11 Apr Extension Cord Safety-Take No Chances!

Extension Cord Safety – Take No Chances!

Extension cords are used every day at work and at home. Although convenient, they can create serious shock, electrocution, fire, and trip hazards when damaged, improperly selected, or incorrectly used.

Use the Right Extension Cord

Not every extension cord is suitable for every job. Before use, make sure the cord is appropriate for the equipment, environment, and electrical load.

• Use only extension cords that are approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL) and rated for the intended use.
• On construction sites, flexible cords must be rated for hard or extra-hard usage. Common acceptable designations include S, ST, SO, STO, SJ, SJO, SJT, and SJTO, as applicable.
• Use cords specifically rated for outdoor or wet-location use when required by the environment.
• Use three-wire grounding-type cords with tools and equipment that require grounding.
• Never remove, bend, or defeat the grounding prong.
• Double-insulated tools do not require an equipment-grounding conductor but must be clearly identified as double insulated.
• Make sure the cord’s wire size and ampere rating are sufficient for the equipment being powered. Long or undersized cords can cause excessive voltage drop, overheating, and equipment damage.

Inspect Before Use

Inspect extension cords before each use. Look for:

• Cuts, cracks, abrasions, or damaged insulation.
• Exposed conductors.
• Missing or damaged grounding prongs.
• Loose, cracked, burned, or damaged plugs and connectors.
• Evidence of overheating or melted insulation.
• Improper splices or unauthorized repairs.
• Damage caused by vehicles, tools, doors, or other equipment.

Remove damaged cords from service immediately. Do not attempt temporary repairs with ordinary electrical tape.

Protect Cords from Damage

Extension cords should be routed and used so they are not exposed to unnecessary damage.

• Never pull or carry equipment by its cord.
• Disconnect a cord by grasping the plug, not pulling on the cord.
• Do not run cords through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors.
• Protect cords passing through doorways, windows, or similar locations from damage.
• Do not attach extension cords to structures with staples, nails, or other fasteners that could damage the insulation.
• Keep cords away from sharp edges, hot surfaces, chemicals, oil, and moving equipment.
• Protect cords from vehicle and equipment traffic.
• Keep electrical connections away from water and wet locations unless the equipment is specifically approved for those conditions.
• Route cords to minimize trip hazards and protect them with suitable cord covers or other methods when necessary.

Extension Cords Are Temporary Wiring

Extension cords are intended for temporary use and must not be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.

Do not create improvised wiring systems or use extension cords where permanent receptacles or wiring should be installed.

Avoid connecting multiple extension cords together when a properly sized cord of adequate length can be used instead. If cords must be connected for temporary work, each cord and connection must remain suitable for the environment and electrical load and be protected from damage.

Prevent Electrical Shock

Construction work presents an increased risk of electrical shock because cords are frequently exposed to moisture, rough handling, equipment, and changing jobsite conditions.

Where required, use ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection for temporary power and receptacles used by employees.

Remember:

• Never use a damaged cord.
• Never defeat a grounding connection.
• Never handle plugs or electrical connections with wet hands.
• Do not use electrical equipment while standing in water unless the equipment and installation are specifically designed and protected for that environment.
• De-energize and unplug equipment before servicing or adjusting it when required.
• Report electrical shocks, tingling sensations, overheating, burning odors, sparks, or other electrical problems immediately.

Remember

Extension cords may look harmless, but a damaged or improperly used cord can expose you to 120 volts and enough current to cause severe injury or death.

Choose the right cord. Inspect it before use. Protect it from damage. Use GFCI protection when required. If a cord is damaged, take it out of service—don’t take chances with electricity.