Extension cords are a handy addition to any household, office or commercial space but proper care and precautions need to be taken to ensure their safety as they can be a safety hazard.
An overheated extension cord can result in a fire. If placed haphazardly in a high-traffic area, people can trip. And if used near water, there’s the risk of electrical shock.
When shopping for an extension cord:
- For outdoor use, only purchase cords made for outdoor projects.
- If your cord comes with instructions on the packaging, always read and follow them, especially regarding how much power it requires.
- Choose a cord that can handle the wattage of the devices you’ll use.
- Think about the length you’ll need and keep in mind that longer cords can’t handle as much current as shorter cords of the same gauge.
When using an extension cord:
- Try to avoid plugging multiple appliances into one cord.
- Don’t use indoor extension cords outdoors.
- Never plug multiple cords together.
- Don’t run extension cords under furniture and rugs, as this prevents any heat generated from escaping, producing a fire hazard.
- It is not advisable to tape, staple or nail extension cords to the floor or walls.
- Don’t bend an extension cord when in use.
- If the extension cord feels hot to the touch, stop using it.
To care for an extension cord:
- Always store indoors.
- Unplug when not in use.
- Dispose of damaged cords.
- To disconnect from the plug point, pull the plug and not the cord.
Enquiries: www.radiant.co.za
