Comments on: Hands-On: The YellowJacket 5-Outlet Adapter

By: Toolmonger » Blog Archive » The Angel-Guard Secure-A-Cord

Toolmonger » Blog Archive » The Angel-Guard Secure-A-Cord — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 20:15:14 +0000

[...] The Secure-A-Cord works similarly to the YellowJacket adapter in that it folds your cords back on themselves to relieve tension. But it offers two inherent benefits over the ‘jacket: first, the plug remains exposed so you can disconnect it quickly if the need arises. Second, the plastic will withstand tough pulls, but is designed to break before yanking the outlet from the wall. Oh yeah, it’s also a lot cheaper at around $4. [...]

By: BruceT

BruceT — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 21:56:56 +0000

The OP said, “Curiously, the package says to use a cord having a “minimum wire size of 12 AWG” – despite the adapter’s 15-amp rating – which matches that of 14 AWG.”

The adapter’s 15a rating is likely per outlet, just like duplex wall outlets on a 20A circuit.

There are three good reasons for specifying 12AWG cord - A:You are plugging into a circuit protected by a 20A breaker, so there should be no wire smaller than 12AWG (except line cords on the devices themselves), B: you may connect it on the end of a 100 foot extension cord where line loss in 14AWG could drop voltage low enough to damage the motor on your Hilti hideously expensive tools, or C: You could run 5 tools simultaneously off this thing and 14AWG won’t carry that load.

By: john

john — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 04:29:34 +0000

These are dandy for building projects. I’ve made 4×4 boxes
before. These devices are more compact and makes running
a number of tools easy.

By: Mike V

Mike V — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 03:48:18 +0000

I’ve had one for quite a while now and it really helps me out.

I’m in an older underwired farmhouse and while I’m slowly working to change that (after I figure out 50 years of creative rewiring) this thing really makes it a lot easier if you need multiple tools.

The cord catch thingy does seem to be getting close to breaking though but that’s after a LOT of use.

By: Jeff T

Jeff T — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 01:49:02 +0000

I got that exact one from Lowes too. That thing is sweet.

I recommend it if you’re using extension cords a lot. Might not be for everyone though.

By: bc

bc — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 20:20:15 +0000

I bought one… been pleased… it was 5 bucks… saves me time… it’s worth it.

By: Eric

Eric — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 20:05:51 +0000

it shows it as only $6.97 at lowes.

By: Nate Bezanson

Nate Bezanson — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 18:36:33 +0000

I lucked out and found some Hubbel cord grips at a surplus store. I grabbed the only two they had, and if I ever find more at that price, I’m buying another dozen. I just like that I can literally do chin-ups on the box at the end of my 10/3 cord.

As for the boxes, I haven’t been impressed with the plastic ones I’ve found at the big-box stores. I’d like something like the KH Industries or Daniel Woodhead cord-reel ends, with two outlets facing either way and a solid cable gland at the entry. But nobody seems to sell those in hobbyist quantities.

For the time being, I just use the 4×4 metal box with rounded corners, and try to avoid puddles with the end. It’s still bulkier than I’d like, as what I’m aiming for is the Y-shaped 3-outlet end that you can buy on extension cords.

By: Rick

Rick — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 18:14:35 +0000

My momma always said - you can never be too rich, too thin, or have two many switches..

By: nrChris

nrChris — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 17:41:05 +0000

Not bad for the money, but I will be sticking with my handy boxes for doing on-bench work–I like the continuity of having standard switches and outlets instead of one big hunk of yellow plastic. I could see, however, leaving one of these on the end of a standard extension cord as a permanent fixture.

Right now, I only have one standard extension cord left–the rest have had the receptacles replaced with outdoor boxes, waterproof covers, and switched outlets. I think that, like with clamps, you can never have too many switches.