The later months of the year find many households putting up decorations inside and out. Climbing up into the attic and dragging down all the old wires and lights is almost a yearly tradition for some. But what do you really know about extension cord use when stringing up all those sparkly decorations? Are they rated for outdoor use, and can they handle the power you are trying to draw from them? This year, save yourself stress and time by learning all about extension cords and how to prepare your home for the holidays correctly.
Old Wires
First and foremost, just because an extension cord was purchased long ago does not mean it is inoperational or broken. Extension cords are generally rated as entirely safe for up to 15 years after manufacture. However, many factors might lower that lifespan. If your cords have taken a beating in years past through outdoor use or improper storage, their quality might have deteriorated to the point of being unsafe. If you have any worries about the quality of your wires, it is best to replace them with a new version.
Outside vs. Inside
If you went to the store and grabbed the first extension cord you saw, chances are it is not rated for extensive outdoor use. General-use extension cords can be used outside for lights and decorations for a limited time frame as long as they are not exposed to significant weather. However, any outdoor application can just as easily use an outdoor-rated extension cord, so this is the version you should opt for. Outdoor versions have a tougher exterior made of materials such as thick rubber or vinyl. Compared to cords made with the intention of general indoor use, these heavy-duty extension cords will also supply greater power to your lights and decorations, severely reducing the possibility of an outage.
Tips For Extension Cord Use This Holiday Season
Extension cords, if misused, can cause fires and lead to severe injury or death, so make sure to know the extension cord best practices if using them this year during the holidays.
Extension cords with long wires will not as efficiently power your devices, as the resistance from the wire itself will cause a voltage drop. Balling up a long cord and placing it behind a couch or desk can also cause the wire to heat up, a dangerous situation. Always use a cord that is as small as reasonable for the application it is used for.
Certain everyday household items should never be used in an extension cord, only in an outlet. Most things that produce heat, such as coffee pots, hair dryers, and irons, draw a surprisingly large amount of power. If holiday decorating has caused you to shift where and how you plug in your devices, ensure that these high-power drawing items are always safely in an outlet. The worse offenders in this category, space heaters, are not commonly used in Florida. However, keep this info in mind if you travel out of state for the holidays.
Nowadays, most extension cords will have a three-pronged plug. This third prong is the ground plug and is important for providing a pathway for electricity to move through in the event of a power failure and fault. If given the option, always use three-pronged plugs.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, thousands of fires are started every year because of holiday lights, decorations, and Christmas trees. Following these tips will keep your family safe during the holiday season and the rest of the year as well. If you have any more questions or concerns regarding your electrical system or would like to upgrade your electrical panel, call Promise Electric today.
