We have a issue with extension cords we currently purchase from a power cord manufacturer that is twisting the entire length of the 50 foot cord during use.

The manufacturer insists that it is due to use but no other power cord we purchase twists like this.

Can anyone provide an answer why this is happening and what in the construction of the cord causes the cord to twist?

Thank you for any assistance you can provide.

I recommend to read the following paper:

www.wirenet.org/technical/abstract/Abs_Detail.cfm?ID=4950

Best regards

Juan Carlos González Villar

www.kabelconsulting.de

Juan,

Thanks for replying and for the link to the technical paper.

Was the twisting caused by a defect in the bunching / lay of the 3 conductors during manufacturing of the cable? Can you provide a short explanation how the twisting occurs?

Hello pfb1769,

I am quite fascinated by your statement "that is twisting the entire length of the 50 foot cord during use". Just how exactly are you using this cord because it does indeed look like misuse at first glance.

Likewise I am also fascinated by your statement "no other power cord we purchase twists like this". Can you elaborate on this as well just in case you are comparing different materials or slightly different products?

Thank you so much.

Regards
Peter J. Stewart-Hay
Principal
Stewart-Hay Associates
www.Stewart-Hay.com
519 641-3212

Peter,

The extension cords are being used daily in the cleaning / housekeeping industry. After a while they begin to twist / corkscrew until it becomes as tight as shown in the photos.

Other extension cords of the same jacket type, SJTW, same wire gauge, same stranding, same jacket temp. rating we have purchased from other manufacturers have not twisted / corkscrewed after much longer use.

I would guess the more inherent problem is the flexibility of the jacketing material. I have purchased similar style cord which has exhibited the same problem. It becomes more of a "you get what you pay for" problem. Was this purchased from a distributor or from a manufacturer? Where is the manufacturer?


Erik Macs
VP North American Machinery Sales
Fine International Corporation
148 Oak Street
Natick, MA 01760 USA
508-315-8200 fax: 615-658-1988
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