Power strips and extension cords have many uses in many situations. Using one of them is the only option in many cases, such as when you need to plug your TV, stereo equipment, streaming device, router, gaming console or other devices into a distant outlet. Unfortunately, power strips and extension cords can lead to major safety hazards, including the risk of fire or shock, when used improperly. Following best practices ensures you can safely use your cords and strips without taking any unnecessary risks.
Always Inspect Cords and Power Strips Before Plugging Them In
Using a damaged extension cord or power strip can be a major safety hazard. For starters, you could get seriously shocked or electrocuted if you accidentally touch a bare wire. The same can happen if water comes into contact with a bare wire. If the live wire in a cord or strip comes into contact with the neutral wire, it will result in a short circuit that causes a major spike in current that can damage or destroy whatever you have plugged in.
Always take the time to fully inspect your extension cord or power strip before using it. When performing the inspection, you want to make sure that the sheathing surrounding the internal wires is fully intact and there are no exposed wires. With extension cords, the sheathing commonly pulls away from where it meets one of the plug ends and leaves a small section of wiring exposed. If there are any areas where the sheathing is split or you can otherwise see the wiring underneath, you should throw the cord or strip away and use a different one.
With power strips, check for any scorching or smoke marks around any of the receptacles, which typically indicates that the wiring for that receptacle is loose or damaged, resulting in the wires sparking or getting so hot that the receptacle melted. If you notice any signs of scorching or smoking, toss the strip in the trash, as there’s a high chance it could catch on fire during use.
Make Sure Not to Overload the Outlet or Circuit
Electrical overloads can increase the risk of overheated wiring and the potential for fires. While the circuit breaker should trip in the event of an overload, there’s always the risk that the breaker is faulty and won’t work as it should. As such, you need to know how much power you can safely draw from a circuit without overloading it. All standard 120-volt outlets inside and outside a house are on either a 15- or 20-amp circuit. A 15-amp circuit can technically handle a maximum load of 1,800 watts, and the maximum for a 20-amp circuit is 2,400 watts. However, the general rule of thumb is that you should never exceed 80% of the circuit’s maximum load.
To prevent overloads, consider the total wattage of everything you’re running off the extension cord or power strip. You also need to account for the additional load of the lighting and everything else that’s plugged into that same circuit. You need to be especially careful not to overload a circuit when using an extension cord to run power tools or lawn and garden equipment outside. This can be easier than you might imagine since outdoor outlets often share a circuit with indoor outlets along the same wall.
Don’t Daisy-Chain Cords or Power Strips Together
If your power strip doesn’t have enough receptacles, the safest solution is to use multiple strips and plug them into different outlets or just buy one with more receptacles. Daisy-chaining or plugging multiple power strips together can be dangerous due to the risk of overheating. This risk is even higher if you plug a power strip into an extension cord.
Daisy-chaining extension cords isn’t always an issue, but you need to make sure that they are the same gauge and rated to handle the same amount of power. If not, there’s a high chance that the lower-rated cord will overheat and potentially start a fire.
Never Use Cords and Power Strips Rated for Indoor Use Outside
Whenever you need to use an extension cord or power strip outside, you must ensure that it is approved for outdoor use. Outdoor outlets and power strips are designed to be fully waterproof, which isn’t necessarily the case with ones that are only rated for indoor use. They’re also more robust and thus less likely to get damaged, resulting in a safety hazard.
Only Use Extension Cords to Provide Temporary Power
Extension cords should only be used in situations when you need temporary power and never as a permanent power source. That means not using an extension cord to plug in your computer or any other appliances or electronics. If there isn’t an outlet close enough to where you need it, you can find power strips and surge protector strips with cords up to 25 feet long that are safe for permanent use. That said, an electrician installing another outlet in that location is a safer, more convenient and more efficient option.
Always Use GFCI Protection When Using Electricity Outdoors
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets, circuit breakers and extension cords are an essential safety measure when using electricity outside or anywhere near a potential source of water. GFCI protection is also crucial when using any high-power devices such as power tools or lawn and garden equipment. GFCIs protect against ground faults, which occur when the current escapes and flows through a different path into the ground, such as a human body. If the GFCI ever detects even a tiny difference in the incoming current compared to the outgoing current, it will trip almost instantly to stop the flow of power. This greatly reduces the chances of getting shocked or electrocuted if you use anything with damaged wiring and the live wire comes into contact with water or anything metal.
Most outdoor outlets are GFCI-protected, as this has been a requirement under the National Electric Code for many years. You can tell if any outlet is a GFCI by checking if it has Test and Reset buttons. A GFCI outlet will also have a green light that will either go out or turn red when you press the Test button. If the light doesn’t go out, it means the internal breaker is faulty and the outlet should be replaced before you use it again. Test GFCI outlets monthly to make sure they still work.
If you need to use power outside and don’t have a GFCI outlet, use a GFCI extension cord instead. You can easily tell if a cord is GFCI protected, as it will have GFCI stamped all along the sheathing. You can also look at the tag near one of the ends to see if it’s a GFCI cord.
For premier electrical services in Fenton and the St. Louis Metro area, look to Potts Electric. We’re a family-owned company with years of experience providing safe, reliable electrical services. Whether you’re looking to install additional outlets, upgrade to whole-home surge protection, GFCI outlets or need any other electrical services, we’ll make sure you get the prompt assistance you need. For more information or to schedule service, contact us today.
