Use a locking connector when losing power means losing work.

Yes, you should use one any time an accidental unplug would be a real problem.

A locking extension cord connector has a mechanism—usually a twist-lock or a latch—that keeps the plug firmly in the male end. Regular plug connections rely on friction, and friction loses over time or gets bumped loose. A locking connector won’t.

You want one for:

• Critical equipment (server racks, medical devices, anything that reboots slowly)
• Outdoor or high-traffic areas where cords get kicked or tugged
• Temporary setups where you’re running power across a walkway or stage
• Any situation where a loose cord means lost data, lost time, or a safety hazard

Don’t bother if it’s just a lamp in your garage or a tool you’ll unplug yourself. For everything else, the extra couple bucks and the slight annoyance of twisting to lock are worth it. Future You won’t have to troubleshoot why the router went offline at 2 AM.