Guide to Choosing Extension Cords and Power Strips for Safe Electricity Usage

In modern households, the increasing number of electronic devices often leads to the use of power extension cords or multi-taps for cord management. However, improper use can pose risks of safety accidents such as fires. In this article, we will explore how to choose safe power extension cords and multi-taps.

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First, there are various types of cord extension devices. The most common is a multi-tap that plugs into a wall outlet and allows you to connect multiple plugs. In addition, there are products such as cord reels and real outlets that allow you to adjust the cord length according to the location.

These products can have various additional features. There are devices with switches to control the power, devices with dustproof shutters, and devices with short-circuit protection insulation sleeves. There are also various convenience features such as USB charging functions, rotary plug inlets, and clamp fixing functions.

When selecting a product, you should first consider the necessary functions. For example, if it's for outdoor use, it's good to choose a product with a waterproof function, and for construction sites, it's good to choose a robust industrial product. Design can also be a consideration.

However, the most important thing is safety. Electrical products must have safety certification marks verified. And you need to calculate the electrical capacity according to your usage environment.

The electrical capacity of household outlets in Korea is 15 amperes. Exceeding this rated current can lead to fire hazards due to overloading. You need to be careful not to exceed the rated current of the product by adding up the power consumption of each electronic device used at home. Extra caution is needed when using high-power devices such as electric heaters and air purifiers together.

You also need to pay attention to product maintenance. If the cord or plug of an old product is damaged, it should be replaced with a new one. Dust can also be a cause of fire, so it's good to regularly remove dust accumulated on the product.

Finally, when using it, you must follow basic rules such as not twisting the cord or placing it under furniture.

As such, caution is required when using electrical products. Safety should be prioritized to prevent safety accidents such as electrical fires.