These protect both the electric cord and hose in the winter for my water trough that sits on the other side of my driveway. During the winter I I have a heater in the trough. My fear was driving over it, damaging the cord then starting a fire. This eliminates the worry. There were inexpensive and extremely sturdy.. I have had them for a few years now and they are literally still like new and they are out year round as summer I leave the hose in it to eliminate driving over it.. These are awesome!!