Things Not Suitable for Extension Cords: A List of 10 Items
Rewritten Article:
Upgrade your home's electrical setup with extension cords? Think again! Justin Cornforth, founder of Ace Home Co, warns against the dangers of improper extension cord usage. We delve into what not to plug into an extension cord to keep your home safe from fires and appliance damage.
Meet Justin Cornforth, the ingenious brain behind Ace Home Co. His expertise in electrical equipment makes him our go-to guy for understanding safe extension cord practices.
You might think extension cords are a lifesaver, especially when reaching that distant outlet for your vacuum cleaner. However, it's essential to remember that extension cords are merely a temporary solution. Misuse can have disastrous consequences such as appliance shortage, residential fires, and even fatalities.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Electrical Safety Foundation (NESF), incidents involving electrical equipment result in over 41,000 residential fires that claim about 350 lives and cause over 1,400 injuries annually.
Should I turn off electricity when changing light bulbs?
Let's clarify what not to plug into an extension cord:
As Cornforth advises, "Anything that continuously generates heat, or has a compressor cannot be connected to an extension cord."
This means avoiding: space heaters, ovens and stoves, refrigerators, microwaves, AC, toasters, air fryers, dishwashers, washing machines, and any other high-wattage appliances.
Why avoid plugging heat-generating appliances into extension cords?
Appliances that draw more power than most extension cords can safely handle can lead to overheating, melting, even fires. Cornforth suggests, "If it hums, heats, or cools, it should go straight into a wall outlet."
First things first, you want to limit your reliance on extension cords as much as possible. These should not be the permanent solution for powering your appliances. Cornforth's advice? "If it hums, heats, or cools, it should go straight into a wall outlet."
Avoiding daily reliance on an extension cord minimizes potential dangers. The longer the appliance is plugged into the extension cord, the greater the risk. Cornforth cautions, "The longer you rely on them, the higher the risks, so it's not only how, but also for how long."
Avoid using extension cords as a permanent solution for power distribution. Daisy-chaining multiple extension cords together is also hazardous and should be avoided.
Remember, safety should always come first. Most home electrical projects are best left to the professionals to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.
Before you reach for that extension cord, remember — not all appliances are safe for extension cord use. Keep your home and family safe from potential fires and damage by following these guidelines on what not to plug into an extension cord.
8 appliances you should always unplug when not in use:
- Microwaves
- Space Heaters
- Refrigerators
- Toaster Ovens and Toasters
- Dishwashers
- Air Fryers
- Slow Cookers and Hot Plates
- Multi-plug adapters or power strips daisy-chained together.
- Justin Cornforth, the founder of Ace Home Co, emphasizes the dangers of improper extension cord usage for electrical equipment.
- The lifestyle magazine Southern Living advises readers to be cautious about relying on extension cords for home safety.
- According to home-and-garden experts, failure to adhere to safe extension cord practices can lead to residential fires and appliance damage.
- Technology-savvy Aussiedlerbote readers are warned against plugging heat-generating appliances like air fryers and space heaters into extension cords.
- When considering home improvements or rewiring for a modern living space, it's essential to prioritize safety by consulting professionals for electrical projects.