How to Wrap an Extension Cord

Wrapping an extension cord properly reduces the chance of damage.

According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, every year electrical extension cords cause approximately 4,000 injuries, 13 percent of which involve children under age 5. Also, about 3,300 house fires are directly associated with improper extension cord use. Extension cord safety is important, even when wrapping the cord up for storage. Wrapping an extension cord too tightly can cause stress on the wires that can lead to damage. Wrap an extension cord in the proper way to avoid damaging it and making it unsafe.

Instructions

1. Hold the end of the extension cord with the plug in one hand.

2. Grasp the extension cord about 12 inches down with the other hand.

3. Pull the extension cord up to your other hand gently, allowing the cord to loop naturally.

4. Grasp the extension cord in the hand holding the end of the cord. Repeat the process for the entire extension cord.

Tips & Warnings

• Letting the cord fold up naturally causes the least amount of stress on the wiring. If the cord does not seem like it wants to loop or lay flat, you are not letting it loop naturally.

• Do not loop an extension cord tightly around your forearm between your hand and elbow. This causes stress on the wiring, leading to damage. Damaged extension cords can cause fires or electrical shocks.

References

• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Extension Cords Fact Sheet

Resources

• The Handy Goddess: How to Wrap up an Extension Cord and Store it Properly