Know your cord safety Use the right sized extension cord for the job. Never place them under carpets, rugs or even furniture as they could get hot. Multiple appliances should never be run off the one cord. Stop using a cord if it starts to feel hot to the touch.
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.
The primary difference between an indoor and outdoor cord is the insulation. Cords for outdoors also use a bright orange, vinyl, or plastic covering that protects again moisture and weather conditions. Sunlight can break down unprotected indoor extension cords. Outdoor extension cords have three prong plugs.
Do not substitute extension cords for permanent wiring. Do not run through walls, doorways, ceilings, or floors. If a cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which may result in a fire hazard. Do not use an extension cord for more than one appliance.
If cords are not properly secured, they can create a trip hazard. Finally, heat can damage extension cords, which can lead to shorts and sparks. So, it's important to unplug extension cords when not in use. Not only will this reduce the risk of fire, but it will also protect you and your family from shocks and falls.
Extension cords always conduct electricity when plugged into an outlet, even if it is not being used. Therefore, always unplug the cord when you are finished with it.
Extension cords can overheat and cause fires when used improperly. Overheating is usually caused by overloading or connecting appliances that consume more watts than the cord can handle. Damaged extension cords can also cause fires. Extension cords should only be used temporarily.
Do fully insert the extension cord into the outlet. Do replace an outlet if a plug is too loose in the outlet. Do match up the plug and extension cord on a polarized cord (one hole on the plug is larger than the other). Do keep extension cords away from water.
If the reel is left coiled during use, the heat generated in the cable may not dissipate and can start to build up. This in turn can melt the outer insulation of the cable and the insulation on the cores.”
Indoor extension cords are called that for a reason - they are rated for indoor use. The female socket moulded into the end of the cord is not weather tight. They have minimal insulation and are more prone to physical damage.
It is common for outdoor extension cords to have a three-pronged plug, unlike indoor extension cords that typically feature two prongs. The third prong on the plug of the extension cord serves as a grounding wire that minimizes the risk of electrical shock or fire.
Indoor extensions likely won't be able to handle the power needs of your outdoor devices. How Can You Identify an Outdoor Extension Cord? Either on the packaging of a new cord or on the cord itself, check for the letter 'W'. This letter designates that the extension cord is safe for use outdoors.
Don't Use Extension Cords or Power Strips Permanently
All your kitchen appliances must be plugged directly into grounded outlets, which can protect you from electrical fires and electrocution. Extension cords and power strips are meant for temporary use.
Plug lights or decorations directly into an outlet whenever possible. Typically, it's safe to use a power strip or extension cord but not both together.
Extension cords can overheat and cause fires when used improperly, so keep these important tips in mind to protect your home and workplace.
Daisy chaining, or plugging multiple cords in together, can cause a fire hazard as can using a power strip plugged into an extension cord. Extension cords should not be taped to the floor or walls.
We strongly recommend that an extension cord not be used with a microwave due to potential safety hazards under certain conditions. Your microwave should be plugged into its own properly grounded, dedicated electrical outlet to prevent the flickering of the lights, blowing of a fuse or tripping of a circuit breaker.
Remember that extension cords should only be used temporarily pending the installation of permanent outlets to ensure the electrical safety of your home.
Power cord ratings are determined by length. If you plug two identical cords into each other, that reduces their current capacity in half and can possibly result in voltage drop and overheating. In general, extension cords should not exceed 100 feet in length.
Some appliances use more power than others, so be mindful of not overloading your extension leads. Power-hungry appliances such as kettles, toasters and microwaves shouldn't be on the same extension. Always use a fused 'inline' type – not the plug-in cube type – but be really careful not to overload it.
According to CPSC estimates, there are some 4,600 residential home fires each year associated with extension cords; these fires kill 70 persons and injure some 230 others annually. Apart from fires, another 2,200 shock-related injuries happen with extension cords every year.
Using extension cords
Never use extension cords to power appliances. Plug appliances directly into wall outlets. . Never use indoor extension cords outdoors. Don't plug multiple cords together.
Extension cords extend an existing power cord so it can reach an outlet. Extension cords can be up to 100-feet (30 meters) in length. Power Cord Splitter – a power cord splitter allows two or more devices to share an AC wall outlet, saving space and reducing cable clutter.
Consumers should immediately stop using male-to-male extension cords, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which said that the products can cause electrocution, fires, and carbon monoxide poisoning.