Officials urge safety when plugging in

Extension cords can be incredibly handy, but they’re really not meant to be anything other than a temporary solution. If you find that you’re using extension cords in your home for extended periods, you are putting your home and family at risk of fire, according to Russellville Fire Marshal Justin Green.

Extension cords cause about 3,300 residential fires each year, killing 50 people and injuring about 270 others, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Green said sometimes people don’t realize that they are in danger of starting a fire.

“Over the past eight months or so I’ve seen two separate structure fires in town caused by power strips,” Green said. “There is a difference between a power strip and a surge protector and that difference is important and often overlooked by citizens.”

Extension cords, especially inexpensive, low quality cords, can short out easily, which greatly increases the risk of fire. A short circuit can arc, which can cause a fire directly if the cord is damaged. A short can also result in current taking a different path through the cord than it was designed to handle and as a result, the cord can overheat and a fire can result.

Green urged people to discard cords that are old and are missing important safety features, including safety closures, polarized blades and a large plug face that covers the outlet’s slots and is easy to grasp to unplug.

To protect extension cords from damage, do not run extension cords under carpets, through doorways or under furniture. Never alter a cord to change its length or perform inadequate repairs such as taping up damaged insulation. Do not trim, cut or alter the plug blades in any way.

Additionally, many extension cords allow users to plug in more than one appliance, which can cause overheating. Overheating can occur at the plug, at the socket, or over the entire length of the cord. The heat generated is often enough to ignite combustibles such as wood framing, rugs or even the insulation around the cord or wire. If any part of the extension cord is hot while in use, it is a warning sign that it may be overloaded.

“Power strips are not surge protectors,” Green said. “People often confuse that, but a power strip is basically an extension cord with multiple outlets. It does not have the same safety features as a surge protector.”

Green said people should check if the extension cord is properly rated for the products that are plugged into it. Also, inspect the cord along its entire length to ensure it has not been damaged.  Running the cord under furniture or rugs heats it up and adds to the overload. It raises your fire risk substantially.

“Putting electrical tape on a damaged cord does not make damaged cords ok,” Green said. “The best option is usually to have additional outlets hard-wired into the home by a professional electrician.”

Extension cords are handy tools and necessities in many homes, so it is important to use them properly, said Green.

“Make sure new cords are listed by a recognized national testing laboratory. Don’t leave prongs exposed, even partly, when the cord is in use,” Green said. “Pull the plug, not the cord, when disconnecting it from the socket and don’t use staples or nails to attach extension cords to any surface.”

 

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