{"id":159,"date":"2018-02-21T14:10:36","date_gmt":"2018-02-21T14:10:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/portland-me-water-damage\/blog\/the-top-extension-cord-safety-tips\/"},"modified":"2018-02-21T14:10:36","modified_gmt":"2018-02-21T14:10:36","slug":"extension-cord-safety-fire-prevention","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/bloomington-il-puroclean-bloomington\/blog\/extension-cord-safety-fire-prevention\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Extension Cord Safety Matters: 10 Tips Every Homeowner Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Does your home have too many gadgets and not enough outlets? If you\u2019re like most people, you&#8217;ve probably used an <strong>extension cord<\/strong> to power a few extra devices around the house. While they\u2019re incredibly useful, extension cords can be dangerous if used the wrong way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"669\" src=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/bloomington-il-puroclean-bloomington-new\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/772\/2018\/04\/extension-cord-safety.jpg\" alt=\"extension cord\" class=\"wp-image-233\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/bloomington-il-puroclean-bloomington\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/772\/2018\/04\/extension-cord-safety.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/bloomington-il-puroclean-bloomington\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/772\/2018\/04\/extension-cord-safety-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/bloomington-il-puroclean-bloomington\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/772\/2018\/04\/extension-cord-safety-768x514.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The problem isn\u2019t just how often we use them\u2014it\u2019s how casually we treat them. Many homeowners don\u2019t realize that a simple <strong>extension cord<\/strong> can become a fire hazard if it&#8217;s overloaded, damaged, or placed where it shouldn\u2019t be. So, let\u2019s talk about how to use these everyday tools safely and smartly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#1-understand-what-extension-cords-are-meant-for\">1. Understand What Extension Cords Are Meant For<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#2-choose-the-right-type\">2. Choose the Right Type<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#3-dont-overload-the-cord\">3. Don\u2019t Overload the Cord<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#4-never-daisy-chain-cords\">4. Never Daisy Chain Cords<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#5-keep-cords-dry\">5. Keep Cords Dry<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#6-dont-cover-them-up\">6. Don\u2019t Cover Them Up<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#7-inspect-cords-regularly\">7. Inspect Cords Regularly<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#8-secure-placement-matters\">8. Secure Placement Matters<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#9-dont-modify-plugs\">9. Don\u2019t Modify Plugs<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#10-unplug-when-not-in-use\">10. Unplug When Not in Use<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-understand-what-extension-cords-are-meant-for\">1. Understand What Extension Cords Are Meant For<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An <strong>extension cord<\/strong> is a temporary solution, not a permanent one. If you\u2019re relying on cords for long-term power needs\u2014like keeping a lamp plugged in across the room for months\u2014it&#8217;s time to consider having more outlets installed. When cords become part of your everyday setup, they\u2019re more likely to wear out or get misused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-choose-the-right-type\">2. Choose the Right Type<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not all cords are created equal. Indoor <strong>extension cords<\/strong> are lighter and less insulated than outdoor versions, which are built to withstand weather and rough conditions. If you\u2019re working outside, make sure your cord is rated for exterior use. And indoors, match the cord\u2019s capacity to the device you\u2019re powering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-dont-overload-the-cord\">3. Don\u2019t Overload the Cord<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every <strong>extension cord<\/strong> is rated for a certain amount of electricity. Plugging in a high-powered appliance like a space heater or microwave can easily exceed that limit. When a cord is overworked, it can heat up, melt, or even catch fire. Always check the wattage of your devices and compare it to the cord\u2019s maximum rating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-never-daisy-chain-cords\">4. Never Daisy Chain Cords<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It might be tempting to plug one <strong>extension cord<\/strong> into another to reach a faraway outlet, but this is risky. Chaining cords together increases resistance and the chance of overheating. Instead, use a single cord that\u2019s long enough for the job\u2014or better yet, plug directly into the wall when possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-keep-cords-dry\">5. Keep Cords Dry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using a <strong>extension cord<\/strong> near water is a recipe for disaster. Kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces are places where moisture is common, and cords should never run through puddles, wet grass, or snow. Always keep cords off the ground and away from sinks, tubs, and hoses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-dont-cover-them-up\">6. Don\u2019t Cover Them Up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Running a <strong>extension cord<\/strong> under a rug might look tidy, but it\u2019s actually dangerous. Cords generate heat, and when they\u2019re covered, that heat can build up quickly. This can lead to melting, sparking, or fire. Always leave cords exposed so they can \u201cbreathe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-inspect-cords-regularly\">7. Inspect Cords Regularly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before plugging anything in, inspect your <strong>extension cord<\/strong> for fraying, cracks, or exposed wires. If the cord feels hot or if you see any melting around the plug, stop using it immediately. A damaged cord should never be repaired with tape or \u201cjust used one more time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-secure-placement-matters\">8. Secure Placement Matters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A loose <strong>extension cord<\/strong> on the floor can be a tripping hazard. Not only can someone fall, but the sudden tug can damage the outlet, the cord, or the device it\u2019s powering. Secure cords along baseboards or walls using safe cord clips\u2014never staples or nails, which can pierce the insulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-dont-modify-plugs\">9. Don\u2019t Modify Plugs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every <strong>extension cord<\/strong> should have a polarized or three-prong plug for safety. If your wall outlet doesn\u2019t support this, don\u2019t cut or bend the prong to make it fit. This defeats the purpose of the grounding system and increases your risk of shock or fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-unplug-when-not-in-use\">10. Unplug When Not in Use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re not actively using a cord, unplug it. This reduces wear on the plug, prevents unnecessary energy use, and reduces your risk of fire. Make it a habit\u2014especially when leaving the house or going to bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By treating <strong>extension cords<\/strong> with care, you can protect your home and loved ones from the dangers of electrical fires. These cords are useful tools, but they need to be used responsibly. If you\u2019re depending on them daily, consider speaking with an electrician about installing more outlets to reduce risk and improve convenience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"need-help-after-an-electrical-fire\">Need Help After an Electrical Fire? Call <a href=\"https:\/\/g.co\/kgs\/YiYcmbH\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Puroclean Of Bloomington<\/a> &#8211; <a href=\"tel:3094330900\">(309) 433-0900<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a damaged <strong>extension cord<\/strong> or outlet has already caused fire or smoke damage in your home, don\u2019t wait to act. <strong>PuroClean of Bloomington<\/strong> is here to help. We specialize in fire damage restoration, smoke odor removal, and helping homeowners recover after emergencies. Our trained professionals respond quickly and work with your insurance to restore peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"call-us-today-at-309-433-0900-or-visit-us-at-puroclean-com-bloomington-il-puroclean-bloomington-to-learn-more\">Call us today at <strong><a href=\"tel:3094330900\">(309) 433-0900<\/a><\/strong> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/bloomington-il-puroclean-bloomington\/contact\/\">contact us<\/a> at to learn more.<\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Does your home have too many gadgets and not enough outlets? If you\u2019re like most people, you&#8217;ve probably used an extension cord to power a few extra devices around the<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19488,"template":"","blog-category":[12],"class_list":["post-159","blog","type-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","blog-category-fire-restoration"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/bloomington-il-puroclean-bloomington\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/159","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/bloomington-il-puroclean-bloomington\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/bloomington-il-puroclean-bloomington\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blog"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/bloomington-il-puroclean-bloomington\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/bloomington-il-puroclean-bloomington\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/159\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/bloomington-il-puroclean-bloomington\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19488"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/bloomington-il-puroclean-bloomington\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=159"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"blog-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/bloomington-il-puroclean-bloomington\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog-category?post=159"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}