Block heater cord?

I went to Home Depot to buy an outdoor extension cord. Somewhat overwhelming in selection.

I'm curious, is a block heater cord (plug in car in 'very' cold weather) different from any other cord? Can I use my block heater cord for other uses?

For years my father and everyone else just used any outdoor extension cord available. What is unique about a block heater cord? Can I use it the rest (warmer) of the year for other purposes?

 

Are you talking about a heavy duty outdoor rated extention cord or the cord attached to your block heater?
If your talking about the extention cord yes you can use it all year round in all kinds of weather. The heavy duty ones rated for outdoor all weather are much safer to use as most don't allow or at least are not suppose to allow extra moister in and don't crack as easliy in cold weather.

 

just a note
the longer the cord you buy, the more electrcity you will lose
as well as the cord heats up more than needed-thus wasting energy
buy a cord the length you need
try to find at least a 14 gauge with black rubber, this will perform the best here in canada
i am a painting contractor and i have to say the orange cords with the ribs can hardly survive inside

always buy the best you can afford

 

One more note here, if you depend on the block heater to make sure your car or truck starts in the morning, buy an extension cord with an LED in the cord end. Usually a red one can be found with a clear cord end so its visable from a good distance away. This way when you plug it up you know there is power on the cord at all times. You can't feel the power but with an LED in the end you can see it or not see. This is especially important if plugging into a GFCI prtected outlet which you should be doing if the cord is outside. A nuisance trip on the circuit and you won't know it until the next morning when your vehicle doesn't start.

 

Take a zip tie and tie the cord of the heater to he bumper too,, and the other cord to the wall so when you forget its plugged in and back away it unhooks. I have seen a timer used on these heaters so they come on an hour before you leave,, saves lots of power.