How can you extend the lifespan of a power cord?

　　Avoid excessive bending and twisting: When using power cords, always try to prevent them from being overly bent or coiled. Excessive bending can put stress on the internal wires of the cord, leading to wire breakage or damage to the insulation layer. For instance, don’t repeatedly fold the power cord at sharp angles, nor leave it tightly wrapped around sharp objects for extended periods. When storing the power cord, gently coil it into larger circles instead of wrapping it tightly. For power cords that require frequent movement—such as those used with power tools—pay special attention to protecting their bend areas. Consider using protective devices like spring-loaded sleeves to minimize damage caused by repeated bending.

　　To prevent external damage: Power cables should be kept away from sharp objects to avoid cutting or piercing the insulation layer. When positioning power cables, ensure there are no sharp edges, corners, nails, or other hazardous objects nearby. Additionally, avoid subjecting the cables to heavy pressure—do not stack heavy items on top of them—to prevent deformation or damage to the internal wires. If the power cable needs to pass through walls or floors, use appropriate protective conduits to prevent direct friction between the cable and the wall or floor. For power cables used outdoors, choose products with excellent protective features, and avoid using them in harsh weather conditions such as heavy rain or strong winds, to safeguard the cables from potential damage.

　　Properly inserting and removing plugs: When plugging in or unplugging a device, always hold the plug itself—never pull on the power cord. Pulling on the cord can loosen the connection between the plug and the cable, potentially even causing the internal wires to break. Ensure the plug is securely seated in the socket during insertion and removal, as poor contact may lead to overheating. If the plug feels stuck or won’t come out easily, avoid forcing it—instead, check the socket for obstructions or damage, and clean or replace the socket promptly if necessary. Additionally, refrain from frequently plugging and unplugging devices, as this can wear down both the plug and socket over time, reducing their lifespan.

　　Controlling the ambient temperature: Using the power cord in environments that are too hot or too cold can negatively impact its performance and lifespan. High temperatures can cause insulation materials to age and soften, reducing their insulating effectiveness—and may even lead to short circuits. Conversely, low temperatures can make insulation materials brittle and prone to cracking. Therefore, it’s essential to avoid exposing power cords to extreme heat or cold. For instance, don’t place power cords near heat-generating devices such as radiators or electric heaters. And during cold weather, try not to use power cords outdoors; if outdoor use is unavoidable, take protective measures, such as wrapping the cord with insulating materials to keep it warm.

　　Regular inspection and maintenance: Periodically check the power cord for signs of damage, aging, or overheating. If you notice any cracks in the cord's insulation layer, promptly repair them using electrical tape; if the damage is severe, replace the cord entirely with a new one. Also, inspect the connection points between the plug and socket for looseness or heat buildup, addressing any issues immediately. Additionally, you can regularly clean the power cord to remove dust and dirt from its surface, ensuring it remains in optimal working condition.

　　Avoid overloading: Each power cord has a specific rated current and power-carrying capacity. Ensure that the total power consumption of all connected appliances does not exceed the cord's rated power. Overloading can cause excessive current flow through the cord, leading to increased heat generation, accelerated aging of insulation materials, and even potentially triggering safety hazards like fires. When using multiple appliances, distribute them evenly across available power outlets to prevent several high-power devices from being plugged into the same cord simultaneously. If you need to operate multiple high-power appliances at once, consider using a higher-capacity power cord or implementing a dedicated circuit for each appliance.