Proper Usage Of Extension Cords In Murrieta Homes
The most important thing to remember about extension cords is that they are made for temporary use. A heavy reliance on the extension cord is an indication that you have too few outlets to address your needs. Proper usage of extension cords is critical to home safety.
Another common myth associated with extension cords is that they can be strung together endlessly without causing issues. One trouble with the extension cord is that they’re often in the way. Proper use and care of extension cords is something that most of us take for granted.Inspection of not the only outdoor extension cord, but all extension cords is necessary to ensure that no part of the cord is damaged, creating the risk of electric shock or fire.
Extension Cords Could Spell Disaster if Not Used Properly
Extension cords are flexible, insulated electrical wires with plug(s) at either end. They are designed for TEMPORARY use. For example, using an
extension cord to power an electrical drill while installing an electrical outlet is a temporary use. Running an extension cord from an electrical outlet to a drill press is NOT a temporary use.The insulation on an extension cord is designed to be flexible, but wears quickly, especially when extension cords are run along floors. Contact with even one exposed wire on an extension cord can result in a shock or ignition point. Extension cords on floors are a common trip hazard. The majority of the injuries mentioned above were fractures, lacerations, contusions, or sprains caused by people tripping over the cords.
Remember these safety tips when using extension cords:
• Extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis; unplug and safely store them after every use.
• Never use a cord that feels hot or is damaged in any way. Touching even a single exposed strand can give you an electric shock or burn.
• Make sure extension cords are properly rated for their intended use (indoor or outdoor) and meet or exceed the power needs of the appliance or tool being used. Read more here.
The most common mistake all users make in specifying extension cords is to purchase the cheapest extension cord they can find at a big box store.
How To Choose the Right Extension Cord for Anything
There are a lot of extension cords out there, and sometimes it’s hard to know which one to use. Often, people just go to the same one for everything—and it’s not always a safe choice for the wires carrying the current, the outlet, or the machine itself. Eliminate the guesswork by using the best cords for 16 common applications.
1. Leaf blower. For blowers will 12 amps or less, use a 16-gauge light-duty cord within 50 feet of your outlet. Go with a 14-gauge medium-duty cord for a higher amp or a greater distance from the outlet. Make sure the cord is rated for outdoor use—look for a “W” on the jacket.
2. Table lamp. Use an 18-gauge, two-prong, light-duty extension cord. It can handle up to 7 amps up to 25 feet—perfect for discreetly running to a nightstand from the outlet behind the bed. A retractable cord, like this one from TV Time Direct, cuts down on clutter.
3. Laptop computer. A 14-gauge, three-prong, medium-duty cord is a general-purpose tool ideal for powering small household appliances, like a laptop. See more here.
Make sure extension cord are properly rated for their intended use, indoor or outdoor, and meet or exceed the power needs of the appliance or device being used.
Extension Cord Safety Tips
Not enough cord for your lamp or radio to reach the nearest outlet? Just plowing through the junk drawer for an extension cord? This may not be a good idea. Extension cords can be very helpful in delivering power right where we need it. However, regardless of the gauge or rating of the cord, an extension cord is a temporary solution, and is not meant to be used as a long-term extension of your household’s electrical system.
Using extension cords properly is critical to your safety. With continuous use over time, an extension cord can rapidly deteriorate, creating a potentially dangerous electric shock or fire hazard. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) offers the following tips for staying safe from electric shock and electrical fires:
- Do not overload extension cords or allow them to run through water or snow on the ground.
- Do not substitute extension cords for permanent wiring.
- Do not run through walls, doorways, ceilings or floors. If cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which may result in a fire hazard.
- Do not use an extension cord for more than one appliance. Read full article here.
Extension Cords Can Be Very Helpful In Delivering Power
The most common mistakes in using extension cords are to select cords with too low a current rating for the load or to select a cord with inadequately robust insulation for the application. Extension cord is a convenient way to bring power to electrical devices. And remember that extension cords are intended as temporary wiring solutions. Extension cord is classified for either indoor or outdoor use.
Extension cords are available for indoor or outdoor use so you can have power wherever you need it. The most important recent change in extension cord is the availability of high-performance insulation systems that reduce the chance of cutting or abrasion damage. Information regarding extension cords is not easy to understand and disbursed in various resources, you may call us here: (951) 805-1262.
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