Flexible extension cords with rugged plugs and receptacles of armored type will last for years. Two most useful lengths are 10 feet and 25 feet To keep fiber center piece of plug (left) from falling out. apply narrow strips of adhesive tape between and around prongs.

An extension cord is such a useful acces-. sory around the house, shop, garage and garden that after you make and use one you'll probably make another. To take care of heavy current loads, use at least No. 16 and preferably No. 14 flexible wire, with heavy outer covering; thinner No. 18 wire is poor economy. And avoid 10-cent "molded mud" plugs and receptacles. Spend a little more on armored fittings of the type illustrated, and you'll be glad you did the first time you step on them, drop them to a cement floor, or drive the car over them. These fittings and the heavy wire are widely available from electrical, hardware, radio and mail-order firms.

Above, right: Before trimming insulation off ends of wire, slip cord through cap of receptacle. To prevent strands of wire from unraveling under terminal screws, solder them very lightly, then form into loops with long-nose pliers. Put two or three layers of tape over wire, far enough back so that they come under the clamp of the end cap.

Right: The molded body of the extension receptacle fastens to the armored end cap with two screws. When these are tightened in properly, they are below surface. Use narrow blade screwdriver for job.

Right: Cable clamp on end cap has two screws. Turn them in a little at a time each, so that pressure is distributed evenly around layers of tape on the wire. A pull on the cable will not then loosen the connections to the terminal screws inside. (Attachment plug is assembled in similar manner.)

Consolidated Edison Company of New York

The tall chimneys of power generating stations are a prominent sight in many cities. They carry off the waste gases resulting from the burning of coal, used to heat water to make steam to turn turbines.

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