Power Cord Safety: What to Do and What to Avoid

A power cord is a type of cable that uses an extension cord or wall socket to establish a connection between an electricity source and an appliance. The type of cord you use might depend on your country and the voltage requirements of your supply.

However, one thing is certain – power cords are incredibly versatile. You can use them to power a wide range of products ranging from household appliances like refrigerators and ovens to entertainment products like computers and TVs.

If you want to get the most out of your cord, it is vital to use it properly. Here are some pointers about things that you should and shouldn’t do when using power cords.

Do’s

Use as Many Cords as You Need

Here is a neat trick that will not only improve safety but also ensure that you avoid clutter. Change your way of thinking and look for ways to bring your appliance near to the cord as possible.

Instead of using a cord that’s 50-feet long, try finding a way to get the device closer to it. First, it will look better because you won’t have all that cord stretched out across your home or office. Additionally, you will increase safety because you will minimize tripping over the wire.

You can even use a retractable power cord. These are incredibly convenient for transport, and you can quickly move it from your home to the office. It is even better to consider having a separate cord for each location. Moving them may also cause damage, and keeping them in one place might prolong their lifespan.

Using a Color-Coding System

Do you have a lot of cables around your home? Are you having problems to identify your TV power cord from a PC one? If you are a tech lover that owns many appliances, you might need a bit of help in classifying your cables.

The professionals often resort to using a color-coding system. It is a simple approach that assigns a color to the cord’s function. It is up to you to choose the colors for particular cord categories, but you can use different strategies.

For example, you can use blue color for PCs, green ones for telephones, and yellow for TVs. If you are in an office environment, how about using blue to mark internal network cables, red for the cords separating those from an external network, and yellow for external cables?

Feel free to come up with a system that works for you. If you cannot memorize, you can write down which color represents which function. The only thing to ensure is that you don’t assign a wrong color when putting up the cord, and everything will work flawlessly. Thanks to the color-coding, you will easily find your way even in the most complex cord system.

Utilizing a Proper Charger

Smartphones are gadgets that you use every day. The chances are you wouldn’t last a couple of hours without your cellphone. Not only you stay in contact with people, but you also use it to browse the internet and play games. You probably paid hundreds of dollars for your phone, so why are you trying to save on a charging unit that costs $10?

A difference exists between non-polarized and polarized cords. The charger you buy will be a non-polarized power cord, which means both prongs are completely the same in terms of size and shape.

It is vital to buy a top-quality charging cord because it has better component quality. If you go cheap, you will end up with poor materials that are a safety risk. The experts recommend to look for a UL certificate and try to ensure it is unique.

Don’ts

Never Bend the Cords

You will find many so-called experts that advise rolling the cord when storing it. However, if you are bending the cable often, you might break the wires inside. These wires are delicate, and bending puts them under stress, which may cause breakage. If you roll the cable, the chances are you will be looking for a replacement power cord soon.

Instead, you want to go with the “roadie wrap” technique. The approach implies coiling the cords but ensuring that you switch loop directions with each coil. A Velcro tie can be convenient for securing the cord from unraveling. That way, there won’t be sharp bends, and the wire won’t be under stress.

Avoid Placing Cables Under Rugs and Carpets

An extension cord is an incredibly functional and convenient item. Although the idea is to use it temporarily, it becomes a permanent solution in many locations.

You may need to get electricity for your computer power cord from across the room, and you end up with a cable in the middle of the area. That is unattractive, which is why you push it under the carpet, and that’s where problems begin.

A cord placed under the carpet can easily overheat, but that is not the only issue. The chances are everyone will be stepping on the cord, which may damage the wires and affect their functionality. The experts explain that this cord loses the ability to transfer current over time, and that increases fire hazard.

Never Overload the Cords

Each cord has its amperage and wattage rating, and it needs to be able to handle the power that the appliance requires. If your C5 power cord can handle 15 Amps and 1,500W, it is vital not to exceed that capability. In case you do, you run a risk of malfunction and other safety issues.

Apart from overloading the cords, you can increase safety by using a single appliance per cord. It is an excellent way to ensure you don’t put too much burden on a cord, which can also cause short circuits and overheating issues.

Power Cords Are Safe and Useful

Finally, let’s clear up in case you have any dilemma. Power cords are extremely safe devices that can be very useful around your home, office, or even in outdoor environments. Like any other product, you only need to follow guidelines for using it properly. If you do that, you can rest assured that power cords will last for a long time, and serve you flawlessly!