One exciting thing about electrical cords is that they come with many different features depending on the intended application. It doesn’t matter whether you plan on connecting a piece of power-hungry equipment like a conveyor belt or a small handheld device like an oscillating multi-tool. You’re sure to find a cable that serves your needs.
Flat plug extension cords are one of the various types of electrical plugs. They’re also some of the most common cables in many workplaces, particularly tech centers.
In this article, we delve into flat plug extension cords by highlighting what they are and why you should integrate them into your tech workplace.
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What Are Flat Plug Extension Cords?
Flat plug extension cords, as the name suggests, are extension cords with flat plugs. They differ from other power extenders that feature roundish or geometric plugs.
A flat plug extension cord serves the same primary role as many drop leads – connecting electrical equipment to a power outlet. However, their flat design provides additional perks, especially in tech workplaces.
Flat plug extension cords are distinguishable by their shape and length.
These cables typically feature two flat blades and a round pin. The flat blades carry an appliance’s hot and neutral power, whereas the round pin connects the electric circuit to your house’s grounding system.
Regarding cable length, flat plug extension cords tend to be considerably longer than standard cords. But as you shall discover, the ideal cable length depends on the distance between electrical equipment and a power outlet.
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Benefits of Flat Plug Extension Cords in Tech Workplaces
1. Help in Powering Electrical Gadgets
Electrical appliances are indispensable to any modern office. Whether you run a grocery delivery business or a consultancy firm, you’ll need specific electrical equipment to streamline operations in your company.
The efficiency of tech workplaces, in particular, relies on computer devices like desktops, laptops, monitors, etc. All these gadgets run on electricity.
However, not every powered device can be stationed close enough to the wall socket. And that’s where flat plug extension cords come in. Like regular power extenders, flat plug extension cords help bridge the gap between the electric outlet and the equipment that needs to be powered.
2. Convenient To Install and Use
Flat plug extension cords are easier to use than regular cables. Their flat design makes it easy to avoid bends and obstacles within the workplace during installation and everyday use.
A flat plug extension cord’s shape also cushions it from accidental damage, especially in crowded tech centers. These power extenders can resist a significant amount of pressure, particularly if the weight is exerted when the cable is flat on a surface.
Flat plug extension cords are easier to hold down with clips and adhesive glue than their rounded cousins. That quality enables them to keep your tech office organized.
3. Highly Flexible
Flexibility is critical when shopping for extension cords, as it reflects on the cable’s usability and storage.
Flat plug extension cords are incredibly flexible; hence, they are easy to coil and uncoil. Due to their pliability, these power extenders are perfect for use in cramped tech workplaces.
It’s even more reassuring that many flat plug extension cord manufacturers do not trade durability for flexibility. Despite their supple nature, most cables are strong enough to withstand impact and abrasion.
4. Safe and Secure
Flat plug extension cords come with several features that can improve the safety of your workplace. And they need to, considering that many tech offices rely on reasonably expensive computer gadgets.
For starters, flat plug extension cords are low-profile cables. If used properly, their simplistic design can reduce injuries caused by wire tripping at tech workplaces.
Most flat plug extension cords also have anti-power surge features like circuit breakers and ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
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How to Choose the Right Flat Plug Extension Cord for Your Tech Office
Indeed, flat plug extension cords are generally longer than other cables. But when shopping for these power extenders, the conventional wisdom is to consider the space to be covered.
Measure the distance from your electrical appliances to the nearest power outlet. Then, pick a flat plug cord that’s a few inches longer.
An overly long flat plug extension cord may cause entanglements in your tech workplace, increasing trip hazards.
Besides length, it’s also important to pick a flat plug extension cord with proper gauge ratings. Insist on thicker cables (those rated at least 12 or 10 AWG), as these can power both light-duty and heavy-duty tech appliances.
Lastly, consider a flat plug extension cord’s amperage rating before adding it to your tech workplace.
Amperage measures the amount of current flowing through an electrical circuit. Flat plug extension cords with higher amperage ratings are ideal for heavy-duty electrical appliances.
The thumb rule is to choose a cable rated for the same amperage as the device you intend to use it with.
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Wrap Up
Flat plug extension cords provide several benefits over and above regular power extenders. But like any electrical component, the surest way to make the most of these cables is to purchase them from a reputable electrical dealer.
Remember to also have a proper handling and maintenance plan for your flat plug extension cords. That’s the only way to prolong their durability, saving unnecessary repair and replacement expenses.