How to Safely Use Extension Cords

Extension cords are a convenient way to temporarily get power from point A to point B. It's a smart decision for every homeowner to have an outdoor and an indoor cord, if not more than one of each. It can be perfectly safe to use an extension cord, as long as it's used and cared for properly.

However, like anything electrical, it comes with risks. Roughly 3300 house fires in the U.S. are due to extension cords, killing about 50 people and injuring 270 more each year. There is also around 4,000 injuries resulting from extension cords each year. Fractures, contusions, and sprains caused by people tripping over extension cords happens often.

These are concerning statistics, especially considering that they are mostly very preventable. Taking the necessary precautions when using extension cords could save lives and keep your home safe.

So How Do You Safely Use an Extension Cord?

Here is an extensive list of precautions to keep in mind the next time you break out your extension cords:

-Do not overload extension cords or allow them to run through water or snow on the ground.

-Do not substitute extension cords for permanent wiring. It's also against national electrical code to use them permanently.

-Do not run extension cords through walls, ceilings, under rugs, or floors. Covering them creates fire hazards by causing overheating.

-Do not use each extension cord for more than one appliance.

-Heavily relying on extension cords in your home is a sign that you have too few outlets to match your daily needs. Hire a licensed electrician to install more where you need them.

-Make sure your extension cords are rated for the product and wattage you intend to use them for. This is typically ignored. Too often, homeowners will see a cheaper extension cord and go with it, without considering the amerage rating of the cord. In simple terms, amps is the amount of current being used, while voltage is the amount of current being pushed. 120 volts is standard for most household extension cords. However, a cord's amperage rating is how we determine the size of the cord. In the case of extension cords, it's important to understand this in order to buy the right one.

The size of the cord determines how powerful a machine you can use without it overheating. The larger the cord the more power a cord can handle. Orange household extension cords are typically 16 gauge. That's good for 10 amps. If, for example, you're using an electric weed eater that would be more than enough. If you plan on using a power saw then you may need to make sure you have a cord that is larger, maybe a 14 or 12 gauge. A 16-gauge cord can be used for more powerful tools, however it can only handle short bursts with the tools. This is why it's important to understand the basics of cord sizes to make sure you're safely using them.

-If a cord is damaged in any way, do not use it. I've seen my fair share of attempted repairs, and they are typically wrong. DO NOT try to junction a broken wire in a frayed wire. This is a fire and shock hazard. The correct method is to cut it short to the break and install a new cap cord. However, if you're not familiar with doing this or don't want to spend the money on an electrician to come and repair it correctly, then just throw it away and buy a new one.

-If a cord that you are using is getting hot, stop using it. This goes back to buying the correct size extension cord. The larger the cord size the more current it can handle.

-Don't excessively stretch or tug on the cord while in use. If you are using mobile equipment and find yourself tugging on the extension cord excessively, you are wearing out your cord plug and need a long cord.

-Never remove an extension cord's grounding pin to fit it into a two-pronged outlet. They do make adaptors for this, however, there are safer methods to remedy this problem. Call an electrician to review those methods.

-Do not use indoor cords outdoors.

-Do not tape, staple, or nail the cords down.

-Always unplug them while not in use.

-When unplugging an extension cord, pull the plug, not the cord.

-Store your extension cords indoors.

In Conclusion.....

If you find yourself using too many extension cords too often, it may be time to consider installing new outlets throughout your home. Call a licensed electrician if this is a concern for you. But if you are using an extension cord for temporary use, following these tips will keep your household safe from injuries and fire.