To promote safety and functionality of appliances in your home, it is important to make sure that any extension cords you might be using are in perfect condition. This not only requires regular inspection, but also continued maintenance of electrical equipment in your home or business. To prevent fire hazards or unsafe environments, read more about our top seven tips for electrical equipment maintenance and keeping your extension cords in perfect condition.
Keep Away From Foot Traffic
This is something we suspect most people will do naturally, simply to maintain the appearance of their homes, but it’s important that you keep power cords out of areas people typically walk in. Not only will this prevent tripping, it will also mean that your power cords don’t become frayed or bent. This can be integral in preventing fire hazards and maintaining safety in your home.
Similarly, it’s important to keep cords away from areas where they can easily be pulled down or tripped over. For those with young children in the home, this is an especially important facet of keeping your extension cords in good condition.
Don’t Place Cords Under Rugs
We know it can be tempting to try this as a method for keeping your extension cords out of sight. However, it’s important that you don’t have your extension cords running under rugs or any other similar materials. Doing this can prevent extension cords from releasing heat, which they then build up. With a build-up of heat and flammable material, this may lead to a fire in your home which was otherwise easily avoidable.
Don’t Overload Extension Cords
If you find yourself overloading extension cords with too many appliances, it’s likely that your home doesn’t have the amount of electricity necessary to cater to so many appliances. The number of outlets in your home typically corresponds to level of wattage that it can handle. Before plugging all your various household appliances into your extension cord, make sure you check what its maximum capacity is to ensure that you’re not exceeding it. This will prevent your extension cord from becoming broken or damaged.
Be Careful of Overheating
Any electrical appliance will likely come with a warning about flammability and various safety instructions. These are not only to ensure your safety, but also the condition of the product. One of the easiest ways to prevent overheating or a potential fire is to remember that if a cord is hot to touch, then you shouldn’t be using it. This can be done by following a number of the above suggestions, especially by preventing overloaded PowerPoints.
Avoid Using Multiple Extension Cords
Similar to overloaded extension cords, plugging extension cords into one another can be dangerous as it uses a lot of power that may not be available. This could lead to overloaded electric sockets and ultimately a fire if the issue is not attended to. A good solution to this potential issue is to avoid using extension cords for appliances with heavy wattage draw, especially appliances like irons or even microwaves. You could also use one long extension cord if the length of yours is posing an issue.
Proper Storage
Whether you are moving house or simply storing an extension cord until you need it again, it’s important that you are exercising proper maintenance of electrical equipment when you store extension cords.
There are many ways to store extension cords. One of the most effective methods is creating a coil shape and looping the cord around with and over and then under motion. This over under technique is the best way to store your extension cord because it works in favour of a cord’s natural curve instead of against it, meaning wires inside won’t become frayed or damaged and the cord can continue to be used efficiently and safely.
Keep Weather Conditions In Mind
Many people use extension cords outside, especially in the summer when barbecues and evening parties become popular. But it’s important that you continue to be mindful of the weather, especially when rain could hit at any moment. Generally, an extension cord in good condition can handle rainy conditions, but never keep it plugged into the socket while it’s raining as this can damage the cords and become a hazard.
To ensure you are continually aware of the condition of your extension cords, ensure that you are carrying out an electrical equipment inspection regularly. By following the tips above, you will ensure that your home or business is safe from potential hazards.
Questions about Your Extension Cords?
If you have continued concerns about the safety of your electrical equipment, Anmar Solutions offers testing and tagging services that can help test the condition of your extension cords. Get a free quote today, or contact us on 1300 023 564 to find out more.