching rating.
Other household vacuum cleaners have an AC rating ranging between 10 and 12 amps, therefore, an extension cord for a vacuum cleaner rated at 15 amps will suffice.
4. Material Quality
Materials preferably used in extension cords must be highly durable, such as heavy-duty rubber or vinyl. They do not wear or tear easily. They are also highly resistant to the physical environment, so they are used internally or externally.
5. Plug Type
Extension cords have various kinds of plugs. A grounded plug is required for safety, particularly by equipment that is powered to be like the vacuum cleaner.
The Best Extension Cords for Vacuum Cleaner
Here are some of the best extension cords available on the market, based on their performance, durability, and user reviews:
Iron Forge Cable 14/3 Heavy Duty Extension Cord
The Iron Forge Cable 14/3 is a vastly stable flexible extender cable that can provide impressive and prolonged performance. Its heavy gauge 14-gauge wires provide it with the necessary power output ideal for power-hungry vacuum cleaners.
- Gauge: 14/3
- Length Options: 25-100 feet
- Features: Able to be washed, weather-proof constitution, and power indication at the end part of the light.
- Best For: fit for use within establishments and outdoor cleaning chores.
- Why Choose It? Iron Forge Cable can be recommended for those who strive for a durable and strong cord for cleaning purposes.
Woods 16/3 Extension Cord
The Woods 16/3 extension cord is great for light-duty cleaning jobs. It is portable and has an ergonomic design. The blades are reinforced, which increases their life expectancy. You can steer it easily to avoid obstacles like furniture.
- Gauge: 16/3
- Length Options: 25-50 feet
- Features: Thin and adaptable for several situations and reinforced edges to give the knife a longer life span.
- Best For: Ideal for lightweight vacuum cleaners and contains nearly half of the cleaning areas.
- Why Choose It? In general, it is perfect for short washing sessions and when you do not want to spend much money.
Southwire 12/3 SJTW High Visibility Extension Cord
This is a commercial-class cable that has highly impressive performance standards for professional usage. Since the cord has a high visibility design it makes it easier to see the cord, especially in the dark.
- Gauge: 12/3
- Length Options: 50 feet
- Features: The uses include high-visibility coating, flexibility in cold temperatures, and the presence of a lighted plug, which indicates power.
- Best For: Cleaners that are high-powered and professional cleaning tasks.
- Why Choose It? It is a high gauge and offers high premium quality to assist the power instruments or high-power appliances.
Amazon Basics 16/3 vinyl outdoor extension cord
This extension cord from AmazonBasics is cheap, yet built to be strong, and is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. As for the economics, it has a relatively low purchase price tag, and yet it is a durable one that supplies fairly stable power.
- Gauge: 16/3
- Length Options: 50 feet
- Features: Vinyl construction for its rugged, lightweight, and resistant characteristics to different weather conditions.
- Best For: Those being economical-minded consumers in search of relatively decent performance.
- Why Choose It? Overall, the E consultancy Extension Cord is a great option for those who require a plain and serviceable outlet wire.
GoGreen Power 14/3 SJTW Extension Cord
The GoGreen Power extension cord balances two valuable qualities – environmental sensitivity and operational reliability. It is made using recycled products. It meets safety specifications.
- Gauge: 14/3
- Length Options: 50 feet
- Features: Flammable ecological materials, safety from the weather, and illumination at the end to display power status.
- Best For: Light-using individuals, who are so sensitive about the environment and still would require the services of an extension cord.
- Why Choose It? This cord satisfies performance, and durability and embodies sustainable design criteria.
Vacuum cleaner safety tips using an extension cord
- Inspect Regularly: Look over all the equipment to see if there are cuts, fraying (on the harnesses and belts), or other things that will prevent the equipment from working as it should.
- Avoid Overloading: Make sure that the amperage of the cord should have enough rating for the vacuum needed.
- Uncoil Fully: Again it is recommended that one should always fully extend the cord to avoid it getting too hot.
- Keep Away from Water: Extension cords should not be placed near water to reduce shock risks.
- Store Properly: Tie the cords to avoid tangling with other cords and being destroyed by the other objects in the house.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Underrated Cords: The gauge of the cords should not exceed 16 for any vacuum cleaner.
- Overlength Cords: One should avoid very long cords because these result in voltage drops.
- Ignoring Grounding: It is pathetic that they should use the grounded cord on the fridge while they are using the non-grounded one on the TV set and Vacuum cleaners etc.
Conclusion
By choosing the proper vacuum cleaner extension cord, you’ll make vacuuming a lot easier for yourself. Such as knowing things like cord gauge, amp rating or whatever else, and inner material quality so you can operate it safely and efficiently. Above are the recommended cords that cater to some needs, from a budget-friendly option to heavy-duty.
It might not be the most exciting topic, but investing in a high-quality extension cord is good for your vacuum cleaner and, more importantly, ensures safety and durability. And if you have the right cord, you can clean every corner of your home effortlessly and effectively.
FAQs
Why do I require an extension cord for my vacuum cleaner?
This is when you need an extension cord that will help clean larger areas without switching outlets all the time. It’s particularly good for an outside space or large room.
What kind of vacuum cleaner extension cord should I get?
A higher gauge (lower number) heavy-duty extension cord is best. When it comes to cords for high-powered vacuum cleaners try to get the cords with no less than 14 AWG.
Can I use any extension cord with my vacuum cleaner?
Not all extension cords can be used safely. Make sure that the cord can handle the vacuum’s power requirements, measured in watts or amps; don’t overheat or damage the cord.
What’s the correct length of an extension cord?
Calculate how far you need to reach on the far side of your room to clean and measure from there. But add a little extra length for flexibility without making the cords too long for power drop.
