How to Use Extension Cords or Power Strips Safely

Misuse of extension cords and power strips are one of the most common safety hazards in the home, and also one of the most preventable.

Here is how to make your home or office safer in use of extension cords.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Check the wattage of everything you want to plug into it.
   
   You need to know now much power you are drawing on a single circuit. For instance, if you have a computer, a monitor, a printer and a lamp all plugged into your power strip, you should check the power ratings for each one. Since power strips are usually rated in amps, and most appliances are rated in watts, that can be tricky, but as long as you are using a standard U.S. household electrical outlet, you can use a simple formula. Figure that 1 amp is about 110 watts in the U.S., and you can just add up all the watts, and divide by 110 to get the number of amps.

2. Use a cord that is UL rated, and has sufficient wattage to handle the load you want to give it.
   
   Figure you need about 20 percent buffer. So a 10 amp cord can handle about 8 amps of equipment safely.

3. Inspect the outlet, cord and the electrical cords plugged into it.
   
   Watch for frays, cracks or signs of wear. Dispose of any extension cords that are questionable. Also repair or replace outlets or appliances that show signs of wear or get hot. (Some electronics have a power "brick" and those normally do warm up. However, the outlet, and normal power cords should never get hot.)
   
   Also get rid of any appliances that are prone to trip circuit breakers, or seem to get unnaturally hot. For instance, the bulb of a lamp may get hot, but the base should not get warm with use.

4. Don't use a cord that is covered.
   
   Any cord that is hidden, whether it is wrapped in tape or just run under a carpet, is a safety hazard. Keep the cords in view, and if they are taped, throw them away!

5. Use the right kind of cord for the appliance.
   
   Don't use those adapters that allow you to plug a three prong plug into a two prong socket (not unless you know how to wire the third prong to a "ground"). That third plug is the ground wire, which is not only for safety, but also helps protect your sensitive equipment.
   
   Don't fudge on electrical safety. A little savings now isn't worth a big cost later.

[EarthMother]

on 6/30/2009 How to Use Extension Cords or Power Strips Safely was a good article. Smile!

[karileighk]

on 6/27/2009 This is very helpful. *5

[kittycooks]

on 6/27/2009 This is important information! Thanks for sharing how to use extension cords safely. Our older houses are not set up for all the electronics we want to run today!

[bossypants]

on 6/27/2009 I never knew to do the math! Steps one and two are huge! Thank you for helping demystify the safety of extension cord and power strip safety!