8

Technical Vocational
Education (TVE)
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION and
MAINTENANCE
Quarter 1 – Module 5
Making an Extension Cord Using
Underwriter’s Knot

i
TVE – ELECTRICITY 8
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 – Module 5: Making an Extension Cord Using Underwriter’s Knot

First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education - Schools Division Office of Makati City

OIC-Schools Division Superintendent: Carleen S. Sedilla CESE
OIC-Assistant Schools Division Superintendent: Brian E. Ilan EdD

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Jeffrey M. Faustino

Editor: Ricardo N. Bodegas

Reviewer: Celedonia T. Teneza EdD

Layout Artist: Sheila F. Casidsid

Management Team: Angelita S. Jalimao

Chief Education Supervisor, Curriculum Implementation Division

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Education Program Supervisor, LRMS

Celedonia T. Teneza EdD

Education Program Supervisor, EPP/TLE/TVL

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 What I Need to Know
About this Module
Welcome to the TVE-Electricity Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Electrical
Installation and Maintenance. This module was collaboratively designed, developed
and reviewed by educators both from public and private institutions to assist you, the
teacher or facilitator in helping the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12
Curriculum while overcoming their personal, social, and economic constraints in
schooling.
This Module is an exploratory course which leads you to Electrical Installation and
Maintenance National Certificate Level II (NC II).

The module is divided into four learning outcomes:

It covers 5 common competencies that a Grade 8 Technology and Vocational
Education (TVE) student like you ought to possess, namely:
1) Prepare electrical supplies, materials, and tools;
2) Perform mensuration and calculations;
3) Interpret technical drawings and plans;
4) Maintain tools and equipment; and
5) Practice occupational health and safety

Content Standards
We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and
gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

Performance Standard
The learner shall be able to make a project plan in making an extension cord with the
use of Underwriter’s Knot.

What I Know
PRE-TEST

Direction: Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter
on a separate sheet of paper.
1. Is a duplex stranded wire used for temporary wiring installation and commonly
used in extension cord assembly? It comes in a roll of 150 meters and with sizes
of gauge # 18 and gauge # 16 awg (American wire gauge).
A. Extension Cord C. Flat Cord
B. Fiber Optic Cord D. Power Cord
2. A device inserted to a convenience outlet to conduct electric current. A flat cord
is attached to it on one end and the other end is connected to a current
consuming instrument or appliance.
A. Adaptor C. Socket
B. Male Plug D. Outlet
3. A device used to join electrical conductors and create an electrical circuit.
A. Audio Connector C. RCA Connector
B. Eyelet Wire Connector D. TV Connector

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4. It is where the male plug of an appliance is inserted and usually fastened on the
wall or connected in an extension cord. It maybe single, duplex, triplex or
multiplex and could be surface type or flush type.
A. Convenience Outlet C. Switch Outlet
B. GFCI Outlet D. USB Outlet
5. It is used in making drop cord, tie an underwriter knot at the top so the weight
is supported not by the copper conductors where they are connected to the
terminals, but by the knot.
A. Rat Tail Joint C. Through Fixture Joint
B. Plain Tap Joint D. Underwriter’s Knot
6. It is necessary before undertaking any project because it serves as your guide in
accomplishing.
A. Business Plan C. Project Plan
B. Mini Plan D. What If Plan
7. The blade tip is wedge-shaped and resembles a negative (-) sign. This is used to
drive screws with a single slot head.
A. Flat Screwdriver C. Philip Screwdriver
B. Hex Screwdriver D. Torx Screwdriver
8. This is used for cutting and holding fine wires. This can reach tight space or
small opening where other pliers cannot reach and also used in making terminal
loops of copper wires.
A. Linesman Plier C. Slip Joint Plier
B. Long Nose Plier D. Water Pump Plier
9. This type of pliers is used for cutting fine, medium and big wires and cables.
A. Combination Plier C. Needle Nose Plier
B. Long Nose Plier D. Side Cutting Plier
10. This is used by linemen to remove insulation of wire and cables in low and high
voltage transmission lines.
A. Electrician’s Knife C. Side Cutting Plier
B. Long Nose Plier D. Wire Stripper
11. It is sometimes called the VOM (voltmeter, ohmmeter, milliammeter). It is the best
instrument that can measure voltage, resistance and current. It is generally
made of two types: the analog and the digital.
A. Appliance Tester C. Circuit Tester
B. Continuity Tester D. Multi Tester
12. The ability to follow the procedures/directions with precision.
A. Accuracy C. Speed
B. Proper Handling of Tools D. Workmanship
13. A material that is a poor conductor and does not allow the flow of current.
A. Conductor C. Solid Wire
B. Insulator D. Stranded Wire
14. A fastening made by tying a piece of rope or wire.
A. Bowline C. Knot
B. Clove Hitch D. Sheet Bend
15. It is the efficiency of work.
A. Accuracy C. Speed
B. Proper Handling of Tools D. Workmanship

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 Lesson Making an Extension Cord Using
5 Underwriter’s Knot

What’s In

Let us try to check if you can still remember our previous lesson and give
you a little taste of what will happen next. Good luck and have fun!
Directions: Match the electrical tools and materials needed in making an
extension cord in Column A to their description in Column B. Write the letter of
your answer on the space provided before each number.
Column A Column B

____1. A. Male Plug

B. Eyelet Wire Connector
____2. C. Convenience Outlet
D. Flat Cord
E. Philip Screwdriver
___3. F. Electricians Knife

___4.

___5.

What’s New

Direction: Read the quote. Write your answer on a separate sheet.

1. What can you say about the quote?

2. How do you relate this quote in your daily life?

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 What is It

INTRODUCTION
Underwriter’s knot is one of the skills needed in making an extension cord. It is
neither a joint nor a splice but a knot that is made in an extension cord. Its purpose is
to relieve the strain on small wires of the cord and binding screws of convenience
outlets and male plug. For you to make a quality and safe output you have to strictly
follow the given procedure in making an underwriter’s knot. Below is the procedure.
You will be rated by the use of this performance rubrics.
PERFORMANCE RUBRICS:

CRITERIA 1 2 3 4
Accuracy
Workmanship
Proper
handling of
tools
Speed

Legend: 1- Poor 2- Fair 3- Good 4. Excellent

SCALE DESCRIPTION POINTS

4 Excellent 93-100
3 Good 86-92
2 Fair 79-85
1 Poor 78 and below

o Accuracy- the ability to follow the procedures/directions with precision.

o Workmanship- the art, skill and finality of work.
o Proper handling of tools- the ability to apply proper handling of tools for a given
task.
o Speed- efficiency of work.

MATERIAL:

Flat cord no.18 AWG

Tools:

1. Combination pliers 2. Side cutting pliers 3. Long nose pliers

4. Wire stripper 5. Electrician’s knife

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Procedure and picture:

1. Split the end of the flat cord

about 8 centimeters long

2. Bend the left strand of the cord

and place it at the back of the
main cord following the arrow.

3. Bend the right strand of cord.

Place it at the back of left
strand and over the main cord.

4. Insert the right strand cord

inside the loop made by left
strand cord.

5. Pull both strands of the flat

cord to tighten the knot.

PROJECT PLAN IN MAKING AN EXTENSION CORD

INTRODUCTION
You might be wondering why there are several projects which are not completely done.
Well, there are several reasons why this happens. It might be out of budget or not
properly planned. So, this Lesson will help you achieve the desired quality project.
A project plan is necessary before undertaking any project because it serves as your
guide in accomplishing an activity. It will give you an idea what needs to be done, how
much to spend and what procedures to undertake. A well-prepared project plan saves

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time and cost of materials. Below is a sample project plan of an extension cord. This
format can also be used in preparing a plan for other projects in the future.
Project Plan - (Making an extension cord)
Name of Student: _____________________ Year & Section: __________________

I. Name of Project: Extension Cord Assembly

Date Started: ___________________ Date Finished: __________________
II. Objective:
a. Demonstrate how to make an extension cord. b. Observe safety measures while
doing the project.
III. Sketch/Drawing:

IV. Materials Needed:

Qty. Unit Description Unit Cost Total Cost

Convenience
1
pc Outlet (surface Php 40.00 Php 40.00
type duplex)
Flat Cord # 18
3 meters Php 12.00 Php 36.00
AWG
1 pc Male Plug Php 15.00 Php 15.00
Eyelet Wire
2 Pcs. Php 1.50 Php 3.00
Connectors
TOTAL COST OF MATERIALS Php 94.00
Php 28.00
+ cost of labor (approximately 20%-30% of cost of materials)
(30%)
SELLING COST PHP 122.00

Sample Pictures of Materials Needed

Flat Cord Male Plug Eyelet wire connectors Convenience Outlet

V. Tools and Equipment Needed:

1. Standard/Flat Screwdriver 2. Philips Screwdriver

3. Long Nose Pliers 4. Side Cutting Pliers

5. Electrician’s knife/ Pocket knife 6. Continuity Tester or Multi-tester

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VI. Procedure:
1. Prepare the plan.
2. Gather all necessary materials, tools and equipment needed.
3. Insert cord into the male plug, split the cord wires about 8 centimeters long.
4. Remove insulation of both wires 1 centimeter long with a pocketknife as if
sharpening a pencil. Be careful not to cut any strand.
5. Scrape bare wire with the back of the knife until shiny. Twist the wire stands.
6. Tie the underwriter’s knot.
7. Make a loop on terminal wires and connect the wires to the screw of the male plug.
The loop should go with the thread clockwise direction.
8. Split the cord wires at the other end about 4 centimeters long, then follow
procedure no. 4.
9. Connect the wires to the connectors.
10. Open the convenience outlet then remove the screw.
11. Insert the wire connectors to the screws, tighten it and return the cover.
12. Check the continuity and test the extension cord.

What I Have Learned

Why is Project Plan necessary before undertaking any project? Write your answers on
a separate sheet.

Assessment

Post Test
Directions: Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen
letter on a separate sheet of paper.
1. It is necessary before undertaking any project because it serves as your guide in
accomplishing.
A. Business Plan C. Project Plan
B. Mini Plan D. What If Plan
2. The blade tip is wedge-shaped and resembles a negative (-) sign. This is used to
drive screws with a single slot head.
A. Flat Screwdriver C. Philip Screwdriver
B. Hex Screwdriver D. Torx Screwdriver
3. This is used for cutting and holding fine wires. This can reach tight space or small
opening where other pliers cannot reach and also used in making terminal loops
of copper wires.
A. Linesman Plier C. Slip Joint Plier
B. Long Nose Plier D. Water Pump Plier
4. This type of pliers is used for cutting fine, medium and big wires and cables.
A. Combination Plier C. Needle Nose Plier
B. Long Nose Plier D. Side Cutting Plier
5. This is used by linemen to remove insulation of wire and cables in low and high
voltage transmission lines.
A. Electrician’s Knife C. Side Cutting Plier
B. Long Nose Plier D. Wire Stripper

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 6. Is a duplex stranded wire used for temporary wiring installation and commonly
used in extension cord assembly? It comes in a roll of 150 meters and with sizes
of gauge # 18 and gauge # 16 awg (American wire gauge).
A. Extension Cord C. Flat Cord
B. Fiber Optic Cord D. Power Cord
7. A device inserted to a convenience outlet to conduct electric current. A flat cord
is attached to it on one end and the other end is connected to a current
consuming instrument or appliance.
A. Adaptor C. Socket
B. Male Plug D. Outlet
8. A device used to join electrical conductors and create an electrical circuit.
A. Audio Connector C. RCA Connector
B. Eyelet Wire Connector D. TV Connector
9. It is where the male plug of an appliance is inserted and usually fastened on the
wall or connected in an extension cord. It maybe single, duplex, triplex or
multiplex and could be surface type or flush type.
A. Convenience Outlet C. Switch Outlet
B. GFCI Outlet D. USB Outlet
10. It is used in making drop cord, tie an underwriter knot at the top so the
weight is supported not by the copper conductors where they are
connected to the terminals, but by the knot.
A. Rat Tail Joint C. Through Fixture Joint
B. Plain Tap Joint D. Underwriter’s Knot
11. A fastening made by tying a piece of rope or wire.
A. Bowline C. Knot
B. Clove Hitch D. Sheet Bend
12. It is the efficiency of work.
A. Accuracy C. Speed
B. Proper Handling of Tools D. Workmanship
13. A material that is a poor conductor and does not allow the flow of current.
A. Conductor C. Solid Wire
B. Insulator D. Stranded Wire
14. It is sometimes called the VOM (voltmeter, ohmmeter, milliammeter). It is
the best instrument that can measure voltage, resistance and current. It
is generally made of two types: the analog and the digital.
A. Appliance Tester C. Circuit Tester
B. Continuity Tester D. Multi Tester
15. The ability to follow the procedures/directions with precision.
A. Accuracy C. Speed
B. Proper Handling of Tools D. Workmanship

Now check your answers using the Answer Key. If you got 90-100% of the
items correctly, proceed to the next Learning Outcome. If not, do the next
activity/ies again to gain knowledge and skills required for mastery.