Extension cords have become common in homes, offices, and construction sites, given the sheer convenience and functionality they offer. While they play a pivotal role in almost every household, people often take them for granted. If not used with caution and care, extension cords can pose significant risks, ranging from overheating to causing electrical fire hazards. It may even cause immense damage to property and pose a threat to your life.
Are you wondering how you can prevent electrical shocks, fires, and property damage from extension cords? Dive right in to learn tips to use an extension cord while keeping yourself and your home safe.
Tips to ensure electrical safety when using extension cords:
Power cords, popularly known as extension cords, provide safe and extended high voltage power to your electrical devices to run them. They help you use your gadgets and electronics even when the power outlet is located far away. But, these cords can become faulty and cause hazards. If you’re planning to use extension cords, here are five tips to promote safety while using them:
1. Find a suitable cord
The most important way of promoting electrical safety when using extension cords is to ensure you use the right one. There are multiple cords available today, but you must find the one that suits your needs. Depending on your usage pattern, you can use one from the three distinct categories occasional, frequent, and heavy usage. The cords also have a sequence of letters on the jackets to indicate their designated use. Here are a few common letters you may find:
- J Has standard 300-volt insulation. The absence of the letter J signifies the cord has 600-volt insulation and is suitable for heavy use.
- S Made for general use
- W Suitable for outdoor use
- O Oil-resistant cord
- P Parallel wire construction for household extension cords
- T Cord jacket is made from vinyl thermoplastic.
Besides that, ensure the cord comes with a three-prong plug for added safety. The 3 prong extension cord can provide a safe outlet to the excess power and helps dissipate it to prevent shocks or fires.
2. Meet the OSHA requirements:
When it comes to ensuring electrical safety, you must adhere to the OSHA guidelines. According to these guidelines, you must use extension cords that have GFCI or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. It helps avoid any dangerous situation by disconnecting power by comparing the current flowing through the cord and disconnecting power if there is a leak of 4-6mA. A GFCI is an affordable way to maintain electrical safety.
If the extension cord doesn’t have an in-built GFCI, you can plug the standard cord into a GFCI outlet or protected circuit. However, not every outlet in your home or office will be GFCI protected, so it is easier to get a cord with in-built protection.
3. Don’t use faulty cords:
While it is a given, using a faulty extension cord can significantly increase the risk of electric shocks and even fires. The use of duct tape or electrical tape on the cord indicates that it is damaged. Using such an extension cord is a direct violation of regulations given by OSHA. People often try to repair damaged extension cords, especially when they are new, but it will compromise your safety.
4. Use it the right way:
Using an extension cord can be extremely easy. However, you must still follow a few rules to ensure electrical safety. Make sure you use one extension cord only up to the length of 100 feet and do not exceed that limit. Even if you need to cover more than 100 feet distance, you will have to install a power distribution box. Many people try to plug one extension cord into another to increase the length, but it can reduce the current capacity, leading to voltage drop and overheating.
If you wish to avoid worrying about voltage drop, you must opt for cords with 12-gauge wires.
5. Avoid hanging cords with staples or nails:
It is not wise to affix your extension cord on the wall with the help of metal nails or staples, as it poses a risk of damaging their jacket. The cords have a soft jacket to provide complete flexibility to the power cords. It can lead to damage to the jacket and the wire inside during the installation process if the staple or nail goes too deep and hampers the wire.
Even if you can install it carefully, the sharp edges can wear out the soft jacket if someone pulls the extension cord unintentionally. If you want to prevent causing any damage to the power cord and you as well, do not hang the cord with staples or nails.
Final Thoughts
Electrical safety is paramount to keep you, your family members, and even your devices safe from hazards. If you rely on extension cords in your home or office, you must use them with caution. You can keep the above tips in mind to help you use extension cords while promoting electrical safety and preventing any kind of accidents.
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