AllYouCanTech

The web is brimming with 3D printing ideas, so why not invest in a 3D printer? Numerous designs can enhance your laptop and assist you in painting miniature models, yet even the most affordable 3D printers that are worthwhile are still pricey. If the cord doesn’t quite reach the wall socket, an extension cord might be beneficial. Alternatively, it could damage your newly purchased printer.

No matter the price of a 3D printer, it consistently contains precision electronics. Without these parts, actuation motors cannot make the small adjustments necessary for producing stable prints, especially when a project includes several identical pieces. Because of the delicate nature of these electronics, 3D printers necessitate a stable power source, which can only be achieved with a grounded power cable. This is the reason many (if not all) utilize cords with ground wires. If you connect a 3D printer’s plug to an ungrounded extension cord, it can inadvertently introduce a potential point of current instability that disrupts the precision electronics.

Naturally, using grounded extension cords merely raises the likelihood of delivering a stable electrical current — there is no cable that is entirely safe. The risk of something malfunctioning rises with each extension cord you incorporate, which is why you should never interconnect them. Still, if you absolutely need to use one extension cord, your 3D printer should be secure as long as the cord is grounded.

When uncertain, utilize a surge protector

Surge protectors are the larger, safety-conscious relatives of power strips. They offer multiple outlets for device connections and can cut off power in case of an emergency. Of course, you should never connect high-wattage kitchen devices or power tools to regular power strips, but devices like 3D printers are designed for surge protectors. Unless stated otherwise, of course.

Most of the time, a surge protector comes equipped with a built-in grounding wire — it wouldn’t function as claimed without one. Surge protectors depend on a grounding wire to redirect excess electricity that could otherwise damage attached devices, so plugging a 3D printer into one addresses two concerns at once. Many 3D printer enthusiasts endorse using a surge protector, but only if it is a high-quality item. Nevertheless, always review support materials first just to be sure.

Although not a 3D printer, Glowforge’s laser printers should not be connected to surge protectors. It’s uncertain if this is due to the printers’ electrical engineering or “appealing to a broad audience,” but laser printers also depend on precision electronics, so they aren’t too far removed from genuine 3D printers. The lesson here: always conduct your due diligence before connecting your 3D printer.