Extension cords: hidden hazards

Are you using an extension cord as a permanent solution? You may be unknowingly creating a fire risk in your home or business.

Most people have simple appliances in their homes like coffee makers, stand mixers, hairdryers, and microwaves. But have you ever stopped to read the label that came on the cord for those appliances? If you have, you may have read the phrase “WARNING: PLUG DIRECTLY INTO A WALL RECEPTACLE/ OUTLET ONLY”. This phrase is a warning against using the device with an extension cord or power strip. But why?

Well, a lot of these small household appliances may not seem to draw much power, but even a simple coffee maker can draw up to 1500 watts of power when active. Even this amount of power draw teeters on the edge of the safety ratings for common household extension cords. Drawing more power than an extension cord is capable of creating a risk of overheating. Additionally, whenever you use an extension cord to plug something in, you are adding an additional point of connection for the power to go through. This increases the chance for a loose connection to cause heat or sparks.

A rule of thumb is that extension cords are intended to be temporary solutions, not permanent ones. Keeping an extension cord permanently hooked up somewhere in your home or business may seem convenient but can actually pose a serious risk of fire or electrical shock.

Here is a list of common extension cord mistakes we see that are actually a hazard, and why you should avoid them:

Daisy-chaining extension cords:

It can seem very convenient to hook multiple extension cords together to get the reach you need for your holiday lights, leaf blower, or weed whacker, however this is a serious safety issue and should be avoided.

Whenever you use an extension cord, you are multiplying the electrical resistance on the power draw. Increased electrical resistance creates additional heat, which quickly becomes a serious fire hazard.

Running extension cords under rugs:

We’ve already established that extension cords generate heat. While running a cord underneath a rug to hide it may seem like a simple way to get a cleaner look and prevent tripping; it traps the generated heat closer to the cord instead of letting it dissipate into the air. Over time this will wear down the insulation and build up enough heat to be a risk of fire or electrical burn.

Using an indoor extension cord outside:

An extension cord is an extension cord, right? Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Different extension cords are made for different purposes. Using an interior extension cord for outdoor use becomes risky as they aren’t made for exposure to moisture, outdoor temperatures, or animal/ insect activity. This can wear down the cord insulation and coating much faster, creating a risk of fire or electrical shock.

Using an under-rated extension cord:

Different extension cords are rated for different ampacities. It’s always important to check the labels on your cords and devices to make sure they are compatible and avoid the risk of overheating, sparking, or electrical fire.

Modifying the plug on an extension cord:

It can seem tempting to cut off the center prong of a cord when you need to use it with a two-prong outlet; however, this is not advisable. The third prong on a cord is used to create a route for electricity to go to a building’s grounding system in the case of a surge. This creates a safe path for the electricity to go rather than to your device, or worse, someone trying to use the cord. Without this path, the surge hits your device causing damage and potentially a fire, or it can hit the user of the cord, causing electrical shock or burns.

Daisy-chaining extension cords:

Running extension cords under rugs:

Using an indoor extension cord outside:

Using an under-rated extension cord:

Modifying the plug on an extension cord:

With all of this said, we aren’t telling you to go ahead and throw out that extension cord sitting in your garage. Extension cords are useful tools for temporarily getting more reach with your devices. Just be sure you read all labels and avoid the common mistakes above. For your reference, we are also including a list of common appliances that should not be plugged into an extension cord. This list is limited, however, so be sure to read the labels on your devices or device cords before using.

Appliances you should not use with extension cords:

Space heaters
Air conditioners
Refrigerators
Freezers
Microwaves
Toasters
Toaster ovens
Air fryers
Griddles, hot plates, cooktops
Coffee makers
Washing machines and dryers
Dishwashers
Sump pumps
Slow cookers, crockpots, or pressure cookers
Hair dryers, curling wands, straighteners, crimpers, etc.
Electric kettles
Bread makers
Stand mixers
Popcorn makers or ice shavers
Commercial printers or copy machines
Dehumidifiers

If you are relying on an extension cord as a permanent solution, you may just need a few more receptacles in your home. Our technicians at Electrical & Data Service Co. can look at your power capabilities and determine if additional receptacles are a good solution for your space.

Extension cords: hidden hazards

Are you using an extension cord as a permanent solution? You may be unknowingly creating a fire risk in your home or business.

Here is a list of common extension cord mistakes we see that are actually a hazard, and why you should avoid them:

Daisy-chaining extension cords:

Running extension cords under rugs:

Using an indoor extension cord outside:

Using an under-rated extension cord:

Modifying the plug on an extension cord:

Daisy-chaining extension cords:

Running extension cords under rugs:

Using an indoor extension cord outside:

Using an under-rated extension cord:

Modifying the plug on an extension cord:

Appliances you should not use with extension cords:

Related Articles

Hidden hazards: extension cords

GFCI outlets & how they protect downstream devices

Knob and tube wiring: what homeowners should know

Extension cords: hidden hazards

Are you using an extension cord as a permanent solution? You may be unknowingly creating a fire risk in your home or business.

Here is a list of common extension cord mistakes we see that are actually a hazard, and why you should avoid them:

Daisy-chaining extension cords:

Running extension cords under rugs:

Using an indoor extension cord outside:

Using an under-rated extension cord:

Modifying the plug on an extension cord:

Daisy-chaining extension cords:

Running extension cords under rugs:

Using an indoor extension cord outside:

Using an under-rated extension cord:

Modifying the plug on an extension cord:

Appliances you should not use with extension cords:

Related Articles

Hidden hazards: extension cords

GFCI outlets & how they protect downstream devices

Knob and tube wiring: what homeowners should know

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