Annoying extension cords

15 years ago

Am I the only one who has a problem using extension cords? I need one to use my sewing machine, but I can't fully seat the plug into the extension cord. It isn't just my sewing machine plug--it's any plug. And it isn't just one extension cord--it's any extension cord. I bought "better" ones from an independent hardware store this winter, but they're just as bad.

I've gone back to using a power strip, which is okay with me. But I find it frustrating that I can't plug anything into an extension cord without leaving about a quarter-inch of the prongs exposed. This doesn't seem right.

Yes, I'm inserting them in the correct orientation. :-)

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Comments (6)

cynic
15 years ago
I find that a lot of them are like that, "good" ones and "cheap" ones alike. Usually just a lot of use will break them in but who wants to sit and plug them in and unplug them 500 times? I don't. Then there's the issue once plugged into the tight cords, *unplugging* them is a, well, shall we say "challenge"?

There's certain lubes made for electrical contacts that might help. I've never tried them. I tend to just plug them in and seldom if ever unplug them. Good thing I got about 15 extension cords free after rebate.

And FWIW even some outlet strips are a challenge around here.
brightonborn
15 years ago
Exactly, what are they doing differently? I did see somebody came up with a very interesting little invention for unsightly mess of power strips and cords hanging behind tables etc.
A plastic box with a slit on each end that enables you to put the whole power strip along with all the cords plugged into it then you can put the cover on and voila, nice and neat and not dust accumulating around the power cords etc.
Now why didn't I think of that brilliant invention??
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alisande
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks! It's good to know I'm not the only one.
renee_b
15 years ago
alisande,

As a wife to an electrician and an electrical contracting business owner, I would feel so much better if I warned you that extension cords are only supposed to be used temporarily. In all the years we've been in business we've had plenty of calls for repairs about fires starting from extension cords, either from overloading or leaving just a little of the prong exposed, as you mentioned not seating the plug in all the way. It may be better in the long run to get a licensed electrician in your home to put in a few more outlets. When my DH and I built our home a few years ago you wouldn't believe how many outlets I have in this house just to make sure that I would never have to use an extension cord. In my kitchen alone I have 9 outlets!
alisande
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks, Renee. I appreciate that you posted the warning. Although I'm well aware of the hazards, it never hurts to bring public attention to them. Since I sew at my dining table, and not very often, this is definitely a temporary use situation. The only other thing I use an extension cord for is my Christmas tree, which isn't very large and has only tiny lights. When I'm not in the house, it's unplugged.

My old house has a lot of plank walls that can't hide outlets, so they're on the outside of the wall. When my bedroom and kitchen were remodeled, I asked for lots of outlets. I got some, but not nine! But the dining area has only one, the living room has two, and the pantry has none. My bedroom doesn't have a closet. Oh, wait--we weren't discussing closets. :-)

I have a small lamp in my living room that is never turned on because in order to do so I'd have to run many feet of extension cord. That will never happen.
Tigerlil
15 years ago
I have the same problems with extension cords and also the same problem with outlets! The house we live in is a rental(we are living with son and DIL right now)and is probably 50 years old or more.Had I been the one renting the house I would never have considered it just because of the outlet problem.My bedroom has only one outlet(no closet either so I know how you feel alisande).To make it even worse that outlet is on the opposite side of the room from where my nightstand lamp and dressing table lamp is located.So I have a power strip and a heavy duty extension cord plugged into that one plug.The TV,cable box and a small extension cord for the vanity lamp and hair dryer are plugged into the power strip.The heavy duty cord is plugged into the light on my night stand.Of course I never have ALL of these things turned on at the same time but I still worry about it.A couple of weeks ago I did make the mistake of turning on the hair dryer,vanity lamp and ceiling light at the same time and flipped the breaker.The only problem is that I don't pay the rent so I can't insist the landlord have the house rewired and put in new plugs(or a closet LOL).There are 4 outlets in the living room,several in the master,but that was an add on.Only 2 in the other bedroom.There is only one outlet over the counter and it is on the side where it is very inconvenient to plug in small appliances.It has 6 outlets and everything is plugged in there sitting all together! Can you tell I hate this house?? LOL But again,not my choice.

Annoying extension cords

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