Did you know that your extension cords require care and maintenance to protect you and give them a long lifespan? Many people just purchase these products and fail to learn how to use them. We have reliable information that can help you protect your loved ones, electronics, home, and cords. This way, you will enjoy peace of mind when connecting your devices to the power source. Here are a few tips to observe when using extension cords.
Keep Away from Water and Excess Heat
The first safety measure you should remember is to keep your extension cords away from wet areas. Water is a good conductor of electricity. Therefore, placing the cord on a wet surface may cause a short circuit, especially if there are naked wires. Additionally, someone walking barefoot or touching the cable could get electrocuted quickly, risking their health and safety.
Ensure the surface the cord is on is completely dry before connecting the extension cord. It is also inadvisable to place the item outside during the wet seasons. If your cord must be outside, ensure proper insulation or shelter to prevent water from touching the extension cord. Make sure you are using a product that is rated for the outdoors.
Heat is also an enemy to extension cords since it causes them to overheat, which can result in a fire. Therefore, avoid placing the cord out in the hot sun for too many hours each day. The cable should also not run under the carpet or behind walls, but in an open area with enough air circulation.
Do not Overload
Always remember to check the maximum wattage and amperage when purchasing an extension cord. This should give you an idea of how much current the product can handle. If you want something to connect your Christmas decorations or other high-energy consumers, ensure you consult our pros before purchasing.
Electricians usually confirm the power supply from your panel and the device you want to power. We will advise you on the best product that can sustain your power consumption without affecting the rest of your electrical system.
Even with small household extension cords, you should consider how much power the item can handle before connecting your devices. Overloading the cable might damage the cord and the electronics. If you are not sure about the amount of power the product can hold, always disconnect unnecessary items.
- A buzzing sound from the outlet
- Discolored plugs
- Overheating on the plugs
- Blown fuses
- Electronics malfunctioning
- Dimming lights
No Daisy Chaining
We also discourage connecting two or more cords, especially if you want to add more electronics to the circuit. This is only a trap for overloading since most people think they have increased their electrical capacity. Daisy chaining only lengthens the cords, allowing you to take the power supply a further distance. Also, it is easy to connect one faulty cord to another, thus causing more damage.
Another aspect you should avoid is joining two extension cords using their naked wires. This can easily lead to electrocution and short-circuiting. Therefore, discard the damaged products and get a longer one with better amperage to support your electrical needs.
Use Cords with Three Prongs
According to current safety measures, you should only use extension cords that have three prongs. If you have one that doesn’t have the ground prong, you need to dispose of it and purchase a new one. The third pin is crucial for safety since it carries the ground wire. Excessive current increases the risk of overheating and damage if you have only two pins on your cord.
Before connecting your extension cord, check whether you have any loose pins or signs of burned plastic. These are signs of damage, and working with such an item risks harming your electronics. You should also ensure that your cord goes fully into the socket before turning on the power. Do not force the plug into the outlet if one of the pins has an issue.
Avoid Pulling on the Cord
It is very easy to pull the cord when removing it from the socket, especially if the outlet is out of reach or you have wet hands. However, this risks damaging the cable since you put unnecessary pressure on the joint between the cable and the plug. Therefore, it is crucial to always disconnect the extension cord by handling the plug.
Passing the extension cord below the carpets, near doors, or placing it near human traffic also risks the same mistake. Someone can easily trip on the wire, forcing it to disconnect from the power source. Doing so can cause people to fall. The tripping and constant kicking can cause the insulation to break, exposing the wires.
Working with an extension cord with exposed wires poses an additional risk of electrocution. Electricians recommend disposing of such items since they are unsafe for your household. Do not cover the exposed wires with electrical tape since that does not provide a long-term solution. The adhesive wears out with time, and water can seep into the wires, causing a dangerous risk.
Do Not Use a Cord as a Permanent Power Source
Some homeowners find extension cords to be very effective in taking power supplies where they need them and forget that it is a temporary connection. We highly discourage using these items as a permanent power supply technique. You should remember that using extension cords to connect your lights and operating heavy machines often violates local building codes. These systems require suitable wiring with the proper capacity and safety measures.
Avoid Kinking the Cords
New extension cords usually come properly coiled to avoid kinks and allow the cable to stretch to its full capacity. This is the same way you should maintain your product once you finish using it. Do not fold the cable harshly or dump it somewhere entangled with other cables. This is a recipe for kinking and breaking the insulation.
You should ensure you coil the cable properly and avoid applying extra force to the joint at the plug. This way, you will keep the plastic insulation in good condition for a long time without exposing the wires. If you have a long exterior cord that comes rolled on its reel, carefully roll it back in place. Uncoil all the folds and corners to ensure that the entire cord lies perfectly and is ready for future use. You should also avoid folding or tying the cable to shorten its length.
About Our Company
Our Absolute Electric team has been in business since 2006, and we pride ourselves on excellent electrical services. Each assignment receives the priority it deserves, no matter the size of the job. You can count on us for indoor electrical repairs and lighting issues.
We also install and upgrade electrical panels and surge protection to keep you safe from electrical accidents and malfunctions. Our team also improves your comfort by installing and repairing ceiling and attic fans. You can have the best systems to keep your indoor environment comfortable throughout the year.
Reach out to our Absolute Electric team for more information or to schedule an appointment.
