Extension Cord Safety: 8 Tips to Help Avoid Fire Damage

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

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One of the best ways to avoid fire damage is knowing extension cord safety.  

Fire damage to a property is one of the leading causes of insurance claims in the United States. Typically, short circuits are to blame for these types of fires, and the misuse of extension cords is one of the leading causes of short circuits. A short circuit can occur when an extension cord isn't used correctly or becomes damaged; there is an increased chance of an electrical current not following the intended path.

Each year, extension cords are responsible for starting thousands of fires in the United States. However, there are ways to use these cords safely and minimize the risk of a fire. In the following blog post, we will go over eight extension cord safety tips to help keep you and your family safe from unwanted fire damage!

The dangers of extension cords

The professionals at SERVPRO of Union, Towns, Fannin & Gilmer Counties know first hand that extension cords can be hazardous when not used correctly. Improper use of an extension cord can lead to a fire, which can cause extensive damage to a home and property.

An extension cord is made of tiny wires, each with a specific function. However, when these small wires are broken or crushed, they cannot do their job. If one of these tiny wires breaks, it can increase the resistance in that wire and cause the circuit to overload and eventually cause a fire.

Tips for using an extension cord safely and avoiding fire damage

To increase the lifespan of your extension cords and to avoid fire damage, there are eight things you should do when using them:

1. Never remove the grounding pin to make a three-prong plug into a two-prong outlet: By doing this, you are removing one of the safety features of an extension cord.
2. Don't overload the circuit: Don't plug too many things into the same extension cord. Using too much wattage in one extension cord can be very dangerous and overload the circuit, increasing the risk of an electrical fire.
3. Keep all plugs and connections clean so that no debris can ignite.
4. Don't run cords under rugs, carpets, or furniture.
5. Periodically inspect the cord for damage, such as cuts or discoloration. If there are cuts or discolorations, replace the cord immediately.
6. Unplug the cord when it is not in use, and before wrapping
7. Use extension cords outside that are only labeled for outdoor use
8. When using more than one extension cord to power an appliance, make sure they have a similar current output rating (do not exceed a cord's amperage rating)

Storing extension cords

When not in use, it is best to unplug your extension cords and store them in a dry place. If you must store them outdoors, make sure they are in a waterproof container. In addition, cords should be loosely coiled when stored and never kinked or tied in a knot.

Final thoughts

Extension cords are supposed to be used for short-term purposes, but some people like to use them permanently. If you choose to use your extension cord as a permanent fix, you must follow all of the safety tips above and inspect the extension cord regularly.

Extension cords are a great tool, but if they are misused or abused, then severe fire damage can occur, and the professionals at SERVPRO of Union, Towns, Fannin & Gilmer Counties have had to clean up quite a few fire damage claims caused by extension cord misuse.

Please contact us today for more information about our fire restoration services or the proper use of extension cords. All of our professionals are IICRC certified and can help with 24/7 emergency fire restoration services.