"As a single mom, I have had to become a do-it-yourself handy person, though not by choice.
While I take great pride in being able to tackle most minor repairs myself, electrical needs are certainly not my area of expertise. Recently I had purchased a beautiful but old lamp at a garage sale, that had been modified with an adapter which allowed me to use a large wattage light bulb. What I didn’t realize is that the cord powering this lamp was not capable of handling this and it soon became quite hot. I only discovered this accidentally when lifting the cord to clean underneath it.
Needless to say the lamp is no longer part of my household, and I still shudder when I think about the potential fire danger that had been created. I now make it a point to periodically examine all of the electrical cords used throughout my home."
Extension Cord Safety Quick Tips
All too often we take dangers related to common household items and every workplace equipment for granted. Or we'll try to cut corners to save a few dollars or shave a bit of time off a task, which only ends up putting us at risk.
A classic example of this is overloading a power supply by using a bunch of extension cords.
It might not seem all that risky – if there's room and the plug fits, it should be fine, right? Unfortunately, things can go very wrong when extension cords are misused.
Here are a few pointers to help you benefit from the convenience of extension cords without putting yourself at risk in the process.
Start by Purchasing a Safe Option
Bargain shopping should not include items like extension cords. Most of us assume that if something is being sold at all, it must mean it's safe. Unfortunately, that's not always the case.
If you shop online, you also run the risk of getting an extension cord that doesn't meet your country's safety standards. It may not have the insulation needed to keep it from overheating, even with a light electrical load. And what looks like a grounding prong might not actually be attached to any of the other components, meaning that it's entirely useless and just for show.
To make sure you're getting a safe option, look for what it says on the label. Letters like UL or CSA indicate that the cord in question has been inspected for safety.
Extension Cords
- Extension cords are only for temporary use – they are not designed to be permanently plugged in and used as a long-term power source
- Store cords properly after each use
- Before plugging it in, inspect the cord thoroughly for any splits or exposed wires
- If the cord ever feels hot to the touch, it's either faulty or being used beyond its capacity and should not be used until it has cooled and been inspected
- Don't run extension cords through enclosed walls or ceilings, or bury them under carpets or rugs, as they can overheat and start a fire
- Don't lay extension cords across walking areas, as this creates a tripping hazard
- Never nail or staple an extension cord to a hard surface, since this can damage the cord or the insulation, creating a risk of fire or electrical shock
- Don't overload extension cords beyond their approved capacity
- Make sure the extension cord is fully plugged in, with none of the prongs left exposed
(Find out How to Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls)
Power Cords
- Don't assume that an item working properly means that its power cord is safe and in good condition
- Make it a habit to periodically inspect power cords, check for fraying along the length of the cord or at the head of the plug
- Yanking the plug out of the outlet by pulling on the cord can create weakness and damage in the cord that will compromise its safety – always unplug properly
- Never cut off the third prong to make it fit in a socket – this is the grounding prong and it's there to protect you from electric shock
- Don't cram cords in tight spaces, as this can gradually damage their insulation and render them unsafe
Additional Tips
- Make sure you keep the cord as short as possible by using proper bundling devices to handle the excess
- Keep the cords safely behind objects to reduce the risk of someone pulling on them
- Don’t leave extension cords lying around to reduce the risk of someone using them without permission or supervision
- When done with the cord, coil it up loosely and store it in a dry place