Retractable Extension Cord: For Safety and Convenience
If you live in an older home, or simply have a lot of appliances, you may have gone through the frustration of not having enough outlets, or not having them where you want them. As lamps, cell phone chargers, televisions, and other items compete for existing outlets, you may find yourself tripping over extension cords. This is both unsafe due to the physical injuries that you can suffer, as well as a fire risk.
For this reason, it is a good idea to consider purchasing a retractable extension cord. These are especially useful when the appliance you wish to plug in just a bit too far away from the intended outlet – where a traditional extension cord would be bulky and unsightly. Perhaps you need to plug in a lamp on a side table, but the lamp’s existing cord doesn’t quite reach the wall. Maybe your computer desk is just a few feet too far away from the nearest outlet.
There are many models of retractable extension cords available on the market. An excellent choice, both for home and travel, is ZipLinq’s retractable computer extension cord. Though it says computer in the name, this cord is great for many uses, including travel. With a maximum extension of 5 feet, 110-volt capacity and 105-degree UL rating, its three-prong plug lets you charge or power any common appliance. You can bring this along with you when you travel and use it to easily access awkward hotel outlets so you can charge your cell phone. You can mount it on the wall or your office desk to power your computer or printer.
This particular model has had some issues with durability, so it is important not to treat it roughly or just yank freely at the cord. But, available at under $10, it can be an easy and convenient way to reduce extension cord clutter around your home, and save you a lot of twisting and ducking when you travel.
Another option is a retractable extension cord with a multiple-outlet base. For example, Gold Violin manufactures a 5-foot retractable extension cord with a two-outlet base; plug in the extension and bring the base as close to the appliance(s) as necessary to reach their power cords. They will remain stably plugged in, with the tracking system keeping the base in place. Best of all – no extra cord to trip over!