Contemporary homes are designed for modern life, and that means being wired and ready for a multitude of electronic devices. These residences tend to have plenty of outlets, built in power strips and centers, and access to power for everyone’s phone, tablet and screens. However, if you live in an older home, you may not have such convenience installed. Homes that were built before the year 2000 didn’t offer accommodation for all of the technology we have today, and many people find that extension cords may seem like the only solution. However, extension cords can also create hazards in your home that you should be aware of.
Dangers of Extension Cords
- One of the most obvious problems is that a cord stretched across a room – or between rooms – can cause someone to trip over the wire. The problem is compounded when people connect two or more extension cords through large areas of their home. Tripping over the cord can cause accident or injury, and this can also cause the cord to disconnect and the device you have connected to lose power.
- When your residence or office space does not provide enough outlets for all of your computers, devices and technology, it is typically not built to facilitate the needed electrical load. Trying to support too many devices with the currently installed infrastructure can cause circuits to overload or trip.
- If an electrical cord id old or frayed, it could present a fire hazard. These cords could also overheat or spark, and if they are covered by furniture or a rug the fire hazard may be increased.
Extension Cord Safety Tips
You should only consider an extension cord for a temporary purpose, and never as a permanent solution to a lack of outlets. If you need more outlets or your panel needs to be upgraded in order to handle the current load, you should call a local Sarasota electrician to ensure the project is up to current code and safe for you and your family to use.
When you do decide to use an extension cord, keep these important safety tips in mind. Improper use of these cords can cause fire, shock or electrocution.
- Do not power multiple appliances or devices with one cord, as this practice can overload it.
- There are extension cords which are designed for both indoor and outdoor use. You should never utilize indoor extension cords for outdoor purposes.
- Keep wires and extension cords away from and out of reach of children. They can injure themselves, but also may unplug something important.
- Most electricians advise it is dangerous to plug multiple cords together to supply power to more devices.
- Don’t lay extension cords under furniture, towels, rugs or sheets. The cords may overheat and may start a fire.
- Extension cords should never be attached by staples or nails to floors or surfaces, as this can damage the wires.
- When in use, extension cords should not be bent or coiled up. This can cause the outer protective layer to crack or rip, and the wires may also be damaged – which could result in shock or even electrocution.
- If at any time the cord feels hot to the touch, stop using it immediately. If your cord is damaged in any way, do not use it. Discard of it properly.
- Cords should be unplugged when not being used, and should be stored in a safe location away from children.
Promise Electric provides exceptional service to both residential and commercial customers in the Sarasota area. If you need to upgrade your electrical panel or add more outlets to your home or business, our master electricians are here to help.
