5 Essential Tips for Using a Flat Extension Cord Safely at Home
Flat-plug extension cords are considerably safer than their round-plug counterparts due to their flat construction, which allows them to lay firmly on the ground.
However, even the safest flat-plug cable can prove hazardous if mishandled.
In this guide, we’ll provide a rundown of the five essential tips for safe flat-plug extension cord usage. Scroll down for an informative read.
1. Start With the Right Cord
It’s impossible to discuss flat-plug extension cord safety without reiterating the significance of investing in a high-quality cable. Ideally, the focus here should be on the safety features of the wire.
Start with a three-pronged flat extension cord. Such plugs have a grounding pin that secures your electrical equipment during a short circuit. Avoid two-pronged flat plugs, as these cords do not have a grounding pin.
Next, purchase a thicker flat-plug extension wire even if you intend to use it with lighter-duty appliances. A 12-gauge cable is universal and can power appliances of diverse current needs.
Experts also recommend choosing shorter flat-plug extension cords over longer ones. Lengthy cables are susceptible to voltage drop and increased resistance, two factors that reduce a wire’s current-handling abilities.
Remember the insulation jacket. Invest in a flat-plug extension cord made of weather-proof materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic.
2. Match the Cord With the Correct Appliance
We’ve just hinted at the significance of prioritizing flat-plug extension cords with higher gauge ratings. Note that a cable’s gauge rating is inversely proportional to its numerical designation.
Cords rated 8-, 10-, or 12-gauge are suitable for power-hungry devices like refrigerators and ovens. On the other hand, flat plugs rated 14-, 16-, or 18-gauge would be safer with lighting fixtures, home entertainment systems, and standard office electronics like printers.
But to determine whether a flat-plug extension cord is truly rated for the appliance you intend to use it with, match the equipment’s amperage, voltage, and wattage ratings with the cable.
Amperage is the strength of electric current flowing through a circuit at a given time, while voltage denotes the force by which that current flows. Wattage is the product of volts and amperes. By way of illustration, an electrical appliance that draws 5 amps at 120 volts would be rated 600 watts.
Wattage is a more reliable variable when matching an appliance with a flat-plug extension cord.
3. Don’t Use Extension Cords Near Water or Heat Sources
Electricity and water are mortal enemies, quite literally. No wonder one of the common flat-plug extension cord safety tips is to avoid using the cable around moist areas, such as sinks and bathrooms.
But what could possibly go wrong?
Well, for starters, water is a good conductor of electricity. That means a damp flat-plug extension cord could cause electrical shocks even if you held it by its non-conductor jacket, provided the wetness extends to the metallic prongs.
Using flat-plug extension cords near water sources further increases the risk of falling. In addition to the usual tripping hazards caused when extension cords are strewn all over the place, you now have to worry about slipping, too.
If you must use a flat-plug extension cord in moist places, hook the wire into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
Flat-plug extension cords shouldn’t be used around heat sources, either. Heat can gradually melt the plastic insulation, dangerously exposing the conductor wires.
4. Don’t Daisy-Chain
Many people connect extension cords, ostensibly to extend the reach of electricity to appliances situated further from the wall socket. This action is known as daisy chaining, and while it may appear harmless, experts strongly discourage it.
Connecting one flat-plug extension cord to another can cause a significant voltage drop, as the current has to travel a longer distance to reach the intended equipment.
Therefore, the voltage reaching an appliance is lower than its actual rating. This could trigger a host of electrical malfunctions, including explosions and total breakdowns.
Daisy chaining may also occur when multiple flat-plug cords are plugged into a single extension cable. In this case, the idea is to power several devices simultaneously.
While there may not be a significant voltage drop in such connections, you could face an even graver risk of circuit overload.
5. Don’t Over-Conceal Your Cords
One major benefit of flat-plug extension cords is their low-profile design, which makes them rather difficult to spot.
However, if you have multiple electrical appliances in a room that are all powered with flat extension cords, you may want to conceal the cables. Hiding the wires makes your room look neat and tidy.
The best way to conceal flat-plug extension cords is to run them behind furniture or wall dividers. You could also invest in cord organizers to bind loose-hanging cables and minimize tripping hazards.
Never tuck flat-plug extension cords underneath rugs or mats, as the cables may develop heat. The heat might gradually exceed the wire’s rated temperature, causing its outer jacket to melt.
It’s also prudent not to allow junk to pile up over flat-cord extension cords. It could create dangerous heat buildup, whether it’s dirty laundry or paper trash.
Final Word
Using flat-plug extension cords correctly is critical to unlocking their benefits. However, note that proper power cord safety starts by choosing the right cable. When shopping for a flat-plug extension cord, consider gauge ratings, length, ampacity, and the available safety features.
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