There isn’t enough wire to connect your light or radio to the wall socket. Is it necessary to go through the trash can to find an extension cord? It might turn out to be a bad choice. Extension cables are a lifesaver in forecasting electricity to specific locations. No matter how high-quality the extension cable is, it is still only a short-term fix and should not be used to permanently connect to your home’s electrical system.
For your safety, always use extension cables correctly. An extension cord poses a fire or electric shock risk when used continuously for an extended period.
On the other hand, you may take measures to lessen the likelihood of these occurrences transpiring. Everyone should keep these extension cord safety recommendations in mind.
1. Always check the label.
Despite their superficial similarities, not all extension cables are the same quality. Indoor and outdoor usage markings are typically included. Make sure you’re using the appropriate extension wiring. The benefits of preventing injuries and fires outweigh the inconvenience of swapping out extension cables between tasks.
You should only use an extension cable indoors if it bears a “S” on the packaging. Outdoor usage is indicated by a “W” on the packaging. Flat cables are ideal for individuals who will be plugging in small appliances or devices via an extension cord. The user should use a heavier-duty cable for bigger appliances. And, if you’re buying power cord units, consult the merchant for the labels.
2. Observe the weight.
There is a maximum power that extension cables can safely carry. Utilizing equipment with higher wattages than an extension cable can handle is risky since it might lead to a fire or damage both the gadget and the cord. In general, shorter cables have a greater wattage rating than longer ones. You may securely plug in appliances like lights and fans using 16-gauge wires.
A minimum of 14-gauge extension cables are required when using power tools. Extension cables with a ten or twelve-gauge rating are the only ones safe to use with appliances.
3. Insert the cords into the right outlet.
Many outlets only have two prongs, even though most extension cables have three. So, to get the extension cable to fit into the outlet, you can remove the ground pin. The extension cable and the outlet are susceptible to harm, even though this may initially function. The cable might get too hot and even catch fire if this happens.
Even a surge protector shouldn’t have an extension cable plugged into it. You risk damaging the surge protector if you do that. Before plugging in the extension cable, they must ensure the outlet has three prongs.
4. Never use two extension cords at the same time.
A common problem with extension cords is that they aren’t always long enough to reach the appliance or wall outlet. However, because they are not designed to take that much current, extension cords can easily overheat if plugged into one another. It is safer to get an extension cable that is the right length if you need one than to risk damaging yourself or your possessions trying to cut corners.
5. Only connect one large appliance at a time.
You could find more than one outlet on certain extension cables. Please only plug in a single major appliance at a time, even though it’s entirely safe to simultaneously put many smaller devices into these outlets. The reason behind this is that these appliances tend to consume a lot of electricity, which might lead to the extension cable overheating if used with many devices.
6. Check the cord’s temperature from time to time.
If an extension cord is in excellent condition and used correctly, its covering will keep it cool. An extension cable will become heated if it can’t manage the current drawn by the devices attached. Until you see smoke or flames coming out of the outlet, you might not realize anything is wrong. If you want to be sure your extension cords are still chilly, you should touch them every so then. If they don’t, you should disconnect them right away to prevent harm.
7. Don’t cover them up.
You could want to conceal the extension cords because you’re afraid someone would trip over them if they were lying about the house or yard. Even though this might make someone less likely to fall, the extension cord could overheat. This is because there will be no way for the cord’s heat to dissipate. At some time, it might catch fire from the buildup.
8. Ensure you pay attention to the cords.
Many individuals put themselves in danger by plugging in an extension cable and ignoring it while attending to other matters. Always keep an eye on extension cables. You should watch both them and anything else that uses an electrical outlet.
9. Don’t run the cord through ceilings or walls.
An extension cable is the way to go if you need to temporarily connect an appliance or equipment to an electrical outlet. Never rely on them as a long-term option to power a building. You shouldn’t run them through the ceiling or walls if you want to add more power to a space. It doesn’t take much heat for an extension cable to start a fire, which may swiftly spread across a structure.
10. Ensure the cord is in good condition.
Even with regular maintenance, extension cables will wear out. The cables may get so frayed that you can see the wires poking through. Although it would be enticing to cover these spots with electrical tape to continue using the cords, doing so poses safety risks. You risk electrocution if you contact these places by accident. Toss aside that old, worn-out extension cable even if it’s still functional.
In the end!
You might be surprised by how many of them you can find on your work site, even though they seem obvious. Taking action might save a life, and you might be startled by what you see. When you need a temporary boost to your electrical current, an extension cable might be a lifesaver. But they must be used properly to avoid a catastrophic or fatal outcome.
