I recently came across two extension cords joined together and secured with an impressive quantity of zip ties. While creative, it’s not exactly a long-term outdoor solution.

Two key issues stand out:

  1. UV Exposure
    Zip ties, especially the standard white ones, are not designed for long-term outdoor use.
    With ongoing UV exposure, they become brittle, crack, and eventually fail — usually at the least convenient moment.

  2. Water Ingress
    Despite the impressive wrapping effort, bundling the connection does not make it waterproof.
    Moisture can still collect at the plug interface, increasing the risk of corrosion, nuisance tripping, or — in less fortunate circumstances — an electrical short.

Sometimes the simplest temporary fix works… just long enough to remind us why proper strain-relief clips and weather-rated connectors exist in the first place.

James Hicks P. Eng.
Evolve Mechanical Solutions
236.777.3487

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