Extension cords are essential at homes and workplaces as they offer a simple and convenient way to power your home appliances. The line enables you to draw power from a reasonably distant outlet. In other words, it allows you to extend power from any part of your home or workplace. Despite its usefulness, it could lead to hazards, including electrical shock, fire accidents, electrocution, etc. Hence, it would help if you handled it with caution.  

When you don’t use this cord properly, it can overheat; causing burns, shock, and fire accidents. It is worth mentioning that several home fire accidents are caused by extension cords every year. Sadly, it has led to the death several deaths and injuries. To avoid electrical hazards, ensure that you buy the right cord by paying attention to the extension cord gauge and other essential parameters. Apart from that, electrical cords are not designed for permanent usage; they should only be used as a temporary solution for your electrical needs.  

To protect your home from extension cord hazards, you should stick to the cord safety rules. If you are planning to get this gadget, follow the safety tips below to protect your home and workplace from electrical mishaps: 

Go for the Right Extension Cords 

Buying the wrong cord can lead electrical accident; therefore, you should buy the right one when you intend to purchase the product. Select a three-prong plug or polarized plug. Do not buy electrical cords without any approval from an independent testing lab. 

You must be able to differentiate outdoor extension cords from the ones designed for indoor use. Check the description or usage instructions to avoid buying the wrong gadget for outdoor use. Consider round, thick, low-gauge cords for heavy-duty appliances, while a flat one will do for electronic and smaller appliances.  

Be Mindful of the Specifications 

Getting the perfect specification is essential for extension cord safety. Hence, you must buy the right size to avoid overheating and other hazards. Extension cords have varying length and power requirements. Therefore, you must know what you need in terms of wattage before stepping out to buy this product. Once you have this knowledge, you can easily select an extension cord with the right size and capacity. The cord’s gauge represents its size, while its current carrying capacity varies inversely as the length.  

Do not Use a Damaged Cord. 

To electrical shock, you must check your cords regularly for damage. Examine the entire cord length to check for punctures or cracks on the insulator. Do not attempt to patch up the part if you notice any; instead, dispose and replace it with a new one.  

Adopt Proper Maintenance Ethics 

Proper maintenance of the gadgets is essential to prevent electrical hazards. First, ensure that you keep the cord indoors and keep it away from moistures. In addition to that, never leave the gadget unplugged after use.  

Removing the cord from the electrical source by pulling the wire is improper. The right way to go about this is to pull it from the outlet. Furthermore, do not keep damaged cords; discard them properly.  

Follow the Safety Rules Guiding Electrical Cords Usage

To protect your home and offices from electrical hazards, you must follow some basic safety rules that guide the usage of this product. Here are some safety guidelines that you should follow: 

  • Never power multiple appliances with a single cord 
  • Never remove the cord’s grounding pin to enable it to fit into an outlet with two prongs.  
  • Disconnect a chord immediate if it feels hot 
  • Never coil or bend the wire when using it 
  • Avoid tapping the cord to surfaces 
  • Never patch up broken or cracked insulators with tape 
  • Do not run the wire under a carpet, furniture, or rug.  

Never Use the Cord Wrongly 

You can prolong the useful life of the cord and avoid electrical accidents by avoiding common mistakes like connecting two or more plugs to extend their reach. This practice can lead to overheating, increasing the risk of an electrical fire. Also, do not be tempted to overload the extension cord. Take note of the product’s wattage requirement and do not exceed the limit indicated. Keep it away from crowded or busy areas to avoid tripping hazards.

Furthermore, you should not install ceiling-mounted equipment like fans and projectors with electrical cords. Besides, ensure you meet all requirements when you use the product outdoors. 

Conclusion

The first and most critical factor to consider when buying an electrical cord is safety. To buy the right product, pay attention to your wattage, size, and the environment you intend to use the product. Once you choose your cord rightly, you have significantly reduced the chances of electrical hazards.  

After the purchase, then you have to follow essential safety measures when using the gadget. With the safety tips explained above, you can keep your home and workplace safe from electrical tragedies caused by extension cords

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