Are You Using Extension Cords the Wrong Way? Experts Reveal the Hidden Risks

The convenience of extension cords can't be ignored. Does the cord on that new nightstand lamp not quite reach the bedroom outlet? Naturally, you reach for an extension cord. The same goes when it comes time to light up a Christmas tree or pull out that standing fan in the summer. Just be aware that extension cords have their limitations, and when not used with caution, they can pose a number of hazards to your home. 

To get the facts, we consulted with a fire safety expert, a construction designer, and personal injury attorneys. Read on to learn just how seriously you need to take your extension cords and the best practices for using them safely.

The Hazards of Using Extension Cords Incorrectly

Because extension cords are such a common household item, they are often used without a second thought. However, according to personal injury lawyer Daniel Satareh, "Thousands of home fires ignite annually from incorrect extension cord usage, resulting in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries." 

"Just as alarming are the electrocutions," adds personal injury attorney Joshua Branch, noting that homeowners often overload the outlets or position their extension cords in dangerous spots, which makes them prone to overheating and igniting anything around them.

Extensive (and expensive) property damage and injuries can all be traced back to simply using extension cords the wrong way. However, if monitored closely and handled with care, extension cords can serve you as they are meant to. 

Essential Rules For Using Extension Cords Safely

You can use your extension cords safely by following certain protocols. Here are the best practices of extension cord use, according to our experts.

Before Use

• Inspect and replace. Extension cords can wear down over time. “At the start of the season and throughout your use, inspect any cords that are cracked and have exposed wires,” advises Branch. “Throw out damaged cords, because replacing them costs much less than the hospital bill from electrocutions or burns.” 
• Check certifications. Checking UL/ETL certifications gives you assurance that your extension cord meets safety standards to prevent fires, electrocutions, and death, notes Setareh.
• Match the gauge to the device. “Extension cords should always be used with care and safety,” says Branch, “and that requires using the right gauge based on the appliance. This is especially prudent when it comes to the use of heavy tools. "The gauge needs to be matched to the device," says Setarah, "and the lower the number, the thicker and higher-capacity it will be for powering things." 
• Leave the ground pin intact. Never (ever) remove the ground pin on your extension cord, as it is designed to provide shock protection, says Setareh.
  
• Plug major appliances directly into the wall outlet—never an extension cord. Fire safety expert Sunaree Ko says large appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners, are built for direct outlet connections and have starting voltages that extension cords can rarely handle and are seldom designed for. “The long-term use of cords in these scenarios will almost always result in overheating and electrical failure filled with smoke,” she says. 

Indoor/Outdoor Use

• Only use flat or light-duty cords indoors. “These types of extension cords are not weather-resistant and are meant to be used solely inside the home,” says Branch. 
• Use outdoor-rated cords for any outdoor work or holiday lights. Double-check that they can handle the voltage before plugging in, too. Additionally, all outdoor extension cords need to have proper grounding and weatherproof insulation to prevent shock, says Branch. 
• Keep all cords off the ground if you're using them outdoors. When using outdoor extension cords for your garden lights or holiday décor, construction designer Sergey Maskhkov says to avoid grass and soil where moisture accumulates in order to reduce corrosion or shock risks. 
  

During Use

• Never run them under carpets or through doorways. “The insulation will be damaged from friction and trapped heat, and the internal wiring will be gradually crushed by foot traffic,” explains Ko. This kind of damage can go unnoticed until a spark or a fire takes place, she adds.
• Keep them out of water. It is critical that extension cords be kept at least several feet away from water sources, including sinks, bathtubs, and even outdoor puddles. “Water not only increases the risk of electric shock but also of short circuits, which…can lead to injuries as well as electrical fires,” says Ko. Setarehh adds the importance of never touching extension cords with wet hands. “Dry your hands before plugging or unplugging the cord in,” he warns.
  
• Do not use staples or nails to secure cords. Rather than using dangerous staples or nails to secure your extension cords, try using Command cord clips or hooks to attach your cords neatly and safely to the edges of furniture or walls. 
• Throw out extension cords that get warm to the touch. "Heat is an indication of overload, damaged internal wires, or improvised connections," says Ko. "Ignoring this advanced warning usually leads to arcing, melting, and eventually fire." 
• Don't daisy chain your cords. "Whether indoors or outdoors, connecting cords is a massive danger as the voltage drops while the heat increases along the line, amplifying your fire risk," warns Branch. You’ll not only overload the socket but also violate [certain] codes, adds Setareh.
• Don’t coil your cords tightly. “Heat is trapped inside the coil when the cords are closely wound,” says Ko. “The temperature goes up quickly, and the chance of insulation failure or ignition increases.” This is particularly critical for power tools and holiday lighting.

After Use

• Pull, don’t yank. When you want to disconnect, Setareh recommends pulling the plug from the base without yanking, as this could damage the connections. 
• Unplug when they’re not in use. To reduce the risk of mishaps, always unplug your extension cords when not in use. “Even if there is no device running, cords that are plugged in can still get hot or cause sparks,” says Ko.
• Avoid using extension cords as a permanent solution. “Most people don’t realize that extension cords are meant to be a temporary solution to providing power,” says Setareh. Their wiring is not suitable for permanent use, and their material can become compromised if used excessively or extensively, which could pose disastrous consequences for the home dweller.