I talk about safety — a lot: wear your safety glasses, protect your lungs and ears, don’t cut yourself! Well here’s another little lesson in safety, one that is often overlooked. This news it’s electrifying! Literally! I made a little discovery in my workshop that opens up a whole new discussion on safety. This is an extension cord I’ve been using. I think I ran over it a few times while pushing my table saw in and out of the garage.
Extension Cord Safety
This is NOT a situation you want to find yourself in because
- Exposed wires can shock or burn you!
- Extension cords are the biggest cause of electrical house fires!
Because I want everyone to be safe… here are a few good tips when it comes to extension cord safety.
- Extension cords are meant for temporary use. Unplug and store after each use because if it’s plugged in, it’s still conducting electricity!
- Inspect your extension cords regularly for physical damage. DO NOT USE damaged cords.
- Do not use an extension cord if the grounding pin is missing. You can easily replace the plug.
- Match the plugs. Polarized cords have one hole that is larger than the other. Don’t ever force a plug where it clearly doesn’t fit. 3 pronged plugs need 3 pronged extension cords.
- Make sure you use the correct wattage rating extension cord for the appliance or tool you are using. Do NOT use an extension cord that has a lower wattage rating than required.
- Use the shortest length cord possible to do the job. The longer the cord the weaker the electrical current gets.
- Use the right for the job. Indoor rated cords should NOT be used outdoors.
- Make sure to pull the plug, not the cord when unplugging. (I’m so bad about this.)
- Keep extension cords away from water
- Don’t drive over extension cords … with your car or your table saw!
I need to go buy a couple new extension cords now. 🙂
Wow–scary! So glad you noticed before you had a problem. Thanks for lookin’ out for us and being the ever informative Sawdust Girl 🙂
Good eye Wes!!
so happy they were found before a problem found you.
The wattage is hard because who remembers what wattage their extension cord is? A good rule of thumb for wattage is make sure your extension cord is as thick or thicker than the cord for your equipment. Every time I use my air compressor I have to compare all my cords to find the fattest one that can handle the amps.
Some great tips, and some I have never heard of. I will think of you now whenever I am needing to use an extention cord. One question…Other than replacing the plug as you mentioned, can a damaged cord ever be salvaged, or should they always be thrown away? Thanks again for keeping your readers safe and well informed.
Not a safety tip, but a tip nonetheless: When the cord you’ve been using needs to be replaced, take the old one to a recycling center to get some money from the copper wiring.