Working from home has its own perks, including cozy pajamas, your favorite coffee cup, or the lazy couch. However, one common issue that you can face while working from home is the efficiency of an actual office setting.
Between juggling constant meetings and managing family life, the last thing you would want is a power outage or inaccessible outlets.
When your work demands your uninterrupted focus, having an extension cord by your side can feel like a lifesaver. An extension cord fills the gap between your devices and the far-flung power outlets.
However, before plugging in your devices, have you ever given in to your paranoia and considered whether it is safe?
Well, you are not alone! This article has everything that you must know about extension cord safety.
Understanding the Hazards of Extension Cords
Extension cords can cause severe injuries and sometimes lead to fatalities, like electrical fires, when not taken care of. This problem results from risking an extension cord with a current beyond its capacity, leading to overheating and ignition.
Moreover, extension cords can be potential trip hazards, particularly, when these are poorly managed and spread across the room.
Understanding and overcoming these hazards is crucial for your extension cord to work correctly. Below is how you can do it.
1. Choosing the Right Extension Cord for Safety
The first step to avoid potential hazards related to extension cords is to check the amperage capacity of the cord. This will determine whether the cord can handle the current load of the devices plugged in. A cord with less current capacity will lead to overheating and may result in fire accidents.
Another factor to consider regarding the safety of extension cords is its gauge. The gauge measures the wire’s thickness; as a rule, the thicker a wire is, the more current it can safely conduct.
Also, the length of the cord has to be considered, as longer cords tend to result in voltage drops and overheating.
This simply means that it is always best to go for the shortest cord that meets your demands.
2. Safe Usage Practices for Extension Cords
Safety considerations of extension cords include the correct use of the cables to reduce possible hazards and establish a safe environment.
When using an extension cord, it is unwise to connect several electrical appliances to it, as this can lead to fire outbreaks due to the cord overheating.
To this end, minimize the number of appliances connected to a single extension cord and ensure their total power does not exceed the cord’s power rating.
The other thing that is very important in the use of the cables is to ensure that all the cords are fully unwound since coiled cables can heat up.
Also, do not allow cords to come into contact with water, as this can cause electric shock or a short circuit.
3. Routine Inspection and Maintenance
One way to reduce the risk of an extension cord accident is to check and ensure that the cords are in good condition.
Regularly observe the cord and identify any signs of wires being damaged, such as frayed wires or damaged insulation on any part of the cord, before it is used.
This is because when cords are frayed, they should be replaced to prevent adverse mishaps from happening.
The other requirement is storing the cords properly. For instance, the cords should be stored in cool and dry places and should not be overtwisted because this will affect their internal wires.
Also, remember to ensure that the cords are clean and dirt-free, which can lead to insulation breakdown.
4. Special Safety Considerations
There are circumstances where extra cautions need to be taken when using an extension cord.
For outdoor use, it is recommended to use cords manufactured for outdoor applications, because they are made to handle changes in moisture and temperature.
For areas that are frequently visited, make sure that the cables are brightly colored or covered to avoid instances of people tripping over them.
Another rule is prohibiting the cords’ accessibility for children and other pets who might bite or play with them, creating electrical dangers.
5. Responding to Emergencies
In an emergency involving an extension cord, knowing what to do can assist in reducing damage and avoiding injuries.
If you notice an extension cord overheating, sparking, or smoking, unplug it immediately by pulling out the entire outlet. To reduce danger even more, if required, cut off the electricity at the breaker.
A Class C fire extinguisher, meant to put out electrical fires, is also a thoughtful item to have close by.
Please note that an electrical fire should never be put out with water since this might cause electrocution.
Seek the advice of a certified electrician for a comprehensive examination if cord problems persist.
Conclusion
Although extension cables are useful tools for your household, using them inappropriately might pose a significant risk to one’s safety. Electrical shocks and fires can be avoided by selecting the suitable cable, using it correctly, and routinely checking it for damage.
Always put safety before convenience. And remember that it’s best to be prepared and cautious when handling electricity.
