Extension cords are a common household item that provides power and electricity to areas without access. They can be used in homes, businesses, construction sites, and more. Extension cords should never be overloaded or run through water or moist areas as this will cause them to short circuit leading to electrocution or worse. For extension cords to work correctly, they must not be damaged, frayed at the ends, have loose connections between wires and plugs, etc. And to set up all your extension cord perfectly you must ask for assistance from the best Chattanooga Electrical Contractor, Forster Electric. We are the best Residential Electrical Repair service provider in and around Chattanooga.
The Risks of Using Extension Cords
A few of the dangers of using an extension cord has been given below:
- Using the incorrect extension cord gauge
- Using a too-long extension cord
- Using extension cables that have been uncertified for usage, The States
- Using an ungrounded extension cord
- Connecting an excessive number of electrical devices to an extension cable
How to Use Extension Cords Safely
Here are some mistakes people often make when using extension cords that could potentially lead to fires or other dangerous situations:
Do Not Connect Extension Cables
Keep your extension cords safe and sound by making sure they’re the right length. They may seem tempting to string together, but resist this urge! Overheating caused by daisy-chaining can lead to a severe fire hazard for you and everyone else in your home or business where there is an open power outlet with nothing plugged into it. With an overload of gadgets, appliances, and other electrical devices to support, extension cords can do more harm than good if they’re not used properly by the Chattanooga Electrician.
Do Not Let The Cords Become A Tripping Hazard.
The longer the power cord, the better. But make sure it’s out of sight and doesn’t get in front of anyone during use! Metal staples or nails aren’t strong enough for this task, so choose plastic ties that hold tight without damaging any surface below them.
When you have cables that need to be run across walkways, consider using cord runners or taping them with industrial tape. Cords should not have any Knots tied in them as this can cause shorts and lead to electrical shock!
Do Not Use Damaged Extension Cords
Using damaged cords may seem like a quick fix at first, but it can lead to severe hazards which could cause fires or electrocution. When using cords, inspect them for damage like frayed ends, exposed wire, or loose connections. If cords are damaged, don’t use them and seek assistance from the store you bought them at or an electrician to help with fixing your cord.
Do Not Exceed Your Extension Cords Amps
Only plug-in appliances that match the voltage and amps of the extension cord. If you plug in an appliance that exceeds the amperage of your extension cord, it can lead to overheating and potential fire hazards.
Do Not Exceed The Watts Of Your Extension Cords
Only plug appliances into your cords that do not exceed the total wattage of your extension cord. Doing so can lead to overheating and potential war hazards or fire, which could cause severe problems in your home or business.
This is because as the cord gets longer, the current-carrying capacity decreases. For example, a 16 gauge extension up to 50 feet long can support an appliance that consumes about 1600 watts of power (W). However, a 16G wire transferred over 200 ft will only provide 1250 W to its load due mainly to inductance, which causes resistance and thus heat build-up, and other factors such as distance from the source.
In general, thinner wires have less “resistance,” so they can carry more electricity before heating up. In contrast, thicker ones melt at higher temperatures but remain strong enough for most uses if not exceeding 1/4 wavelength or 60 inches – whichever comes first.
If you use an extension cord, make sure it has the proper amperage, voltage, and watts for your equipment. For example, if you have a space heater that requires 1000 watts of power, plugging it into a 20 amp circuit with 12 gauge wire could cause overheating, leading to fires or worse.
Do Not Exceed The Cord’d Rating.
If you have a 1500 watt space heater, use an extension cord with the correct gauge rating. Some cheap cords are size 16-gauge which can only handle 10 amps of power–even when overloaded! To be safe from fires or shock hazards, plug your particular model directly into the outlet instead of using one of these low-quality items that could cause severe injuries if there was ever something wrong happening inside them.
Always Use The Extension Cord That The States Approves
The best way to avoid counterfeit electrical goods is by checking the approval of each device for use in America. Counterfeit products are everywhere, so homeowners should ensure they purchase from reputable companies and take proper precautions when installing their new item onto an extension cord or power strip.
If you are looking to purchase an extension cord or electrical device that the States has not approved, contact your local Electrician Chattanooga service for assistance with finding a reputable dealer.
Try To Use 3 Prongs
A grounded (3 prong) extension cord connects with electrical devices that have a grounding. Grounded cords are 3-prong outlets, power bars, or surge protectors for your home’s appliances and electronics. They’re safe if you use one of these properly!
A word on safety: don’t cut off the ground wire – even though some people may tell you it’s not necessary anymore because their device has an anti- susceptor built into its plug now, it is recommended keeping at least 2 inches long, so there isn’t any chance of anyone getting shocked when touching live metal parts during installation
Forster Electric – The Best Electrician In Chattanooga
As professional Residential Electricians in Chattanooga, we know the importance of safety when it comes to extension cords. Be sure to always use an approved cord with your tool and never exceed its length. Forster Electric is here for all residential electrical work as well as commercial projects. Contact us today at (404) 855-4797!
