Safetydude's Safety Tip of the Week

Electrical Cords and Extension Cords

Extension cords are commonly used throughout the home as a handy, temporary way to get electrical power to wherever you want.

Unfortunately, if these cords are not used properly they can cause serious injuries even deaths.

Common injuries include:

  • Fractures, lacerations, sprains, etc caused by tripping over the extension cord.

  • Fires caused by over heating, short circuits, and using damaged extension cords.

  • Electrical burns to the mouths of young children under the age of five.

    Please follow these tips for the safe use of electrical cords and extension cords 
    • Any electrical tool or appliance is only as good as the cord that connects it to the power source. It is important to use the right cord for the job and to use the cord properly.
       
    • Look for the CSA mark on all electrical cords. This shows that the cord complies with recognized safety standard. 
       
    • Check the extension cord and the cord that you are plugging into the cord regularly.  Replace them if they are worn or damaged.  In particular, look for worn insulation, cracked casings and loose or exposed parts at the plug.
       
    • Use extension cords only as a temporary connection.
       
    • Secure that the usage of the extension cord does not represent a trip hazards to yourself or ours in the area.
       
    • Make sure the extension cord is heavy enough for the intended load. For any device that draws more than 7 amps, use a heavy-duty cord with No. 16 or No. 14 wire. (To determine how many amps a device will draw, divide the wattage by 120.)
       
    • If a cord or plug becomes hot when it is plugged in, it may be overloaded. Unplug it immediately and replace it with a heavier cord.
       
    • When working with power tools, use a heavy-duty, grounded, three-pronged cord.
       
    • Never connect more than one extension cord together; instead use a single cord that is long enough to reach from the appliance to the outlet without stretching.
       
    • Avoid using a cord that is too long for the job because a coiled or tangled cord can overheat and can also be a tripping hazard.
       
    • Never run an electrical cord through a doorway, because if the door closes on the cord the insulation could be damaged.
       
    • Similarly, never run an electrical cord under a carpet or rug, because when people walk over the rug the weight and friction could damage the cord, increasing the risk of fire or electric shock.
       
    • In locations where furniture or beds may be pushed against an extension cord where the cord joins the plug, use a special "angle extension cord" specifically designed for these purposes.
       
    • Always match the wide blade of the plug to the wide slot of the outlet. NEVER force a three-pronged plug into a two-pronged outlet or extension cord.
       
    • Insert plugs fully so that no part of the prongs are exposed.
       
    • Store extension cords only indoors at temperatures above 0°C (32°F). Outdoor conditions can deteriorate extension cords over a long period of time.
       
    • Outdoors, use only cords that are clearly marked for outdoor use.
       
    • Use electrical cords only in dry locations.
       
    • Always unplug an extension cord when it is not in use.
       
    • TUG BY THE PLUG: Never unplug an electrical cord by pulling on the cord

 

Picture of the Week

Wonder if this guy ever thought what would happen if he slipped?