Extension Cord

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Extension Cord
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Why extension cords

• To provide temporary power to portable equipment
• Available in 2 or 3 wire cords
• Used in construction, homes, and holiday events

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Safety Concern

• Often misused
• Can cause injury, or OSHA fine
• Can cause fire or shock when worn out

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Safety Cord Statistics

• The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
  (CPSO) estimates that each year, about 4,000
  injuries associated with electric extension cords
  are treated in hospital emergency rooms.
• Half of these injuries are people tripping over
  the cord

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Statistics (cont.)

• 13 of injuries are children under 5
• CPSC also estimates that about 3,300 residential
  fires originate in extension cords each year,
  killing 50 people and injuring about 270 others.

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OHSA Regulations

• The National Electric Code requires extension
  cords to be approved and identified by the word
  "outdoor" or the letters "WA" on the jacket.
• Subpart K in OSHA Regula-
• tions. 1926.405

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NEC Standards

• The National Electrical Code says that many
  cord-connected appliances should be equipped with
  polarized grounding type plugs.
• Polarized plugs have one blade slightly wider
  than the other and can only be inserted one way
  into the outlet to ensure grounding of hot wire

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UL Standards

• Underwriters Laboratories now requires extension
  cords to have safety closures, warning labels,
  rating information about the electrical current,
  and other added features for the protection of
  children and other consumers.
• UL-listed extension cords now must be constructed
  with 16 gauge or larger wire, equipped with
  integral fuses, and rated to carry 13 amperes (up
  to 1560 watts)

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Safety Procedures

• Extension cords must be visually inspected before
  use on any shift
• Any defective cord must be removed from service
• It is recommended to use the three wire extension
  cords.

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Safety Procedures

• An extension cord should never be used as a
  substitute for permanent wiring.
• They should not be fastened to a building or
  structure.
• Avoid plugging two cords together to make a
  longer one. It's best to use one cord in a
  continuous.
• Extension cords too long will reduce operating
  voltage and operating efficiency of tools or
  appliances and may cause motor damage.

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Safety Procedures

• Do not connect loads that exceed 75 of the
  maximum amperage marked on the package.
• Do not assume a "standard rating" based on wire
  size. The manufacturer may de-rate heavy-duty
  cords, cords longer than 50 feet, or cords with
  integral switches.
• If unsure of a cord rating, assume that it is 10
  amps if 50 feet or less, and 7 amps if over 50
  feet long.

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Safety Procedures

• Contact with live prongs can result in
  electrocution. Use care when inserting or
  removing plugs.
• Never install extension cords in a permanent
  fashion (inside ceilings, floors, or walls).

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Permanent Cords Bare Prong
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Safety Procedures

• Tie a knot in the extension cords when connecting
  them.
• When laying cords across a road or walkway, put a
  cover over the wire to prevent tripping
• Plug the dead end of the cord first, then the hot
  end.
• Do not use staples to hold
• up wire, but plastic hanger

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Be Safe! Or else