The holiday season is rapidly approaching, and most of us will want to light our wonderful patio and invite our friends over to enjoy the vibrant décor. As a result, you might need to use an extension cord to connect to power at your outside location.
Most outdoor extension cords are sturdy and made to withstand minor moisture, such as dew from the grass, but no rain. Aside from decreasing trip dangers, covering your extension cord ensures that no potentially harmful threats such as a spark, electrocution, or fire occur.
As a result, knowing how to protect outdoor extension cord from rain is advantageous for both your family’s safety and the aesthetics of your outside space.
Contents
- How to Protect Outdoor Extension Cord from Rain
- 1. Used pool noodle
- 2. Plastic bag
- 3. Tape up the extension cord
- 4. Tupperware
- 5. Extension cord protective kit
- How to protect extension cords from rain: FAQ’s
- 1. How do I protect my power cord?
- 2. Should you cover outdoor Christmas light plugs
- 3. How do I keep my power cord from unplugging?
- 4. Is it OK to leave the extension cord outside?
- 5. Is it safe to tape a plug into an outlet?
- Author
How to Protect Outdoor Extension Cord from Rain
1. Used pool noodle
It may sound unusual, but believe me when I say that it works. Pool noodles are polymer-based swimming aids that are shaped like a rod.
They’re great for covering short extension cords, but if you have a long one, you’ll need to use a lot of pool noodles. Cut one side of these cylindrical waterproof swimming aids with a pool noodle or run the extension cord through it.
Pool noodles will help keep you from tripping because they are brightly colored
2. Plastic bag
Plastic is the most effective technique to weatherproof anything. You can use a heavy-duty plastic bag or mix two plastic bags. Check if the bag has no holes and is thick enough to withstand the elements.
This is the simplest and quickest approach for protecting your outside extension cord. Take your extension cord and wrap it in the plastic bag, then tape it shut. Always examine the plastic bag for tears on a regular basis.
This low-cost technique of preserving your outside extension cord is adequate as long as it is properly fastened and the bag is free of tears.
Best way to cover extension cords on deck
3. Tape up the extension cord
All you need is some decent electrical tape to tape your extension cord. Wrap your extension cord in electrical tape. The rain is deflected by this. To ensure that the tape is tightly secured, wind it numerous times.
Typically, these electric tapes are black and waterproof. They provide excellent rain protection but do not keep you from tripping. If you need extra protection from tripping, use duct tape to secure the cord in place.
This method is inexpensive, and wrapping the tape around itself assures long-term protection.
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4. Tupperware
If you already have these plastic containers in your kitchen, there’s no need to purchase one. The plastic container you use to store food in your kitchen could be utilized to keep your outdoor extension line in good condition.
These airtight canisters are a low-cost way to protect your outside extension cord. Make sure they don’t have any cracks or holes in them.
Drill a large hole in the container large enough to allow your extension cord to pass properly through without leaving an excess gap that will allow water to pass through. After that, the cord should be threaded through the container.
You can make several holes to allow you to connect the extension to the devices you want to operate. If you have drilled a larger hole or there are any unnoticeable cracks on the container you will see condensation building inside the Tupperware.
Seal it with tape and you have a perfectly protected extension cord.
Also: Remove mildew from patio cushions
5. Extension cord protective kit
Because they are an industrially strengthened pallet warp, they are the best choice for weatherizing your outdoor extension cord.
This method has garnered a lot of positive feedback.
Check out this power cord protector:
Outdoor Extension Cord Safety Cover
![[3 Pack] Outdoor Extension Cord Safety Cover with Waterproof Seal, Weatherproof Electrical...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41N4lFTwc9L._SL160_.jpg)
How to protect extension cords from rain: FAQ’s
1. How do I protect my power cord?
You will need a couple of plastic bags for this procedure. Reusable plastic supermarket bags will not suffice here, so opt for name-brand bags.
You can either wrap the bags over the power cable and fix them with electrical tape, or you can split the bag into smaller pieces and secure them with electrical tape.
2. Should you cover outdoor Christmas light plugs
To avoid risk and other risks, make sure that all exterior cords are not in extremely moist or damp regions.
Additionally, ensure that all of your exterior receptacles are covered with plastic bubble covers. While plugged in, this protects the extension cord from the elements.
3. How do I keep my power cord from unplugging?
Another solution for loose outlets is the socket saver. It is a convenient plastic sleeve that fits inside the receptacle.
Insert one of these into the faulty receptacle, plug in your chord, and the cord will remain in place. These useful tools can be purchased online or at any hardware store.
4. Is it OK to leave the extension cord outside?
Indoor extension cords should never be used outside because they are not designed for such harsh conditions.
Even an outdoor extension cord should not be left outside for more than a day or two.
When left outside for an extended period, cord materials can degrade, potentially resulting in sparking, fire, and shock.
5. Is it safe to tape a plug into an outlet?
Using tape is safe because the tape is not particularly conductive and so does not represent a risk of electrocution.
However, the tape should not be utilized as a long-term solution. Any tape that is not labeled as electrical tape should not be used.
Your backyard should not be a death trap. It is vital to secure your outdoor extension since appropriate maintenance will protect your family.
Understanding how to protect outdoor extension cord from rain is a great way to increase the life of your extension cord. With this method, you will be able to work or light your outdoor environment without worry.
Always use an extension cord that has been certified for outside use. Protect your outdoor extension cord, and more importantly, protect your wonderful family.
