Home Improvement Projects - Dos and Don"ts When Using a Retractable Extension Cord
A retractable extension cord is considered one of the most valuable tools inside a house.
Aside from the convenience it provides, especially when dealing with appliances that are placed far from the electrical outlets, it is safer and easier to use than ordinary extension cords.
However, even a retractable extension cord can cause accidents if not properly used.
As common sense tells us, prevention is better than cure, so we need to understand the safety guidelines of using a retractable extension cord.
Below are some of the Dos and Don'ts in using a retractable cord.
Always remember that a cord cannot be used permanently.
This means that after some time, you will have to discard the cord due to visible and invisible burn in the wires.
Also, always make sure that you replace the cords regularly to ensure that the wires inside are functioning properly.
When buying a cord, look for the label of UL or United Laboratories.
The UL labels signify that the cords have met or exceeded the set standards for extension cords, so they are of high quality and guarantee a safe operation.
Heavy-duty cords are preferable for use on major appliances.
Among the basic types of extension cords, they are the most reliable to use.
If you are using the cord for smaller appliances like alarm clocks, mixers, and the like, it would be acceptable to just use a medium duty extension cord.
Another important thing to remember is to observe the GFCI rules implemented to protect you when you are using appliances outdoors, especially in damp or wet locations.
Make sure that the amperage does not exceed 80% of your extension cord.
Overloading happens when you connect several plugs into the outlets, and may result in a burned wire inside the coating.
Always take notice of the number of plugs that you connect to the extension cords to prevent accidents from happening.
Always check your cords and ensure that they are at their finest conditions.
Check for cuts, abrasions, brittle, damages, weather-checked insulation, cord ends, or sheathing in your cords.
Do not attempt to save the cords by putting electrical tape around them.
The only thing that you can do to ensure maximum safety is to replace the cords at once.
Make sure that your cords are always grounded.
You can achieve this by using a grounding pin.
When using a cord, do not staple it down as it is only for temporary use.
Also, do not use chords to hang other objects, as this may result in a loose cord and, consequently, loose wires.
Additionally, prevent cords from wrapping around doors, chairs, tables, under rags and carpets, and through doorways.
This may result in the cords getting flattened or severed, which will only lead the cords to end up in the garbage bin.
Do not store a retractable extension cord in places that are occupied by mice and rats to prevent the cord from getting bites and damages.
Aside from the convenience it provides, especially when dealing with appliances that are placed far from the electrical outlets, it is safer and easier to use than ordinary extension cords.
However, even a retractable extension cord can cause accidents if not properly used.
As common sense tells us, prevention is better than cure, so we need to understand the safety guidelines of using a retractable extension cord.
Below are some of the Dos and Don'ts in using a retractable cord.
Always remember that a cord cannot be used permanently.
This means that after some time, you will have to discard the cord due to visible and invisible burn in the wires.
Also, always make sure that you replace the cords regularly to ensure that the wires inside are functioning properly.
When buying a cord, look for the label of UL or United Laboratories.
The UL labels signify that the cords have met or exceeded the set standards for extension cords, so they are of high quality and guarantee a safe operation.
Heavy-duty cords are preferable for use on major appliances.
Among the basic types of extension cords, they are the most reliable to use.
If you are using the cord for smaller appliances like alarm clocks, mixers, and the like, it would be acceptable to just use a medium duty extension cord.
Another important thing to remember is to observe the GFCI rules implemented to protect you when you are using appliances outdoors, especially in damp or wet locations.
Make sure that the amperage does not exceed 80% of your extension cord.
Overloading happens when you connect several plugs into the outlets, and may result in a burned wire inside the coating.
Always take notice of the number of plugs that you connect to the extension cords to prevent accidents from happening.
Always check your cords and ensure that they are at their finest conditions.
Check for cuts, abrasions, brittle, damages, weather-checked insulation, cord ends, or sheathing in your cords.
Do not attempt to save the cords by putting electrical tape around them.
The only thing that you can do to ensure maximum safety is to replace the cords at once.
Make sure that your cords are always grounded.
You can achieve this by using a grounding pin.
When using a cord, do not staple it down as it is only for temporary use.
Also, do not use chords to hang other objects, as this may result in a loose cord and, consequently, loose wires.
Additionally, prevent cords from wrapping around doors, chairs, tables, under rags and carpets, and through doorways.
This may result in the cords getting flattened or severed, which will only lead the cords to end up in the garbage bin.
Do not store a retractable extension cord in places that are occupied by mice and rats to prevent the cord from getting bites and damages.
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