What aspect using a coiled extension cord makes it more dangerous than using an unrolled power cord.
Many fire safety websites reference that an extension cord should not be used while coiled.
Is this due to the cord acting as an air core inductor (I can't really see why this should cause fires). If this is the case, if every second loop is in the opposite direction is it safe.
My theory is that if the cord is getting heated from high current draw, when coiled all of this heat is in a much more condensed location, causing a greater temperature rise than if the cable was unrolled.
Is it dangerous, if so what is the cause. Am I missing anything, do parameters like loop size, loop direction etc make any appreciable difference.
Answer
The normal cable ratings assume that the wire can adequately disperse heat generated in the cable due to the current flowing.
If you coil it up and use close to the maximum rating then it stands a good chance of melting the plastic insulation and then causing a short.
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