- 1). Determine if the power cord is for indoor or outdoor use. Power cords are rated for indoor and outdoor use and should be used accordingly. Check the front of the package for rating information.
- 2). Decide which tool or appliance you want to power. A tool or appliance that requires a large amount of power is best powered by a power cord with a large diameter or gauge. Failure to appropriately match your power cord with the tool you wish to power could result in a fire or other hazard. When powering a table lamp, for example, it is best to use a small table lamp cord. This rule is also true when powering a larger tool like a power saw, which would require a larger heavy duty cord.
- 3). Consider the length of the power cord you need. Power drops over the length of a power cord, so choose the correct length. The more excess length you have, the greater the inefficiency you will experience when using that power cord.
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