The Top 5 Extension Cord Safety Tips

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

After the fire is put out, call SERVPRO for our Dallas fire damage restoration services. With our 35+ years of experience, you will be in good hands.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, electrical malfunctions caused only 6.8 percent of fires in 2019. However, property owners still need to be mindful of how their wiring can cause potential dangers. 

Even when it comes to something as simple as extension cords, one needs to know the essential extension cord safety tips. Engaging in the proper safety protocols will decrease the risk of fire and damage to your property. 

Most Important Extension Cord Safety Tips to Know

Following extension cord safety tips ensures that property owners won’t cause any fires and have to rely on Dallas fire damage restoration services afterward. Moreover, it also ensures that occupants are kept out of harm’s way.

The 5 most important extension cord safety tips you need to know are:

1. Choose the Right Extension Cord

When you need an extension cord, always choose one that’s appropriate for the intended use. If, for example, you need to power something outdoors, use an outdoor cord. Outdoor cords are designed to withstand the outside elements such as moisture, sunlight, and abrasion.

Using an indoor cord intended for outdoor use could start a fire and you will need to hire local Dallas fire damage restoration services.

2. Don’t Overuse a Cord

Don’t overlord and don’t overuse an extension cord, or you could cause the cord to deteriorate quickly. Deteriorated cords are a potential shock and fire hazard.

3. Check the Extension Cord’s Wattage Rating

When you purchase an extension cord, check its wattage rating, which you’ll find either in watts, amps, or volts. Your cord’s wattage rating should be greater than the appliance it is powering.

If you intend on plugging multiple appliances into a single cord, combine their wattages together to ensure the total does not exceed your cord’s rating.

4. Place Your Cords Appropriately

Don’t run your extension cords through your ceilings and your walls. If your cords are inside your ceilings and walls, they can overheat and create a fire hazard.

5. Don’t Use a Damaged Cord

As obvious as this sounds, many people still use a damaged cord. Even when not damaged at first, users will place cords in areas where they can be easily damaged (underneath furniture, through a window, etc.)

Placing a cord in such an area will likely strip the protective tubing around the wiring, which in turn will create shock and fire hazards.

Fire Caused by an Extension Cord? SERVPRO Can Help

After the fire is put out, call SERVPRO for our Dallas fire damage restoration services. With our 35+ years of experience, you can trust you will be in good hands.

Call us at (972) 986-7677 or visit our contact page.