As the days get shorter and the temperature outside cools, many of us bring out our holiday decorations. Nothing sets the festive mood like a beautifully lit home filled with cheer. However, it’s important to be mindful of extension cord safety when powering up those decorations. Our comprehensive list of 17 extension cord safety tips has you covered! No matter what kind of decorations you’re using or what you’re plugging in, these tips will guide you in the right direction to ensure you’re operating your cords safely and efficiently.

Several beige extension cords plugged into an outlet and overloaded with various plugs. Extension cord safety tips state that you should never overload your cords.
Overloading extension cords can spell trouble for your home.

17 Extension Cord Safety Tips

Extension cords are convenient tools that can help us expand our reach and plug in electrical devices anywhere we need them. However, knowing extension cord safety tips can help you utilize them in a safer fashion. 

  1. Only purchase cords approved by an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
  2. Don’t overload extension cords with too many appliances. The cord can overheat and possibly cause a fire.
  3. Plug major appliances, such as refrigerators, dryers, and washers, directly into a wall receptacle outlet.
  4. Check the maximum capacity of the extension cord and appliance or tool you’re using, and make sure you don’t exceed it.
  5. Fully insert an extension cord plug (or any plug, for that matter) into an outlet.
  6. Unplug cords when you’re not using them. Pull on the plug to safely unplug a cord, NOT on the cord itself.
  7. Use extension cords only temporarily. Don’t substitute them for permanent wiring.
  8. Don’t run cords through water or snow to avoid the high risk of electric shock.
  9. Don’t run cords through ceilings, walls, doorways, or floors. Never place cords under carpets, either. Covered cords allow little heat to escape and pose a fire hazard.
  10. Keep cords out of the path of foot traffic to prevent tripping. Don’t leave cords dangling anywhere where they can be pulled down and tripped over.
  11. If you use too many extension cords, your home may not have enough outlets. Have a qualified electrician install additional outlets.
  12. Avoid chaining multiple extension cords. Plug cords directly into mounted electrical receptacles and use cords that are long enough for your needs.
  13. Never use indoor extension cords outdoors. Only use the cords marked for outdoor use.
  14. Inspect cords before using them. If a cord heats up or is damaged in any way, discard it.
  15. Always use cords with polarized and/or three-prong plugs. Don’t force a three-prong plug into two-prong outlets. Don’t remove or bend the ground pin to force a fit.
  16. When using cord-bundling devices, such as spiral wire wrap, avoid cramming cords together to prevent damaging the cord’s insulation.
  17. Never use staples or nails to attach cords to a surface like a wall to prevent puncturing the cord’s insulation.
Always ensure your cords are in good condition before using them.

For Fire Damage Restoration This Holiday Season, Call PuroClean of Midtown Atlanta

Fire damage can cause devastation and emotional stress—two things we don’t want to worry about this time of the year! That’s why having a reliable fire damage remediation company matters. At PuroClean of Midtown Atlanta, we understand how overwhelming dealing with property damage can be, especially during the holiday season. That’s why our experienced team is here to make the process as smooth as possible. Don’t hesitate to give us a call at (404) 777-7876 if you need fire damage remediation in Midtown Atlanta.