5 Extension Cord Safety Hacks | If you always have had to stand near a wall socket to charge your mobile or laptop, then you know the struggle. You also see the importance of an extension cord and how it is a savior for such situations. But as good and useful as they are in such a case, they can play a catalytic role in electrical hazards if not taken proper care of. To avoid such situations, here are five extension cord safety hacks so that your security stays paramount.
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Know The General Designation
So before you look into an overflowing drawer for an outdoor extension cord, you need to understand the general designation of electrical extension cords. Most of the extension cords have letters written over them, and they sure aren’t random.
Here’s a list of letters and what they mean:
- S = Cords marked with ‘S’ are meant for general purposes.
- W = The ones marked with ‘W’ are good to go for outdoor use.
- J = These extension cords have a basic 300 Voltage Insulation.
- O = ‘O’ letter on the cords means that they are resistant to oil-like components.
- E = ‘E’ on the extension cord symbolizes that it’s made up of the TPE or Thermoplastic Elastomers. It reduces energy usage; hence they are power-efficient.
Now that you know all the abbreviations/designation, you will know which cord to use at the designated outlet. When you use the righteously designed cables at the outlets/uses where they are meant for, you avoid many potentially hazardous situations.
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General Caretaking Tips For Extension Cords
Before you think of connecting the extension cord to your devices, you need to know some general caretaking tips so that you don’t damage the cord or your surroundings.
- Know What To Pull
If you are done with the cord and it’s time for it to go back to its place, i.e., the drawer, don’t straight away pull the cord to unplug it. Instead, make sure to gently hold the plug and then pull the part having plastic housing at the top. This way, the cord’s longevity will increase, and the chances of getting an electric shock will also decrease. How? When someone directly pulls the cord, they damage the rubber insulation, exposing themselves to the naked wires underneath.
- Store Safely
When not in use, most people have their extension cords in substandard conditions. This should not be the case if you want to avoid electrical hazards at your home. Always safely pack the cable, and then place it in a cupboard, away from the reach of children, rodents, or direct sunlight and water.
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Watch Out For The Signs Of Overheating
If you want to avoid hazards around you, you need to keep the extension cord under close observation, that too, constantly. For example, the cord could get heated, and some sub-standard quality cords couldn’t stand the heat, a fire might erupt in the usage area. So if it’s visible to all, chances of stopping the spark before it turns into a damaging fire are high.
Similarly, if you are using a cord under the open sky, make sure that your connector is weather-proof. That’s because your cord will be facing a lot of issues like snow, rain, harsh scorching sun, and even constant footsteps of pets, children, and adults alike. If the extension wires aren’t clipped carefully, do tell everybody to watch out for their steps and not strangle their feet into them.
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Don’t Overload Them
We all know that extension cords are meant to bridge the power source gap and our appliances. But skyscrapers are not built on bridges. In other words, people shouldn’t overload their extension cords. This can cause severe damage to the internal circuit of the cord, followed by a short circuit. In such situations, a fire outbreak may occur.
To avoid such results, don’t overload the existing cord you have. Even if you cannot meet your cable requirements, do bring some more extensions to fulfill your general usage purpose.
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Go With The Best
If you are preparing to buy an extension cord for outdoor or indoor use, you should always go for premium quality cords for any electric use. Make sure they are made of virgin quality materials and are built to last longer. Don’t go for substandard quality or cheap cords.
While purchasing your extension cord, ask the retailer if its wire is durable for all weather conditions? Also, you should buy an extension cord with a built-in circuit breaker in case of circuit overload.
How To Give First Aid To The Electroduced Person?
An electric shock is fatal and might even cause paralysis if not taken proper care of. Here are a few tips for you to take care of a person who’s got a shock:
- First off, just disconnect the electricity source.
- Instantly, start performing the CPR on the impacted person if they show breathlessness.
- Make them drink some water to calm them down and get them out of the trauma.
Conclusion
So now that you know the top five hacks about extension cords, don’t let them slip your mind when you shop for this convenient electric device next time. Nowadays, many extension cords come with partly biodegradable materials. You may also consider these to reduce your carbon footprint.
