Overloaded outlets and undersized electrical extension cords can cause a fire or electrocution danger.
Use Electrical Cords Safely:
• Never overload electrical cords or power strips. Electrical cords and power strips have a designated load capacity. Be sure the total amount of energy used by appliances and lights plugged into the strip does not exceed that capacity.
• Use only listed power strips that have integral overload protection and have been tested by a product safety laboratory.
• Don’t use appliances that have damaged cords.
• Extension cords should not be used as a substitute for permanently wired outlets.
Electrical cords must be the proper wire size for the load they serve. Overloaded cords will become hot and can start a fire.
- Avoid permanent use of extension cords. Appliance cords and extension cords are susceptible to physical damage from foot traffic, furniture, house pets, swinging doors and many other causes so protect them from damage.
Contact your local building safety department for more information.
Photo: Provided by Home Inspector Mike Robinson. The extension cord had been plugged into a sump pump without a GFCI.
