Extension Cord Safety Tips: A Comprehensive Guide to Safety and Efficiency

Shorter days and cooler temperatures mean it’s time to get the holiday decorations out and on display! Extension cords are an essential tool when arranging our chilling Halloween lights or festive December scenes. Although they make the process easier and more fun, prioritizing extension cord safety must be addressed. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 17 tips to help ensure that you’re using your extension cords safely and efficiently.

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 operate them safely.

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.

Dealing with Fire Damage? Turn to PuroClean of Central Southwest Houston Today!

Fire damage can ruin the positive energy and good vibes of the season. Fortunately, when your property needs restoration, PuroClean of Central Southwest Houston is here to help! Our expert team and up-to-date technology ensure that the effects of fire damage are remediated promptly and thoroughly, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to enjoy the holidays worry-free. We are available around the clock, so don’t hesitate to contact us at (832) 856-5900 for any fire damage remediation needs in Southwest Houston.