Why Locking Extension Cords Are a Must-Have for Your Home and Garage
Every so often, a great product will find its way to me. I’m usually in the driver's seat when it comes to discovering products I want to see in the OG store, but the occasional unforeseen gem will find its way to me. I was at the Meguiar’s facility out in Irvine, CA years ago when a guy who happened to live close by came and presented what I think are the best locking extension cords on the planet. Now, he was kind of selling but not selling. His approach was very informal, but I could tell how pumped he was about these extension cords and boy, he was right, they’re legit!
Extension cords are an essential tool for powering various devices and appliances in homes, offices, and job sites. However, not all extension cords are created equal. When it comes to heavy-duty applications, you need a reliable solution that can withstand demanding environments - in our case, the garage. That's where Pro Lock Extension Cords come in. We'll take a closer look at the functionality and heavy-duty nature of Pro Lock Extension Cords and why they are the go-to choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts like myself.
A Heavy-Duty Extension Cord That’s Functional and Pliable
These Pro Lock Extension Cords are pliable with a smooth jacket. The jacket is non-marking, so it won’t leave marks on your floors - similar to our house-branded pressure washer hoses. Now, these will get beat up like any other plastic product over time, but the housing thickness will surely last you a long time. You would think because of the thickness of these cords, you’d run into issues with pliability (flexibility) - no. They won’t bend or kink up, which I love.
The one thing that sold me on these is the locking mechanism that ensures a secure connection between the cord and the device. The locking mechanism prevents the cord from accidentally disconnecting, which is especially useful in high-traffic areas. When I’m in my garage working, I use these cords quite a bit, whether polishing one of my cars, using it to plug in a fan, or, as my wife would say, “piddling around.” When you have kids, these cords come in handy. I have two, and they’re constantly running around kicking and tripping over things. As much as I yell and complain, they don’t listen. So, in an effort to maintain my sanity and not be disrupted while working, I have these installed in my power cord reels to keep them up and out of the way while knowing that they can’t be disconnected when I have them lying across the floor. The modular tiles I have installed on my garage floor keep them from getting too jacked up. It’s the perfect setup.
When you think of a quality extension cord, you should be thinking that it’s:
- Super flexible (pliability)
- Water-resistant
- Flame retardant
- Ultraviolet and Ozone Resistant
- Superior Electrical Contact
- Over-sized Molded Strain Reliefs
- Dual Safety Ratings
After reading all that, you’re probably thinking, is all that necessary? It is if you want a superior product that will last you a lifetime.
Locking Mechanism
One of the standout features of the Pro Lock Extension Cords I mentioned above is their unique locking mechanism. These cords feature a patented Pro Lock connector that ensures a secure and reliable connection between the cord and the device being powered. The connector is designed to stay firmly in place, preventing accidental disconnections, which can cause interruptions and safety hazards. The Pro Lock connector also prevents the cord from coming loose due to vibration, making it an ideal choice for heavy machinery and equipment that generates vibrations during operation.
Durability and Performance
Pro Lock Extension Cords are designed to provide maximum durability and performance, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications requiring a reliable power source. These extension cords are specifically engineered to meet the demands of professional contractors, construction sites, workshops, and other industrial settings where heavy machinery and power tools are used. They are also suitable for outdoor use, making them versatile for various tasks and projects. I’ve recently been transitioning over to cordless equipment like portable fans, lights, car polishers, etc., but there comes a time when you know you’ll need to use something that requires a stable power source and this fits the bill. You may have guests over and you’re all hanging out in the backyard - keeping everyone cool/warm and entertained is something you want to consider when purchasing one of these. We sell these power cords in three sizes (25 ft, 50 ft, and 100 ft) - I think these cover most applications.
Quality Build
The Pro Lock Extension Cords are constructed using high-quality materials that are built to last. The cords are made with heavy-duty, commercial-grade SJTW (Service Junior Thermoplastic Weather) vinyl jackets resistant to abrasion, moisture, and UV rays. This means these cords can withstand harsh environments, including outdoor use in various weather conditions, without deteriorating or becoming damaged easily. The heavy-duty vinyl jacket also makes the cords flexible and easy to handle, allowing for easy storage and transport. Again, I have these installed on power cord reels, but if you plan to store these away, they’re super flexible and can be easily wounded up.
These cords also feature copper conductors that are designed to provide maximum conductivity and minimize voltage drop, ensuring your devices and appliances receive the full power they need to operate at their optimal performance. The copper conductors are also highly durable and corrosion-resistant, providing long-lasting reliability and performance.
Length Options
Another cool feature of Pro Lock Extension Cords is their length options. Depending on your needs, these cords are available in various lengths that we carry:
- 25 feet
- 50 feet
- 100 feet
The long-length options allow you to power devices and appliances further away from the power source, providing flexibility and convenience in different setups. The length options also mean that you can choose the right cord length for your specific needs, eliminating the need for multiple cords or using additional extension cords, which can create potential hazards and reduce efficiency.
Safety
More for my family than me, I wanted an extension cord that was uber-safe to use. Safety is a top priority for power tools and heavy machinery. Pro Lock Extension Cords have all the safety features that provide peace of mind during use. These cords are UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certified, which means they meet strict safety standards and are tested for durability, performance, and electrical safety. They are also OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) compliant, ensuring they meet the safe use requirements at home, workplaces, and construction sites.
The Pro Lock Extension Cords are also equipped with a power indicator light, which visually indicates when the cord is energized. This helps you easily identify when the cord is in use and powered, reducing the risk of accidental contact with live wires. The power indicator light also serves as a troubleshooting tool, allowing you to quickly identify if there is an issue with the power source or the cord itself.
I did an in-depth Pro Lock Cord video if you want to check that out. I cover a few more things not mentioned here.
It’s really nice to have a quality power cord, especially with the lock-in-place feature where I never have to worry about my cord coming undone. If you’re on the fence about getting one or a few of these, don’t be. I want also to mention we have our exclusive OG-blue cords that many people seem to love, along with the Obsessed Garage branding on them.