The Top Extension Cord Safety Tips

Does your home have too many electrical devices and too few outlets to plug them all? Chances are you’re using extension cords to power up your electrical devices. However, electrical cords can become fire hazards when used improperly.

Follow these extension cord safety tips:

Purchasing the Right Extension Cords

• Buy Approved Cords: Purchase only cords that are approved by an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). These cords meet safety standards and reduce the risk of fire hazards.
• Check Capacity: Check the maximum capacity of the extension cord and the appliance or tool you’re using. Make sure you don’t exceed it to avoid overheating the cord.

Safe Usage of Extension Cords

• Avoid Overloading: Don’t overload extension cords with too many appliances. The cord can overheat and possibly cause a fire. Plug only one minor appliance into an extension cord at a time.
• Direct Plug for Major Appliances: Plug major appliances, such as refrigerators, dryers, and washers, directly into a wall receptacle outlet. This prevents overloading the extension cord.
• Fully Insert Plugs: Fully insert the plug of an extension cord (or any plug) into an outlet to ensure a secure connection and avoid sparks.
• Temporary Use Only: Use extension cords only temporarily. Don’t substitute extension cords for permanent wiring in your home.

Maintenance and Handling

• Unplug When Not in Use: Unplug extension cords when you’re not using them. To safely unplug an extension cord, pull on the plug, not on the cord, to prevent damage.
• Avoid Running Through Water: Don’t run extension cords through water or snow to avoid the high risk of electric shock. Keep water away from extension cords at all times.
• No Covered Cords: Don’t run cords through ceilings, walls, doorways, or floors. Never place cords under carpets, as covered cords allow little heat to escape and pose a fire hazard.
• Prevent Tripping: Keep cords out of the path of foot traffic to prevent tripping. Don’t leave cords dangling where they can be pulled down and tripped over.

Proper Extension Cord Placement

• Avoid Multiple Extensions: Avoid chaining multiple extension cords. Plug extension cords directly into mounted electrical receptacles and use cords that are long enough for your needs.
• Indoor vs. Outdoor Cords: Never use indoor extension cords outdoors. For outside use, only use extension cords marked for outdoor use. This ensures they are built to withstand outdoor conditions. Check out these outdoor electrical safety tips.

Regular Inspection and Safe Attachment

• Inspect Before Use: Inspect extension cords before using them. If a cord heats up or is damaged in any way, discard it immediately.
• Use Polarized Plugs: Always use extension cords with polarized and/or three-prong plugs. Don’t force a three-prong plug into a two-prong outlet, and don’t remove or bend the ground pin to force a fit.
• Avoid Cord-Bundling Damage: When using cord-bundling devices, such as spiral wire wrap, avoid cramming cords together to prevent damaging the cord’s insulation.
• No Staples or Nails: Never use staples or nails to attach cords to a surface like a wall
  , as this can puncture the cord’s insulation and create a fire hazard.

Long-Term Solutions for Extension Cord Use

• Install More Outlets: If you use too many extension cords, there may be too few outlets in your home. Have a qualified electrician install additional outlets to avoid the excessive use of extension cords.

By following these extension cord safety tips, you can prevent electrical hazards and keep your home safe from potential fires and electric shocks.

To learn more about avoiding electrical hazards in your home, check out our essential home electrical safety tips and the top causes of electrical fires. For professional smoke damage repair or fire damage clean-up, contact your local PuroClean office.