Do not substitute extension cords for permanent wiring. Do not run through walls, doorways, ceilings, or floors. If a cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which may result in a fire hazard. Do not use an extension cord for more than one appliance.
What should you not use an extension cord for?
Using extension cords
Never use indoor extension cords outdoors. Don’t plug multiple cords together. Don’t run extension cords under rugs or furniture. Never tape extension cords to floors or attach them to surfaces with staples or nails.
Why is using an extension cord bad?
Why Extension Cords Are Dangerous
Electrical current flowing through wires generates heat, and when too much current flows through a wire, it can overheat and melt the plastic insulation of the wires, causing short circuits and fires.
Is it safe to use an extension cord on an extension cord?
Can You Plug Extension Cords Into Another Extension Cord? Again, technically you can, but it’s not recommended, as it’s considered a fire hazard. And it’s also against OSHA and NEC regulations.
Is it OK to use extension cord for refrigerator?
Using a grounded extension cord with a three-prong plug is always the best choice for major appliances including refrigerators.Since the 10-gauge cord is an extra heavy-duty extension, it makes the best choice for big power loads like a refrigerator.
Can an extension cord cause a fire?
Extension cords can overheat and cause fires when used improperly. Overheating is usually caused by overloading or connecting appliances that consume more watts than the cord can handle. Damaged extension cords can also cause fires. Extension cords should only be used temporarily.
How many extension cords can you plug together for Christmas lights?
A good rule of thumb is not to exceed 1000 watts on a single household breaker. (Note that’s breaker not outlet. Multiple outlets can connect to a single breaker so keep that in mind.) So if your light strings are rated at 40 watts per string, you can run a maximum of 25 strings of that rating on one breaker.
How many extension cables is safe?
Use only One Extension Lead Per Socket it may sound stupid, but some people plug in an extension lead into an extension lead. Use one extension lead per socket only, otherwise the risk of overloading the wall socket and the extension lead plugged into it!
Is it OK to plug a freezer into an extension cord?
The extra current overheats smaller 16- and 18-gauge extension cords, which are intended for lamps and small appliances, and you should never use one for a refrigerator or freezer.
Is it safe to use an extension cord for a washing machine?
Washing machines draw a large amount of electrical current to operate. Most user manuals will indicate that using an extension cord for a large appliance such as a washing machine is not advisable. Generally speaking, using an extension cord for your washing machine should be avoided.
Can I use an extension cord for my microwave?
We strongly recommend that an extension cord not be used with a microwave due to potential safety hazards under certain conditions. Your microwave should be plugged into its own properly grounded, dedicated electrical outlet to prevent the flickering of the lights, blowing of a fuse or tripping of a circuit breaker.
How likely is an extension cord to catch fire?
Roughly 3,300 home fires originate in extension cords each year, killing 50 people and injuring 270 more. Extension cords can overheat and cause fires when used improperly, so keep these important tips in mind to protect your home and workplace.
Why do people use extension cords?
Extension cords provide power for devices with cables that can’t reach any nearby electrical outlets. Choosing the right type of extension cord is important to ensure electrical safety and prevent home fires.
Are extension cords OK in the rain?
An extension cord can survive the rain if it is rated for outdoor use and if it is in good condition. However, the plug should be kept out of the rain.
Are extension cords safe for Christmas lights?
Two-wire extension cords are ideal for small appliances and are adequate for most indoor festive lights. Three-wire extension cords have a “ground” line and are safer for outdoor light displays.Always check extension cords for damage or deterioration to the insulation.
Can I connect two 100 ft extension cords together?
If you plug two identical cords into each other, that reduces their current capacity in half and can possibly result in voltage drop and overheating. In general, extension cords should not exceed 100 feet in length. However, by plugging one extension cord into another, the maximum cord length can be easily exceeded.
What happens if you connect too many Christmas lights?
Because light strings have a maximum wattage capacity, which is why many string lights come with a little fuse just in case you connect too many together at once. The fuse is designed to blow so you don’t overload and damage your Christmas lights.This happens when your wattage exceeds the amp capacity of the circuit.
How often should you replace extension cords?
Extension cords and power strips: While extension cords and power strips don’t come with an expiration date per sae, they do have a limited lifetime use. These items are only designed to handle so much juice over the years and will eventually short out or lose effectiveness.
Does extension lead need surge protector?
A surge protector is an appliance or device designed to protect electrical devices from voltage spikes.
How can you tell if a plug socket is bad?
Your power socket requires immediate attention if you hear buzzing, popping or cracking sounds. Such a condition might require professional help, and so it is always advisable to take the help of an electrician to get your power socket replaced. Burning smells are observed if the power sockets are corroded.
Does a small chest freezer need a dedicated circuit?
Upright and chest freezers require a 120 volt, individual, properly grounded branch circuit with a 3 prong grounding type receptacle, protected by a 15 or 20 amp circuit breaker or time-delay fuse. The freezer should be on a dedicated circuit.
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