Electric Extensions
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Retractable extension cords: length is only the first factor
Choosing an extension cord depends on three things: how many meters you really need, how much current must pass through it, and what type of sockets you need at the other end. The versions in our catalog are retractable on a drum, with a 16A plug and 10/16A bivalent or trivalent sockets: this means they accept both small and large Italian plugs, and the trivalent ones also accept Schuko plugs.
Selection table
| Use | Length | Sockets |
|---|---|---|
| Occasional home use, terrace, garage | 5 meters | 2 bivalent 10/16A sockets |
| Garden, home improvement, small power tools | 10 meters | 4 trivalent 10/16A sockets |
| Light construction, maintenance, setups | 15 meters | 4 trivalent 10/16A sockets |
| Continuous professional use, long distances | 25 meters, professional version | 4 trivalent 10/16A sockets |
Bivalent and trivalent
A bivalent socket accepts both 10A and 16A Italian plugs, as it has holes designed for both spacings between the pins. The trivalent socket adds the ability to receive the Schuko, the German plug with round pins and side grounding contacts — the one found on many power tools, power adapters, and household appliances. If you work with equipment from various sources, the trivalent socket saves you from having to carry adapters around.
Pro tip from the counter. The most important rule of all, and the most ignored: the retractable extension cord must be completely unrolled when powering heavy loads — heaters, concrete mixers, pressure washers, welders, professional hair dryers. The cable left wound on the drum acts like a coil; heat cannot dissipate, and the insulation can melt: this happens more often than one might think and is the silliest fire you can have at home or on a construction site. If you only need three meters out of twenty-five, unroll it all anyway and coil the excess cable on the ground in a wide loop.
Frequently asked questions about electric extension cords
How many watts can an extension cord handle?
It depends on the rated current and the cross-section of the conductors, not the length itself. An extension cord with a 16A plug and an adequate cable can handle significant loads, provided it is fully unrolled and the limit stated on the device is not exceeded. Always sum the power draw of everything you connect to the four sockets.
Can I connect two extension cords in series?
This is not recommended: voltage drop adds up, contact points multiply, and you lose control over which is the weakest link in the chain. It is better to have a single extension cord of sufficient length, which is also the reason why the 25-meter version exists.
Are they suitable for outdoors?
For temporary use in dry conditions, yes, but they must be kept away from puddles, irrigation, and wet surfaces, and must not remain exposed to rain. For permanent outdoor use, you need products with an IP rating declared for that use.
The extension cord is getting hot: is this normal?
A slight warmth under high loads can be considered normal; a cable that is hot to the touch is not, and it is almost always a sign that the extension cord is still wound up or that the load exceeds its capacity. Disconnect, unroll completely, and check the power consumption before resuming.
How does it differ from a power strip?
A power strip is used to multiply sockets at a fixed location, whereas an extension cord brings power to where it is not available. For the former, see power strips; for a general overview, see the electrical equipment section.
