The Top Extension Cord Safety Tips

Are You Overloading Your Outlets? Here’s How to Safely Use Extension Cords at Home or Work

In today’s tech-driven world, it’s easy to run out of outlets before you run out of devices to plug in. From charging stations and smart speakers to kitchen appliances and home office setups, we depend on electricity more than ever before. If your home or workplace has more gadgets than grounded outlets, chances are you’re relying on extension cords to make things work.

While extension cords can be a convenient short-term solution, they can quickly turn into fire hazards if used improperly. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), extension cords are one of the leading causes of electrical fires in U.S. homes. The good news is that with a few smart precautions, you can use them safely and avoid unnecessary risks.

Let’s walk through some key guidelines to help you make sure you’re using extension cords safely in your home or business.

17 Tips For Safely Using Extension Cords

1. Purchase only cords that are 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 the plug of an extension cord (or any plug for that matter) into an outlet.
6. Unplug cords when you’re not using them. To safely unplug a cord, pull on the plug, 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, there may be too few outlets in your home. 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.

Contact Your Local PuroClean Office For Fire Restoration Services

Extension cords are incredibly useful tools, but like all electrical equipment, they must be treated with care. By following the guidelines above, you can reduce your risk of electrical fires and ensure a safer environment for your family, employees, and property.

If your home or business has already suffered damage from an electrical fire or any type of fire emergency, PuroClean of Bloomington is here to help. Our expert team provides professional fire damage restoration, smoke odor removal, and emergency cleanup services to get you back on your feet—fast.

To learn more about avoiding electrical hazards in your home, check out our essential home electrical safety tips and the top causes of electrical fires. For professional smoke damage repair or fire damage clean-up, contact your local PuroClean office.