Electrical Cord Safety 101
Within minutes of walking into any Carlsbad home, A Custom Touch Electric can spot any danger zone and the highway to it. When it comes to using power cords, extensions cords, power strips, and other power related cables, the average homeowner doesn’t give cord safety a second thought. There are numerous electrocutions and home fires which are started each year as a result of improper use of electric cords. Think Christmas trees. With a little education, most of these disasters can be prevented.
The crew at Custom Touch Electric suggests utilizing these tips every time you plug a cord into the wall.
- You should only use extension cords recognized by a qualified association such as Underwriters Laboratories. Most cords are UL listed.
- Don’t hang electrical cords or cables over any types of metal object such as an appliance or a home radiator.
- Do not overload electrical cords that can only carry a certain amount of power. Overloading causes overheating and creates a potential fire. Make sure the cable can capably carry the electricity necessary to activate the tool or appliance.
- Three-pronged plugs guarantee suitable grounding for appliances and power tools. Never remove the third prong. Replace any older cords or capable which are not properly grounded. These cords render young children susceptible to shock, mouth injuries and burn injuries.
- Extension cables used outside in dry weather should be exclusively labeled for such use. Inappropriate use may result in a fire or shock.
- To choose where there may be potential for a cord overload, observe the wattage rating on the cord. Then, add up the wattage ratings of all the products that will be operating at the same time on that cord. Too many gadgets running on the same power strip can overload it causing risk of fire.
- If the wattage rating on the power strip or extension cord is lower than the wattage rating of the combined appliances, eliminate one item, and check to see if the cord can handle the remaining items.
- Do not relay extension cords under rugs or carpeting; this can cause numerous hazards. High traffic on top of cords can cause them to fray. Contact with cords with bare feet, even with a rug or carpet, may cause shock. Carpets often produce static electricity, meaning they are capable of relaying electricity.
- Pull the plug, not the cord, to disconnect an appliance. Make sure your hands are near the tip of the plug. Pulling the cable can loosen the wire connection at the tip of the cords.
- Install socket guards in all outlets which are not being used; this helps avoid injury to pets and small children.