Electric Extension Cord Safety

Extension cords are found in many work locations at Berkeley Lab. Using an extension cord is convenient, but if misused, it can create a hazard. Potential hazards include fires from overloaded cords, electrical shock from worn or damaged cords, and trip and fall accidents from unsecured cords. According to the National Electrical Safety Foundation, extension cords should be used only on a temporary basis. The following are extension cord safety do's and don'ts:

• Don't overload cords by plugging in appliances drawing more watts than the cord's wattage rating.
• Don't plug more than one cord in series (end-to-end); use the proper length cord.
• Have permanent receptacles installed for long-term electricity needs.
• Don't run cords through open doorways, windows, wall holes, underneath carpets, or areas where they could be damaged by heavy furniture/equipment, foot or vehicle traffic.
• Use tape or a bridge to cover cords temporarily passing through a hallway, sidewalk, road or other areas which could cause a trip hazard or damage the cord.
• Don't attach cords to the wall with nails or staples.
• Don't place cords on or near a hot surface.
• Don't disconnect cords by pulling the cord.   Pull the plug.
• Never file or cut the polarized plug blades or grounding pin of an extension cord to fit into an outlet.
• In wet or damp areas, ensure that protection is provided by a Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI), built into either the cord, the outlet or the circuit.
• Inspect cords regularly for signs of wear and tear and damage to insulation.
• Use only extension cords that have been listed by Underwriters' Laboratories or another recognized certification organization.

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