A Simple Solution to a Common Power Problem — Cost? About $2

Save Time and Money Tip #4

One of my UPS units with a short extension cord plugged in. The two wires with lines near them were retouched to reduce clutter, and not actually cut. Photo © Andrew Darlow

Today I’m going to mention a few products, one of which can solve multiple problems. The main item that costs about $2 is a short extension cord, and even though these have been around for many years, I would guess that only a small percentage of people know these exist. Most people just accept that some power adapters take up so much space that other outlets will be blocked. You can, of course, use longer extension cords, but keeping the cords short keeps everything neat.

The photo above contains a silver Powerline Ethernet adapter with a short extension cord attached that allows it to be used as shown. The Powerline Ethernet adapter has two big “wall warts” that plug into wall outlets, standard surge suppressors, or UPS devices like the one shown above.

They then act like a wired Ethernet network (both ends have a jack for an Ethernet cable), which is pretty amazing, and ideal for situations where WiFi is not fast or reliable enough. They don’t always work though, so it’s a good idea to test them and purchase from a vendor that allows returns without restocking fees.

The second product is a clear outlet plug cover, which I believe most people have seen and used. There is one plugged into one of the outlets of my UPS device in the photo above. Ideally, I would have two more inserted in the two open outlets. They are not just to protect children and pets from harm. They can also protect from dust, moisture/spills, and insects.

I personally only plug one device into each extension cord (not a whole power strip, for example) and I don’t plug computers, power tools, laser printers (they spike the voltage when starting up), or strobe lights (flash units) into these extension cords. I personally would also limit the total wattage to about 1000 Watts for any item or lamp that I plug into any one cord, even though the rating for them is about 1600 Watts.

WHICH ONES I USE AND WHERE TO BUY

Although there are a number of manufacturers of these, the one that I’ve used for years and recommend to my friends, family and consulting clients is the Miady Short Power Extension Cord Outlet Saver, 16AWG/13A, 3 Prong. I’ve always purchased them…