Extension Cord Safety Tips
Extension cords are a practical solution for many electrical needs in the home and workplace, but they can become a dangerous fire hazard if not used correctly. To safely use extension cords at home or at work, follow these simple tips:
Choose the right cable for the job.
There are different types of cables that should be used depending on the intended use. If you plan to work outdoors, look for a cable that is rated for outdoor use and has a thick outer jacket made of rubber, plastic, or vinyl. Using indoor and outdoor extension cords can cause overheating. Depending on your job and environment, you may also want to look for a cable that is specially rated for oils, chemicals, or extreme temperatures.
If you plan to connect multiple devices to the cable at the same time, add up the current requirements for each device. Power requirements are usually listed on the device itself or in the instruction manual. Power requirements for some devices are listed in watts, rather than amps. A simple formula to convert the rating is: Amps = Watts/110. If an extension cord doesn’t include a maximum amperage rating, you can find out its capacity by looking at its American Wire Gauge (AWG) rating. The smaller the AWG, the higher the cable’s capacity to supply power.
Check cables before use.
In addition to choosing the right cord for your job, you’ll need to regularly inspect and maintain your extension cords. Check your cables for wear, tear, and any type of damage. Be careful when handling damaged wires – just touching an exposed wire can give you an electric shock or burn. You can prevent damage to extension cords by properly removing them from outlets; do not pull on the extension cord by pulling on the actual cord when you remove it from the outlet. If you see any kind of damage to the cable, you will need to throw it out and replace it.
Check cord placement.
Extension cords should only be used in areas not normally traveled. Placing cables in high-traffic areas can lead to trips and falls, and cables that are walked on will degrade faster. Extension cords should be run along baseboards or walls or routed behind furniture or equipment so they are out of the way. If your cable is not long enough to reach between the outlet and your device, do not use a second cable and connect them. If you connect two extension cords together, you will reduce the operating voltage and efficiency of the tools and appliances you will be using and could even damage the motor.
Other essential tips for safe use include:
– Do not substitute extension cords for permanent wiring.
– A heavy reliance on cables is an indication that you have too few outlets to meet your needs. Install extra outlets where you need them.
– Never use three-prong plugs with outlets that only have two slots for the plug. Do not cut the ground pin to force a fit. This defeats the purpose of a three-prong plug and could cause an electrical shock.
– Buy only cables that have been approved by an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), ETL-SEMKO (ETL), or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
Extension cords are a simple and commonly used electrical solution for the home and workplace, but they can be very dangerous if used incorrectly. Before you connect a cable to a device, make sure you have selected a suitable cable, verify that it works properly, and make sure that it is seated securely.