Universal Home Experts recently shared an important home safety message, Overloaded. Here’s more information from the Electrical Safety Foundation International about the importance of properly using your extension cords. Take a moment to read and then share these important ESFI safety tips with your loved ones.
Safety Tips:
These important safety principles can help keep your home and office safe from electrical hazards:
- Extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis; unplug and safely store them after every use.
- Never use a cord that feels hot or is damaged in any way. Touching even a single exposed strand can give you an electric shock or burn.
- Make sure extension cords are properly rated for their intended use, indoor or outdoor, and meet or exceed the power needs of the appliance or tool being used.
- Do not run extension cords through walls or ceilings. This may cause the cord to overheat, creating a serious fire hazard.
- Keep extension cords out of high traffic areas like doorways or walkways where they pose a tripping hazard.
- Insert plugs fully so that no part of the prongs is exposed when the extension cord is in use.
- Do not nail or staple electrical cords to walls or baseboards.
If an extension cord is needed for a longer period of time, temporary power taps can be used when insufficient electrical receptacles are available. These devices may have 3 to 6 electrical receptacles, a circuit breaker, a 6-ft. to 15-ft. cord and a surge protector, and should bear the mark of a certified testing organization.
Ensure that all extension cords are certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as UL, CSA, or ETL, and read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Facts and Statistics:
Extension cords are a leading cause of electrical fires, and can cause injury and death if used improperly. According to the CPSC:
- An estimated 3,300 residential fires originate from extension cords each year, killing and injuring over 300 people annually.
- More than half of the injuries involve fractures, lacerations, contusions, or sprains caused by people tripping over the cords.
- Continual use can cause the insulation to rapidly deteriorate, creating a dangerous shock and fire hazard.
- A heavy reliance on extension cords is an indication that you have too few outlets to address your electrical needs. Have additional outlets installed by a licensed electrician where you need them.
To download ESFI’s safety and fact sheet, visit: http://esfi.org/index.cfm/page/Extension-Cord-Safety-Fact-Sheet/cdid/10623/pid/10272
For more information about electrical service and repair or electrical home safety, visit us at: http://www.universalhomeexperts.com.