subject: Why Coiled Cords Work Better Than Straight Ones [print this page] Why Coiled Cords Work Better Than Straight Ones
As time goes on, more companies are using coiled cords to power their machinery. Perhaps, there are many good reasons for doing this. While straight lying extension cords provide adequate power, too many of them often clutter traffic areas of a garage, warehouse, or machine shop. Not only is sweeping up more difficult, but these cords can become a tripping hazard as well. Knowing coiled cords contain a spring-like shape, they are far less likely to become tangled, kinked, or ever severed than regular cords. Likewise, transporting items in these areas has become easier.
No matter what the purpose, coiled cords can be custom built based on the specifications and length a customer desires. Cord manufactures specialize in building most every type of cord used in any industry, whether it's a regular extension cord or an automotive cord. Extra length may be added in sets of 10 or 20 feet. All coiled cords function very much the same as regular cords, but can be stretched long distances when needed and spring back to their original compressed size keeping them out of the way and easily stored when not used.
Nowadays there is no limit on how or where coiled cords (or retractile cords) are used. Nearly every industry implements their use including hospitals, computer labs, networks gurus, appliances manufacturers, and toy makers. You may even find them on things as soldering irons, hair dryers, automotive repair equipment, in RVs, portable appliances, or even stage lighting fixtures.
Because coiled cords have been wrapped around a tube like center, they take on the properties of a spring and can be pulled or turned in any direction without the worry of breaking them. This is because coiled cords are made of a set of conducting wires and an outer protective coating that is flexible. The types of conductors used are made of copper, aluminum, and many alloys commonly used for conductors.
Choosing to use coiled cords does have its downfalls. Coiled cords are much heavier than regular cords and may require more muscular strength to transport devices equipped with them as well as the tension involved in stretching the cords long distances. Suddenly letting go of a device hooked up to a stretched out coiled cord may cause it to fly back unexpectedly damaging objects in its path or possibly injuring people standing nearby. When using coiled cords, knowing the specifications of the cord as its axial length, extended length, and retracted length are important. Selecting the wrong coiled cord for a job can mean a cord that may not reach or one that can be damaged by overstretching.
