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Sawdust Girl®

Sawdust Girl®

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Extension cord safety

All Posts, Electrical work, Remodeling 101, Safety

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.

examine extension cords

Extension Cord Safety

This is NOT a situation you want to find yourself in because

  1. Exposed wires can shock or burn you!
  2. 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.  🙂

September 18, 2013 · 5 Comments

« Oak Plywood Countertops – Cara’s Office – 6
Workshop Organization Ideas »

Comments

  1. kristin says

    September 18, 2013 at 12:17 pm

    Wow–scary! So glad you noticed before you had a problem. Thanks for lookin’ out for us and being the ever informative Sawdust Girl 🙂

    Reply
  2. kim massa says

    September 18, 2013 at 4:28 pm

    Good eye Wes!!
    so happy they were found before a problem found you.

    Reply
  3. Julie says

    September 19, 2013 at 12:05 pm

    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.

    Reply
  4. Linda S. in NE says

    September 19, 2013 at 10:19 pm

    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.

    Reply
  5. Janie says

    September 22, 2013 at 8:45 pm

    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.

    Reply

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