When you’re trying to connect your device to another device, you might run into the issue of not having enough cable length to connect them properly. You could go out and buy an entirely new cable, but this can be inconvenient if your existing one still works perfectly fine, and even more so if it was expensive in the first place. Fortunately, you have another option. Extension cables allow you to extend the length of your existing USB cable without having to replace it with a whole new one. Here’s how to choose the right extension cable for your needs.
Understand What Length You Need
Plugging something into an extension cable adds about one foot of length, so plan accordingly. If you need a 100-foot USB extension cord but only have a 50-foot one, consider using two 25-foot cables (in separate ports) or try turning your device around and plugging it in behind it. It may not be elegant, but it’ll work. Once you know what length of cable you need, look at how many devices will be plugged into it and where those devices will be located. The more devices that are connected to your extension cord, and the longer those cables are, how more likely they are to interfere with each other or run into obstacles that interrupt power flow—like getting stuck under your desk.
Buy From a Reputable Company
I’ve noticed a lot of knockoff cables out there that are very low-quality, and even unsafe. I once bought a set of extension cables from eBay and found out too late that they weren’t designed properly—after plugging them into my computer, I received an electrical shock! Luckily, it was just a quick jolt and I was fine, but with no name brand on these knockoffs, you don’t know what you might be getting. That is why it’s important to make sure you buy your extension cable directly from an authorized seller (like Amazon or Best Buy) or an authorized vendor like Monoprice.
Look at Construction
An important part of choosing an extension cable is looking at how it’s built. For example, if you choose a flat ribbon-style cable, you might find that one end or both will fall out easily. You also want to make sure that any cables over four feet long are reinforced—you don’t want them falling apart in your laptop or hanging loose while you charge. Though even cheap cables can be fine, there is a difference between a $10 cable and a $50 one by Best Affordable Products; spend more if you think it will be worth it in terms of quality and durability. Avoiding coil cables is always a good idea—they tend to get tangled more easily and some people find them.
Consider Speed
The USB 2.0 specification promises up to 480 Mbit/s, while 3.0 can handle up to 5 Gbit/s (5000 Mbit/s). That’s great and all, but there’s more than just a transfer speed at play here: you also need ample power, which is what we call voltage. USB 2.0 can deal with up to 500 mA of current, while 3.0 has increased that number to 900 mA — that’s a 50% improvement in available power!
Understand Warranty Lengths
If you’re buying a cable in order to be able to connect your device and transfer data, you need to make sure that you choose one with long enough warranty length. For example, if your device isn’t going to be used outdoors often, or at all, then choosing an extension cable with a one-year warranty will probably suffice. However, if it is going to be used outside of protected areas often – perhaps on construction sites – you should look for an option with a longer warranty period. This can ensure that any mishaps don’t cost too much money over time.
Pros & Cons
USB Extension Cables are great because they let you move your devices around so that you can connect them more easily. A lot of people don’t realize, however, that cables are not created equally, and may not be suited for all types of devices. There are some important factors to consider when choosing which cable will work best with your device: Type, Compatibility, and Length. Learn how these factors affect your decision in our guide.
Conclusion
When you’re shopping for USB extension cables, there are several things you need to keep in mind. First and foremost, never buy a cable that advertises charge only. To put it bluntly, these cables can kill your phone; even if you don’t use your phone while charging it, why on earth would you want a device connected directly into your computer’s USB port? It’s far better to purchase an extension cable that has data transfer capabilities in addition to power. The more expensive models will be design with gold-plated connectors; these do make a difference when transferring files from one device to another but should not be considered necessary unless you frequently have large files (or high-resolution photos) transferring between devices. For more visit here www.top10echo.com
