Extension Cords Manufacturers and Features

Extension Cords Manufacturers and Features

I was asked to write this column by my editor at the Star-Tribune in Minneapolis, Minnesota. At the time, I felt that it would not be a problem obtaining information about something as simple as extension cords. Guess what? I was wrong!

There are probably many extension cord manufacturers. If so, it is tough to find them. I was only able to locate two! One of them happens to be the biggest player in the market place - General Cable Corporation. They make an unbelievable assortment of high quality extension cords and accessories. The astonishing thing is that they are located just 15 miles from my house and I never knew it. The other manufacturer is Leviton. Unfortunately, all I can give you is a phone number. I made repeated efforts to obtain information and product descriptions. Nothing was ever forwarded to me. I hope you have better luck than me!

• General Cable Corporation
  800-382-4730
  From what I gather General Cable Corporation is the leader in the extension cord industry. Their cords are distributed nationally in virtually every hardware store chain or major home center. You should not have trouble finding them. The cords and accessories are OFTEN sold under the trademarks: CAROL, FROGHIDE, ULTRA FLEX and ROMEX.

  General Cable's cords are marketed in four categories:

  FrogHide - This is the best rubber cord you can buy. Its flexibility and durability is unmatched. The plug ends are molecularly bonded so the ends should not fall off! It has a distinctive green color so look for it where extension cords are sold. It sports a FULL LIFETIME WARRANTY - I've never seen another cord that offers this.

  Lighted Yellow - This is cord that has a blend of rubber and vinyls (I think...). Its flexibility is great at room temperature, but only so-so at low temperatures. It has a cool clear female end that glows when the cord is plugged into a working power source.

  All Weather Blue - This cord is made to be flexible at cold temperatures. Believe it or not, at room temperature it is unruly - I know as I own one! These cords are the exact opposite of the standard orange PVC cords that probably every homeowner has!

  Round Orange - This is the old standby orange PVC cord. It is flexible when the temperature is above 60 degrees or so. But when it gets cold, forget about coiling this one up!

  General Cable Corporation also makes the extension cords that have circuit breakers in the cord, ones that have safety GFCI circuit breakers within the cord, multiple head cords, extension cords that have interchangeable accessories, and other cord accessories. You absolutely must give them a call to find where you can purchase their products locally. You will not be disappointed, that I can assure you!

• Leviton
  800-824-3005
  Leviton also makes extension cords. However, after repeated attempts, I was unable to get information. I hope that you can do better than me.

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