EXTENSION CORD SAFETY

9/4/2019 (Permalink)

EXTENSION CORD SAFETY

Using extension cords properly is critical to your safety. With continuous use over time, an extension cord can deteriorate, creating a potentially dangerous electric shock or fire hazard. The Electrical Safety Foundation International offers the following tips for staying safe from electric shock and electrical fires.

• Do not overload extension cords or allow them to run through water or snow on the ground
• Do not substitute extension cords for permanent wiring
• Do not run through walls, doorways, ceilings or floors. If cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which may result in a fire hazard.
• Do not use an extension cord for more than one appliance
• A heavy reliance on extension cords is an indication that you have too few outlets to address your needs. Have additional outlets installed by an electrician where you need them.
• Multiple-plug outlets must be plugged directly into mounted electrical receptacles; they cannot be chained together.
• Make sure the extension cord or temporary power strip you use is rated for the products to be plugged in, and is marked for either indoor or outdoor use.
• The appliance or tool that you are using the cord with will have a wattage rating on it. Match this up with your extension cord, and do not use a cord that has a lower rating.
• Never use a cord that feels hot or is damaged in any way. Touching even a single exposed strand can give you an electric shock or burn.
• Never use three-prong plugs with outlets that only have two slots for the plug. Do not cut off the ground pin to force a fit. This defeats the purpose of a three-prong plug and could lead to an electrical shock. Never force a plug into an outlet if it doesn’t fit.
• Use extension cords with polarized and/or three-prong plugs.
• Buy only cords approved by an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), ETL-SEMKO(ETL) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA).