Home offices are no longer a thing of the past; instead, they are an increasingly accepted norm.
Home offices are no longer a thing of the past; instead, they are an increasingly accepted norm. Productivity and comfort are readily served through equipping home offices with the right tools. Among those overlooked yet critically important components of any setup in a home office is the extension cord. These versatile electrical accessories can help one manage the workspace efficiently by providing the power needed for all devices. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of extension cords for remote work, how to choose the right one, and tips for safe usage.
As a matter of fact, in any regular office environment, electrical outlets are installed to be in different locations to permit the installation of various devices. Home offices may not always be arranged to this requirement, and that is where the extension cord comes into play. This enables a user to extend beyond the reach of the electrical outlet, thus allowing easier connection to more than one device without the need to dislocate the furniture or numerous long, knotted cords.
An extension cord provides much flexibility in your home office. For instance, whenever you want to plug in a laptop, printer, or monitor, an extension cord can make things easier by creating a more organized space. It is especially necessary if you have a dynamic working environment where you frequently change configurations.
Most home offices need several devices for proper performance. Ranging from computers and monitors to printers and chargers, the demand for power soon outgrows the number of outlets. Extension cords enable you to connect several devices at one time, making sure that all of the things you need are within easy reach. Most extension cords have several outlets, so more devices can be powered at once without taking up extra adapters.
When you choose an extension cord for use in your home office, there are several things you should consider to ensure that you are choosing the right one for your needs.
Length of the extension cord: The length of the extension cord has to be considered. Determine the distance from your power outlet to your workspace to determine the length. Avoid increasing the length too much, because it will increase cord length and might cause power losses, in addition to potential safety hazards. Use an extension cord that has the right length to provide enough reach without excess slack.
Thickness, or gauge, of the extension cord: The thickness determines the size and its ability to carry the electric current. The thickness of the wires increases with decreasing gauge number. For the most part, 16-gauge would suffice for the typical devices in home offices. If you plan on using high-wattage appliances or power tools, you should opt for a 14-gauge or smaller.
Take into account the quantity of devices that require connectivity. A good extension cord will have a sufficient number of outlets depending upon the number of devices you intend to connect. Some models even include USB ports—convenient for charging up a smartphone or a tablet without using up an additional outlet.
Safety should always be the main consideration when choosing electrical accessories. Use an extension cord that has a built-in surge protector to ensure your devices are safe from power surges. Other extension cords have circuit breakers, which will act as an additional safety measure by cutting power in case of an overload.
Once you’ve chosen the right extension cord for your home office, it’s essential to use it safely. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Another common error when using extension cords is overloading them. Each cord has a specific wattage limit that must not be surpassed, and failure to do so can result in overheating and even fire. Keep track of your devices’ wattages and make sure that will not exceed the capacity of the extension cord.
Tangled cords can create a messy working space and pose the possibility of tripping. Use cable management solutions, for example clips or sleeves, to keep your extension cords organized and out of the way. This makes for an improvement both in safety and aesthetics for your home office.
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