What's-it-called-filter: extension cord accessory question

January 9, 2025 11:18 AM

Sometimes at construction sites you'll see extension cords laid across a sidewalk, perpendicular to the sidewalk, with a little cover-type thing over them that's meant to prevent a tripping hazard. Do these have an actual name, or are they just called "extension cord cover thingies"?
posted by scratch to Grab Bag (6 answers total)

Sometimes called an Outdoor cable protector or cord protector.
posted by mbrubeck at 11:21 AM on January 9 [3 favorites]

This may also be called a 'cable ramp'.
posted by theory at 11:35 AM on January 9 [4 favorites]

Best answer: Back when I sold office supplies, they were often called "cable concealers" or "cord covers". Amazon has quite a number of examples that are suitable for home or office use. The important considerations are how long it needs to be, and how large the center cavity needs to be, which the cord will run through. Larger sizes will accommodate bulkier cords (say, a heavy-duty 12/3 power cord) or a few smaller cords, but will have a taller profile and present more of a "bump". Also, consider whether it's just foot traffic that will be encountered, or if it will need to permit say, a handtruck, or even a vehicle, to pass over. That will point to more robust, but (much!) more expensive options.
posted by xedrik at 11:46 AM on January 9 [1 favorite]

Those of us who use this professionally just call them cable ramps.
posted by chasles at 12:03 PM on January 9 [6 favorites]

Response by poster: Terrific, thanks all!
posted by scratch at 1:34 PM on January 9

In theater/concert production we also call them Yellowjackets, the trade name of one major manufacturer being used as a generic.
posted by hovey at 5:11 PM on January 9 [3 favorites]