Most times, we embark on power-demanding projects outdoors.
Hence, there is a need to use an outdoor extension cord.
Apart from that, many people prefer to create their own space outside for relaxation. Some of the major components of such areas are sound systems, ambient lights, and extension cords.
These cords enable us to achieve our goals, especially when it comes to outdoor relaxations and projects. However, the use of outdoor extension cords come with risk.
Therefore, you must be careful not to harm yourself or your teammates when using this gadget.
The unstable weather condition is one of the factors that can increase the hazard associated with the use of outdoor extension cords.
Water is a good conductor of electricity; therefore, any contact with rainwater could lead to electric shock or electrocution. It could also damage the cord.
It is imperative to shield your extension cord from Rain whenever you are using it outdoors to prevent these hazards.
Once you are aware that rain is a significant threat to an extension cord safety; you need gadgets and a simple means to protect it from rainwater.
You can shield the cord by wrapping it in a plastic bag or cover it with a plastic cord casing.
Better still, you can wrap an electrical tape or duct tape around the cord to keep it dry for a while.
This article covers the best methods you can adopt to protect your outdoor extension from rain.
With these safety tips, you can safely use your electrical cords outside without fear.
Simple Ways to Shield Your Extension Cord from Rain
These simple DIY methods will enable you to protect your outdoor extension from rain; thereby preventing electrical hazards that might arise from contact with water.
Apart from that, these tips will give your peace of mind, notwithstanding varying weather conditions.
Below are some of these proven methods to shield your outdoor extension cord from rain:
● Use Power Cord Shield
A simple way to protect your extension cord is by using a power shield. It is a simple method that requires a drill, a knife, and a container.
This container must be able to cover the visible parts of the cord. In other words, you need an enormous container for a long and thick extension cord.
After selecting a container that fits the cord properly:
- Create holes on the opposite sides of the container using a drill.
- Pass the cord through the holes on both sides, and draw the cord as required.
- Adjust the container and the cord accordingly and widen the holes with the knife if need be.
The power cord shield protects the gadget from humid weather and precipitation. Do not use metal tape to secure the cord in place; electrical tape or duct tape will suffice. –
● Use Cling Wrap
If you are looking for an effective way to protect your connection from fluctuating weather when using an outdoor extension cord, consider the use of Cling Wrap.
Use plastic wrap around the connected parts of the extension cord.
This way, you will shield the connection from rainwater, preventing electric shock in the process.
One of the advantages of Cling Wrap is that you can use it together with other methods for reinforced protection against inclement weather.
● Use Power Cord Protector
Another simple way to make your outdoor extension cord safe is by using a power cord protector. To use this method, you need a rubber.
For instance, you can consider a bicycle inner tube. Once you get this cute, cut it open from one end. Then, pass the cable through the tube.
Furthermore, you might need electrical tape to hold the extension cord in place.
● Use the Bucket Method
To adopt this method, you need a shovel and two buckets. First, place the bucket on the ground; the opening should be facing the ground.
Then, place the connected part of the cord on the bucket.
The next step is to slide the second bucket into the one below in a bid to cover the connection. In simpler terms, place the opening of the second bucket on the first bucket and slide it in to secure the connection.
If you are conscious of the wind, create a small hole on the ground and fit the bucket in it.
Ensure that it fits in the hole tightly. You can also place a simple weight on the buckets to protect them from the impact of wind.
● Use the Bottle Method
Apart from protecting extension cord connections, this method can also be used to cover Christmas lights.
This method requires a soda bottle, a box cutter or knife, a pair of scissors, and a sharp-edged tool to cut through a bottle.
Use this tool to cut through the 2-liter soda bottle; the cut should be about half within the bottle, approximately ¼” around it.
Then, make a round hole at the end of the slit using scissors. Slide the plugs and connect securely inside the bottle, allowing the cord to hang out of the holes.
● Use Extension Cord Cover
With this method, you can effectively shield your extension cord from water and other elements.
Cover your extension cables and connections with the bags and use electric tapes to hold them in place.
You can also cut the bag into smaller sizes and use it to cover the connections at different locations. Secure the smaller plastic bags with electrical tapes.
Conclusion
Outdoor extension cords can constitute an electrical hazard if users are carefree and do not follow proper safety measures.
For instance, nailing or fastening the electrical cord to a surface might result in an electrical shock.
Also, stretching the cable to its full length when working in an unfavorable weather condition could cause slack in the cord or harm the users.
Hence, following the above DIY methods will enable you to protect your gadgets from inclement weather and prevent electrical hazards like electric shocks and electrocution.