Unfortunately, the places where you need to use electricity
and the places where your outlets are installed may not synergize as well as
you would hope. Most homeowners solve this issue with the use of extension
cords, but this can do more harm than good if you aren't familiar with
extension cord safety. Here are four tips you should know before you use
extension cords in or around your home.
1. Don't Cover Extension Cords During Use
Overheating is one of the most important things to consider
to prevent electrical fires. Extension cords can overheat much faster depending
on the environment they are used in. You should always ensure there is plenty
of space around an extension cord for the entire length of the cord. In
addition to a greater risk of overheating, damage to a covered extension cord
can easily go unnoticed for much longer.
If you use an extension cord indoors, you should never run
an extension cord through walls or ceilings to deliver power to another room.
Similarly, avoid laying extension cords under carpets, rugs, or furniture. When
you use an extension cord in these ways, it's not only risky because it traps
heat, but people in your household are more likely to walk on covered extension
cords. This can break down the wires inside over time.
2. Don't Use Indoor Extension Cords Outside
Outdoor extension cords are insulated with much more
resilient materials than those designed to be used indoors. This is necessary
to protect the cord from moisture, oil and chemical spills, and other
destructive outdoor elements. Most outdoor extension cords are also made with a
wire that has a larger gauge since they often need to transfer current over a
longer distance.
These key differences illustrate why it is okay to use an
outdoor extension cord inside, but that an indoor extension cord should never
be used outside. Examine the packaging carefully on any extension cord you buy
to find the manufacturer's recommendation for proper use of the cable.
3. Never Chain Extension Cords Together
Chaining extension cords together introduces a host of new
problems and should always be avoided. A significant risk of chaining extension
cords is that the resistance of the series of cords increases as the length
increases, which in turn generates more heat and creates a fire hazard. The
total power available to the connected appliance is reduced, and your breaker
might not trip if a fault occurs in one of the cords.
When you use extension cords in series it creates several
weak points in the connection since the plugs can easily pull apart. Performing
any work that requires movement is virtually impossible since it could pull the
cords apart at any moment. Worse yet, the extension cords could spark when they
have pulled apart and can cause a fire if anything flammable is nearby.
4. Inspect Extension Cords Regularly
Even if you follow every tip to safely use extension cords,
there's no substitute for regularly inspecting your extension cords before you
use them. To do this, you must be able to spot the signs of a damaged cord.
Check that there is no exposed wiring on either end of the
cord near the plugs; this damage can easily occur when extension cords are
pulled out of a socket. Next, inspect the length of the cord for any nicks,
crimps, or melted sections in the insulation. If the ground prong has been
removed from the extension cord, it is no longer safe to use even if the rest
of the cord appears to be in good condition.
Extension cords are highly convenient for
temporary use in spots where you can't reach an outlet, but they are only safe
if they are used correctly. For more safety tips and all of your electrical
repair and maintenance needs, count on the team at
Express Electrical Services
!
