Electrical Cord Safety Tips You Must Follow

Working with electronic gadgets requires regular recharging or connecting them to a power source throughout. Electrical cords are vital accessories for various appliances, like TVs, fridges, air conditioners, or computers. These devices can be potentially dangerous if not used correctly. There is a need to handle electronics carefully, including using their cables.

Follow these safety tips when handling electronic device power cords. They will help you avoid mishaps, fire hazards, and other potential risks. Also, these pointers will ensure you have a longer-lasting device and cable.

1. Inspect the Cords

Equipment power cords are prone to wear from use over time. Such damages can tear off the jacketing and insulation. The wires can get exposed and cause a short circuit, leading to fire accidents at home or in the office. Also, a damaged electric cord with bare wires can shock or electrocute individuals operating the devices and cause serious harm - even death.

To extend the life of the extension cord inspect power cords, cables, and extension lines before connecting your devices. Look for signs of wear, like scratches, frayed edges, dents, and cuts. If you see any of these signs, replace a damaged cable with a new one. Ensure you buy from a reputable supplier of approved and certified products.

2. Organize and Store Electrical Cords Properly

You may be using a power extension cord with a long wire. The excess cable lying around can be a tripping hazard in the home and work areas. Also, it can overheat and cause fire accidents. There are a reason people hang their television sets on walls instead of placing them on the table. Apart from saving space in the room, you eliminate the probability of running the TV cord along the floor, where it can get scratched or tangled.

Managing and handling the cables well will ensure safety and durability. Is your TV stand or wall mount too far from the power socket? You will need a long extension cord but get it through the corners to reduce the chances of getting entangled.

What about how to store extension cords? Unplug the power cord of your appliance and roll it up. Use a cable tie to secure the wire bundle, creating a loop. That prevents it from becoming twisted and knotted. Also, you can use a cable box or a power cord storage bag. It prevents kids and pets from tampering with them when not in use.

3. Confirm Cable Power Rating

Every electric appliance uses a specific amount of energy in voltage. You will see voltage ratings, such as 12V and 110V, printed on the power cables. Also, a power rating indicates how many amps the cord can handle without overheating. Use a 20-amp extension cord with power-consuming electronics, like air conditioners and refrigerators.

You must confirm that your electric devices, including power cables and cords, are compatible. For instance, a 15 amp cord is incompatible with a 20 amp appliance. But you can use equipment with lower ratings with high-spec cables. Manufacturer instructions will help you identify the perfect rating to avoid overloading the power cable.

The wire thickness also informs you how much current it can sustain. The American Wire Gauge (AWG) is a standard unit to measure the conductive ability of the cable. A 14 gauge extension cord is suitable for a 15-amp appliance. It is thicker than a 16AWG. TVs and computers do not consume much energy and require thinner wires.

4. Avoid Chaining Power Strips

Chaining extension cords means connecting multiple cords of the same or different power ratings to increase the wire length. The practice is dangerous and a fire hazard because several contact points can cause disturbance in the electricity flow and overheat the cables. Use one outlet cord with a long wire to avoid multiple connections.

5. Unplug After Use

Never leave your power cords plugged in when not in use, even if you have taken all the necessary safety precautions. It is an extension cord safety measure to ensure no damage or harm. Also, it reduces the risk of electric shock or fire incidents during spikes and surges. Pull the plug out of the outlet and store it safely in a box or bag.

Remember to turn off the device and then the socket switch before unplugging. Never pull on the cable - it can cause damage to the electrical connections. Grasp the plug firmly, and pull it out slowly. Consider using smart power strips that automatically shut down when the device is off. Also, use surge protectors to avoid overvoltage current damage.

Summing Up

Electric devices require a power supply to operate. Their cables, extension cords, and power strips are vital components you must handle carefully to ensure safety. Buy new cables with adequate power ratings and manage them well to reduce the risk of electric shock or fire. Unplug after use and dispose of worn-out cords safely. Never chain multiple extension cords, and use surge protectors for safety. Follow these steps to keep your power cables in check.