An Ultimate Guide: Is Flat Plug Extension Cord Safe?

Flat plug extension cords are used worldwide as a very convenient solution to allow power to reach devices at long distances from the plug. There are numerous instances at homes and offices where the electric outlet is not reachable.

You might need to plug in a copy machine, numerous computers for a well-equipped office, or you want to mow the lawn in your backyard with an electric mower. These tasks require a lengthy cord, which is precisely where a flat plug extension cord can help.

However, even though numerous people use them daily without consequences, using them with great caution is always necessary. Sometimes, when the proper precautions are missing, a flat plug extension cord can become a risk for an individual’s safety and even a fire hazard.

It may come as a surprise to you to learn that extension cords are one of the most unsafe and dangerous electrical tools when misused. Around fifty people die from extension cords, three thousand fires arise, and approximately four thousand people get electrical injuries each year.

For this reason, we’ve decided to provide you with an in-depth analysis of extension cords, what they are, how you should use them, and how to make sure you use them safely.

Things you should know about flat plug extension cords

There are four things to consider before purchasing any flat plug extension cord. The wire gauge, the plug type, the size of the cord, and amperage rating. Let’s examine each in detail for you to get the ultimate guide on finding the best extension cord.

Wire gauge

The wire gauge refers to the copper wire inside the flat plug extension cord, being the most responsible feature for delivering power to any device you plug it into. AWG, which stands for American Wire Gauge, can be either low or high.

When the AWG is low in number, it indicates that the wire inside is thicker and has a greater capacity for delivering power. When the AWG is high, the wire inside the cord is smaller and has a lesser capacity for delivering power.

Extension cords most commonly come in 10, 12, 14, and 16 gauges. A cord with ten gauges has the greatest capacity for power delivery and is usually used for heavier devices such as circular saws, table saws, and chainsaws.

A cord with 16 gauges has the lowest capacity to deliver power and is commonly used for powering portable fans, work lights, etc. An essential trait of a cord with low AWG is that it won’t drop in voltage even when carrying power over long distances.

Plug type

The most common plug types include two prongs, whereas finding those with three is equally common. The main difference between them is that those with two prongs are not grounded, and those with three prongs are.

The third prong on a plug is the one that is connected to the ground wire on a standard outlet with 120 volts and therefore reduces the risk of a fire occurrence or an electric shock significantly. If a device you plug in has loose wires, the grounded plug will route the electricity into the ground.

Therefore the third prong saves you if the electricity from loose wires in a device gets in touch with a metal case. Never tamper with or try to remove the third prong for the reasons mentioned above.

Cord size

Considering the length of your cord is another crucial step. Usually, shorter cords provide better power for devices with more important requirements because the voltage can get lost at long distances. Whenever you are in doubt, choose a shorter cord.

Shorter cords are suitable for most of your home appliances. Whereas a very long cord can sometimes damage your devices, providing them with a higher current. Such instances can result in a safety hazard, which is something you always want to avoid.

Amperage rating

Understanding what wattage, voltage, and amperage are is essential when deciding on an adequate flat extension cord.

• Wattage is what measures the electricity you use.
• Voltage measures the force of electricity used to move the electrons.
• Amperage is the current of the flow of electrons through your electrical cord. The equation with all three is simple - the number of amps times the number of volts will result in the number of used watts.

Most extension cords can handle only a particular amount of amperage, which is why you shouldn’t use them for devices that require a more significant current. Therefore, read the energy requirement which most devices have listed in the manual or on their surface.

To choose the perfect cord for your device, you should ensure that the wattage and amperage rating on the cord matches the amperage and wattage on the device you will use. Always calculate both if you plug multiple devices into the same cord.

The benefits and advantages of a flat plug extension cord

Technological advancements have replaced the traditional round extension cords with flat extension cords. Flat plug extension cords are now an excellent alternative to the traditional ones and are used worldwide. Let’s take a look at their benefits.

Convenience

Flat extension cords are convenient and easy to use. You can easily dodge all bends and obstacles with them to reach any device that needs power in your home. If you need to hold the cord down in some places, you can quickly achieve it by using adhesive tape.

This makes flat plug extension cords more convenient than the rounded traditional ones, which is a starting point for widespread, worldwide use.

Safety

Even though we will discuss the potential dangers that come along with flat plug extension cords, when used right, they can make your office or home a safe place for all residing in it. Flat plug extension cords are primarily low profile in their structure which is their main safety benefit.

These cables can easily be placed so that they’re not in the way. Experts suggest placing them close to the ground. For this reason, they are less hazardous than the rounded, traditional cords. Most areas with high traffic use them, as they won’t expose those passing by to risk.

Flexibility

When an extension cord is flexible, the process of uncoiling and coiling it is much easier. Due to this reason, flat plug extension cords are ideal for cramped workspaces. Being flexible is another trait that makes them a better alternative to rounded ones.

Their structure is low profile, which is why they are also powerful. Combining these cords with molded connectors and plugs will result in you getting a very durable and robust product that won’t need investment and replacing on short notice as with some other rounded cords.

Is it safe to use a flat plug extension cord?

As we’ve just mentioned above, flat plug extension cords are a safer alternative to traditional rounded cords. However, regardless of how secure they are, you should always take precautionary measures when using them because electricity can be hazardous.

A flat plug extension cord is composed of insulated electrical wires, and at both ends of these insulated wires is a plug. These wires are precisely what the electrical current flows through. The flowing current always generates heat.

In cases when too much heat is generated through the current, the cord can overheat. When the cord overheats, the plastic at the surface of the cord melts, which is how most fires and short circuits occur.

Short circuits rarely occur when you use the factory cord of the appliance you bought, which the manufacturer of your device has carefully measured and analyzed for maximum current demand. But when you decide to use a flat extension cord, you must pay attention.

If the extension cord is too short and added as an extension to the factory cord, the results can be hazardous. Namely, what usually happens here is that the capacity of the electricity flow that can safely go through the extension cord will get exceeded.

Once the cord gets to a point where it can no longer endure, a fire or a short circuit may arise, which can be a disaster for your house, workspace, or yourself. Hence, if proper precautions are not taken, using flat extension cords might not be safe.

However, if you calculate everything correctly and you are confident that you have a long enough flat extension cord, then yes, it’s safe to use them. If you are uncertain about the correct cord length is needed - consult a professional to avoid devastating electrical burns.

How to choose a safe flat plug extension cord and tips on using them

Those who want to use extension cords for larger appliances should always opt for round cords with a low gauge extension. You can power smaller devices with flat plug extension cords and thinner cords.

Always opt for cords with three prongs; as we’ve described above, the third prong is the one that grounds the electricity flowing through the cord. Length is also an essential thing to consider, which is where you can consult a professional if you find it hard to determine what is safe.

Usually, longer cords fail to handle the same current as shorter cords, even though the gauge is the same in both. Additionally, always read the wattage of your appliances that the extension cord will be used for and make sure the cord can handle it.

The gauge of the cord indicates the size of the cord, and the smaller the gauge, the bigger the wire will be, and that cord will successfully handle the more current. If you intend to have outdoor projects, make sure that you can use an extension cord outdoors.

Lastly, never forget to read all the instructions on the cord, i.e., how much power it can handle and how you should use it correctly. Each cord you decide to purchase should also always be approved by a third-party lab for testing cords.

Now that you know what to pay attention to when purchasing a safe extension cord, let’s look at some tips on what to avoid when using them.

• Never use an extension cord that is overheated or feels a little hot;
• Never remove the third prong (the grounding one) to fit the cord into an outlet for two prongs;
• Never coil or bend cords when you are using them;

• Try to avoid plugging in more than one device to one extension cord;
• Don’t use nails or staples to attach a cord to a wall or a surface;
• Use indoor extension only indoors and outdoor extension only outdoors;
• Never place your extension cord under furniture or carpets;

Conclusion

We hope that you better understand what flat extension cords are, how to choose the right one, and how to use them to avoid havoc properly. Once again, yes, flat plug extension cords can be dangerous if you don’t use them with great caution.

However, if you follow all of our steps and tips to a T, you may as well rest assured that your flat plug extension cord won’t result in short circuits or harming you and others in the room. Don’t forget to always read the instructions carefully and calculate the right length.

Safety should be your primary concern at all times, and especially when you are dealing with something that can be as dangerous as electricity. If you feel that you are not up to the task, the best action would be to contact a professional.