Extension Cord Safety Tips You Need to Know

We all use extension cords. In the summer, they power outdoor tools and fans. In the winter, they keep portable heaters running. At the office, they’re everywhere—plugging in computers, printers, and more. But how often do we consider the risks these everyday essentials pose?

This article covers:

• Types of Cord Damage that Lead to Fires
• Overloading: Why It Matters
• Choosing the Right Adapter or Extension Cord
• Decoding the Colors and Gauges
• Safe Setup and Usage
• Cord Safety – Kids & Pets
• Maintenance and Inspection 
• Safe Disposal

The Stats:
Did you know that approximately 3,300 home fires in the U.S. are caused by electric extension cords each year? As well as loss of property, these fires resulted in approximately 50 deaths and 270 injuries, says the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Beyond this, thousands more suffer injuries related to extension cords. The CPSC estimates that emergency departments see around 4,000 extension cord-related injuries every year.

Many of these injuries involve fractures, cuts, bruises, or sprains caused by people tripping over household extension cords.

Everyday household habits–like plugging multiple devices into one cord or running cords under rugs–can unknowingly increase these risks.

The Solutions:
This article will guide you through essential extension cord safety practices to keep your home and loved ones safe from avoidable electrical hazards.

Common Types of Cord Damage that Lead to Fires

Extension cords are handy tools, but they come with risks that can lead to dangerous electrical fires if not used properly. 

Overheating – One of the biggest extension cord threats is overheating. Overheating can happen when you plug in high-wattage devices or when there are too many smaller-wattage items. This heat can melt insulation, exposed wiring, sparks, and potential fire hazards.

Fraying – Fraying is another serious concern. Damaged cords expose live wires, creating a direct risk of electric shock, fires from short circuits, or accidental contact with other objects.

Understanding Circuit Overloading: Why It Matters

Circuit overloading happens when too much electricity flows through a circuit, causing it to overheat. This is a common risk with extension cords when high-wattage devices, like space heaters, microwaves, or air conditioners, are plugged into them. These appliances draw a lot of power, which can exceed the cord’s rated capacity.

Also, when you plug multiple appliances into a single power strip or extension cord, the risk of overload increases, especially with high-wattage items. Most household extension cords are designed for low to moderate power needs—not for running heavy-duty devices. 

If you need to power high-wattage equipment, plug them directly into a three-prong outlet that can handle the load safely, or consult an electrician about adding more outlets to reduce the need for extension cords.

• Resist the temptation to add extra appliances to surge protectors or power strips during the holidays. Have a safer Thanksgiving and Christmas season. 

Choosing the Right Adapter or Extension Cord for Your Needs

Selecting a Properly Rated Extension Cord
Extension cord safety starts with choosing the right cord. Select cords rated for the wattage or amperage of the electrical equipment you’ll be powering.

Ratings are usually printed on the device’s label or in the user manual. It’s essential to match or exceed the demand to prevent overloading. 

Buy a Certified Cord
Always buy cords certified by an independent testing laboratory like Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or CSA (a Canadian certification). These certifications confirm that a cord meets high safety standards.

Although uncertified cords may be cheaper, they often don’t have as many safety features and may not prevent electrical fires as effectively.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Extension Cords
Extension cords are specifically designed for indoor or outdoor use—choose accordingly. Outdoor cords have tougher insulation to protect against moisture, sunlight, and temperature changes.

Using an indoor cord outside can lead to insulation breakdown, exposing wires inside to weather conditions and creating a fire hazard or risk of electric shock.

Cord Length
Consider the cord length as well. Longer cords reduce the current they can safely carry, so avoid using a longer cord than necessary. 

Pro Tip: For situations where equipment might push against an extension cord at the plug connection, consider using an angle extension cord. These are specifically designed to prevent damage or hazards in such scenarios.

Decoding the Colors, Gauges, and Designations

Extension cords may seem simple, but there’s more to them than meets the eye. They are a system of wire gauges, amperage ratings, and specific uses that play a vital role in electrical safety. This knowledge helps them make safe choices and reduce fire risks.

The wire gauge (AWG) directly corresponds to the cord’s current-carrying capacity. Lower numbers indicate thicker, heavier-duty wires.

Also, keep in mind that the appropriate gauge depends on the length of the cord and the amperage required, not just the intended use.
The designations provide important information about the cord’s construction, safety ratings, and appropriate applications.

Safe Setup, Precautions and Usage of Extension Cords

Temporary Use Only
Extension cords are designed for temporary use. Don’t use extension cords as a substitute for permanent wiring.

Placement Matters
When setting up, place cords carefully to prevent tripping or fire hazards. Avoid high-traffic areas where they might be stepped on, and never run extension cords through walls, ceilings, or floors since this can lead to heat buildup and fire risk.

Do not place extension cords under rugs or carpets, which can trap heat and damage insulation. 

Avoid Damp Areas
Keep all electrical extension cords away from wet or damp areas. Running extension cords through snow, puddles, or water significantly raises the risk of electric shock. 

Electrical Safety Precautions for Extension Cords

• Heat and Flammable Materials
  To reduce the risk of fires, keep extension cords away from heat sources, flammable materials, and places where they might be easily damaged. 
• Use of Grounding Features
  Three-prong surge protectors include built-in grounding, a critical safety feature. However, this protection is only effective if the outlet itself is properly grounded. If your outlets are not compatible with grounded plugs, consider consulting a licensed electrician to install grounded outlets rather than bypassing this critical safety feature.
• Unplug Safely
  Also, after using an extension cord, unplug it by pulling the plug itself—not the cord—to avoid wear on the cord joins and prongs.

Guidelines for Power Strip and Surge Protector Use

It’s easy to confuse power strips and surge protectors, but they serve different purposes. 

• A power strip provides extra outlets and is helpful for devices with low power demands, like lamps, chargers, or small electronics. A power strip does not protect against electrical surges, which can damage devices during a power spike.
• Surge protectors prevent sudden voltage spikes from damaging your electrical equipment. 

When selecting a surge protector, check its surge protection rating, measured in joules. This rating shows how much energy the device can absorb during a power surge before it fails. Higher joule ratings generally offer greater protection for sensitive or high-value electronics.

Like with extension cords, check for certifications from a reputable independent testing laboratory. (Look for a UL label). These certified devices offer an additional layer of electrical safety.

Pro Tip: Avoid plugging high-wattage devices, such as space heaters or air conditioners, into either a power strip or a surge protector; these should always be plugged directly into a three-prong outlet.

Avoiding Dangerous Extension Cord and Adapter Habits

• Don’t Daisy Chain Cords
  To prevent electrical overload, never “daisy-chain” extension cords by plugging one into another. Also, avoid connecting multiple high-wattage appliances to a single cord. 
• Proper Use of Adapters
  When using an adapter, choose ones suited for the specific electrical outlet and do not bypass grounding features. Avoid removing or bending the grounding prong on any electrical plug or forcing a three-prong plug into a two-prong outlet—these grounding features are essential for preventing electric shock and protecting your equipment.
• Quick Safety Tip
  Never secure extension cords to structures like walls or floors with staples or nails. These items can damage the cord’s insulation and increase the electric shock or fire risk.

Emergency Response Steps for Extension Cord Hazards

If an extension cord begins to spark, overheat, or catch fire, take these steps to ensure safety:

• Unplug Safely – Only if it’s safe, immediately unplug the cord. Pull on the plug itself, not the cord. Avoid touching the extension cord if it’s hot or damaged.
• Use a Fire Extinguisher – Use a Class C fire extinguisher. This type of extinguisher is designed for small electrical fires. Never use water on an electrical fire, as this increases the risk of electric shock.
• Call Emergency Services – For larger fires, or if you can’t control the situation, leave the area and call 911.

Extension Cord Safety for Kids & Pets

Keeping Cords Out of Reach
Children and pets are naturally curious and rambunctious, which can lead them to chew, pull, or trip over extension cords. Place cords out of reach whenever possible to minimize a tripping or fire hazard.

Use cord organizers or covers to keep them securely tucked along walls or behind furniture where children and pets cannot easily access them.

Preventing Chewing and Unplugging
Pets, especially puppies and kittens, may try to chew on cords, risking electric shock and damage to the cord insulation. Use protective cord covers designed to deter chewing, and keep any electrical cords that could be tempting to pets hidden from view.

If a child or pet could reach the power outlet, install outlet covers to prevent accidental unplugging.

• Learn more about kid and pet safety – Holiday Light Safety Tips

Maintenance and Inspection of Extension Cords

Regular Inspection and Replacement
Regular inspection is essential for spotting wear and preventing electric shock or electrical fires. 

• To ensure cord safety, inspect all extension cords at least every three months or monthly for high-use cords or those in demanding environments, like construction areas or outdoor setups. 
• Always inspect the cord before each use to identify any potential damage or wear.
  

Proper Storage
Store cords in a dry place, coiling them into loose loops to prevent kinks or sharp bends that could damage the wires inside. 

Quick Inspection Checklist

Each time you inspect a cord, check for these common issues below to prevent risks like electric shock or fire hazards:

1. Fraying or Damaged Insulation – Look for cracks, splits, or worn spots in your power cords. If you see any exposed wiring, discard damaged cords immediately.
2. Loose or Broken Prongs – Ensure the plug prongs are straight, securely attached, and not bent. 
3. Discoloration or Burns – Check for dark spots or burn marks on the cord or plug, as these could indicate overheating.
4. Secure Plug Fit and Grounding – Make sure three-prong plugs fit securely into the outlet with the grounding prong intact. If plug prongs are bent or missing, replace the entire plug. 
5. Cord Flexibility – Gently bend the cord. If it feels stiff or brittle, it may have internal damage that isn’t visible.

Environmental Factors and Cord Longevity

Environmental conditions can impact the safety and lifespan of your extension cords. Here’s how to protect them:

• Avoid Direct Sunlight – Sun can degrade extension cord insulation, causing cracks or exposed wiring. Store cords in shaded areas when not in use.
• Protect from Moisture – Keep cords dry and avoid using them in wet conditions unless they’re rated explicitly for outdoor use. Moisture can lead to electric shock and faster insulation wear.
• Temperature Extremes – Extreme heat or cold can make cords brittle and more prone to damage. Store the extension cords in a temperature-controlled area to maintain cord safety and longevity.

Safe Disposal of Damaged Extension Cords

When extension cords show signs of damage or wear, dispose of them properly to prevent hazards and reduce waste. Simply throwing damaged cords in the trash can be harmful to the environment because many cords contain plastic insulation and metal wiring.

Recycling as Electronic Waste
Due to their materials, most extension cords should be treated as electronic waste (e-waste). Many local recycling centers and e-waste programs accept household extension cords, power strips, and other electronic accessories for safe processing.

Check with your local waste management company or recycling program to find a nearby drop-off location.

Do Not Modify or Repurpose
While repurposing damaged cords or repairing them with tape may seem tempting, this can increase the risk of shocks or fire hazards. 

Final Extension Cord Safety Tips

Following extension cord safety tips can go a long way in protecting your home and family. By choosing cords that match your power needs, avoiding overload, and checking for damage, you can prevent overheating and reduce fire risks.

Keep cords away from heat sources, moisture, and high-traffic areas. Avoid running them under rugs.

Take a few minutes to inspect your cords and make sure you’re using them safely. These small steps can prevent accidents and give you peace of mind.

PuroClean of Matawan is a locally owned smoke and fire damage remediation company serving Matawan and nearby cities in Monmouth County. We hope you don’t need us, but if you have a home or business fire, we’re here to help! 

Sources:
Consumer Product Safety Commission Extension Cords Fact Sheet (PDF)