Do Extension Cords Have Surge Protectors? (Explained)

Surge protectors are an essential component of any power strip.

These devices prevent damage to electronic devices, which can be caused by power surges and voltage spikes.

They also help protect against electrical fires that can start when power surges and voltage spikes occur.

In this blog, we will look at if extension cords have surge protectors and how you can make use of this.

Here’s If Extensions Cords Have Surge Protectors:

The extension cords at the store don’t have built-in surge protectors, but you can get them bundled with your extension cords. For example, you can find a three-outlet extension cord that includes surge protection for a low price that can meet your power needs.

Do All Extension Cords Have Surge Protectors?

Extension cords typically don’t come with surge protection because they’re designed to be temporary solutions — you only use them when you need more length from your wall outlet or power strip.

In this way, it’s safer to use an extension cord without a surge protector since it will only be used for a short period of time before being unplugged again.

However, if you plan on using an extension cord for an extended period of time (such as during a storm), it’s best to use one that does have built-in surge protection for added protection against electrical hazards.

You can find this information in the product description on Amazon or other websites that sell extension cords.

The surge protection is typically rated at anywhere from 300 to 600 Joules, which is more than enough to keep your devices safe from power surges and lightning strikes.

Is Every Power Strip a Surge Protector?

No, a power strip does not automatically mean that it has a built-in surge protector. If you want to be 100% sure that your devices are protected from power surges and lightning strikes, then you should look for one that specifically states that it has surge protection.

This will guarantee that your devices are safe from harm when there are sudden changes in voltage or current flowing through the extension cord’s wires.

The main difference between power strips and surge protectors is that a surge protector actively monitors the incoming voltage and diverts any surges away from your devices. A simple power strip doesn’t do this.

If you find out that an extension cord does not have a built-in surge protector, you can buy one separately and attach it yourself to the cord’s outlet with screws or wire nuts.

Are Standard Extension Cords Also Surge Protectors?

Most surge protectors sold today are designed to protect electronic devices from damaging surges and spikes in electricity. However, a standard extension cord doesn’t have built-in surge protection. It’s only designed to deliver electricity to the device you’re using it with.

They have a maximum capacity of 13 amps, which is enough to power appliance. But they are not designed to handle the high voltage surges that occur during electrical storms or other power outages.

A surge protector is an electrical device designed to protect the connected devices from voltage spikes or surges. A surge protector may be attached to a power strip or built directly into a wall outlet.

While extension cords do not have built-in surge protection, they can be plugged into properly functioning surge protectors.

Read our blog here about do extension cords need t be grounded?

How Do I Know If My Extension Cord Is a Surge Protector?

If you want to know if your extension cord is a surge protector, look at the packaging or instructions for information about its grounding and/or shielding capabilities. When shopping online, check the product description for these terms.

If you find these words in your search results, then your cord is likely a surge protector:

• Grounded
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
• Surge Protection Device (SPD)

If you are looking for a portable extension cord that also provides surge protection, be sure it has an UL-listed certification mark on its packaging and label. The UL Marking System is used by UL, an independent third party testing lab, to verify compliance with safety standards for consumer products and systems.

The UL Marking consists of two elements: the letters “UL” and one or more numbers or letters (e.g., UL 60320).

The first element identifies the product category; the second element indicates how the product was tested against applicable requirements for safety.

In this example — “UL 60320” — this indicates that the product has been tested against requirements for safety found in Underwriters Laboratories Standard 60320 (for extension cords).

If it doesn’t have one, it’s probably not a good idea to use it with appliances like hair dryers, microwaves and other devices that draw a lot of power.

You should also check out its gauge (which refers to how thick or thin the wire is), as this will determine how fast your device charges and how far away from a wall outlet it will be able to reach.

When Do I Need My Extension Cord to Offer Surge Protection?

You can never be too safe when it comes to electrical safety. In the event of a power surge, a surge protector will help protect your equipment from damage.

A surge protector should always be used with any electronic device that has a cord and plug and is plugged into a wall outlet. This includes laptops, desktop computers, televisions, stereo systems and even microwaves.

Today’s homes have many different types of electronic devices that require electricity and require them to be plugged into one another or into the wall outlet. The problem is that each electronic device has its own type of plug and cord configuration.

You cannot simply plug one device into another because they all have different connectors on the end.

That is where surge protectors come in; they allow you to connect multiple devices together safely without worrying about damaging them from an unexpected power surge through your home’s electrical system.

Extension cords come in two basic types — heavy-duty and lightweight — and both have a number of different ratings. The most popular is the SJTW (or “SJT”) type, which stands for “service jevel tungsten.” This is rated as either 15 or 20 amperes. This rating indicates how much power it can safely carry under normal conditions without overheating or burning out the wiring inside it.

Other types include:

• LOW-SPEED STIMPED CORD: This is a cord that has been built with extra thick insulation on its wires to protect them against any electrical surges caused by nearby lightning strikes or nearby power lines being struck by lightning. It’s important to note that this type of cord won’t protect your equipment from electrical surges caused by nearby lightning strikes. However, it will provide some protection against surges caused by faulty wiring within your home or work area.
• OUTDOOR EXTENSION CORD: With these cords, both ends have male plugs that fit into female receptacles on your outdoor electrical appliances. The female end plugs into a grounded outlet box with a weatherproof cover. These cords are rated up to 50 amps and come in 100-, 200-, 300-, 400- and 500-foot lengths.
• RUGGEDIZED EXTENSION CORD: This type of cord is made with heavy-duty rubber coating on the exterior insulation to protect it from damage caused by moisture and abrasion damage caused by rough handling or exposure to sunlight or extreme temperatures. It also has reinforced plugs that can withstand excessive strain without breaking off at the screw terminals inside the plug body.

How Much Do Extension Cords with Surge Protection Cost?

The cost of surge protection for extension cords can vary greatly. The simplest models cost about $20, while more advanced options can be purchased for $80 or more.

The price range is largely dependent on the length of the cord and its type (i.e., indoor or outdoor).

What Are Some of the Benefits of Using a Surge Protector for an Extension Cord?

There are numerous benefits like we mentioned before that come from using a surge protector for an extension cord. The main takeaways are:

• You can protect the equipment connected to your outlet by ensuring it isn’t damaged if lightning strikes nearby or if other power surges occur.
• You’ll be able to use multiple devices simultaneously without worrying about them blowing out due to overloading your outlet or circuit breaker box.

Conclusion

There are different types of extension cords available on the market today, each offering unique features for specific uses.

You should always choose the right type of extension cord for your project or job because it will provide you with the best results possible while preventing any potential problems down the road.

Check out our blog here about can extension cords be left outside?

Sources

• Smarthome Protector: Surge Protectors Vs Extension Cords
• Portable Power Guides: Surge Protectors Vs Extension Cords