News
Extension Cord Safety
May 18, 2021
GRDA is recognizing May as National Electrical Safety Month by sharing important safety tips all month long. This week, the focus is on extension cord safety.
Power for Progress… a weekly column from the Grand River Dam Authority.
May is National Electric Safety Month and the Grand River Dam Authority is proud join with the Electric Safety Foundation International (esfi.org) in recognizing the importance of electrical safety. This week, our focus is on extension cords.
These cords are used often this time of year, as warmer weather gives us the opportunity to complete some do-it-yourself projects around the house. However, before you plug in that extension cord, consider these tips:
- Do not overload extension cords or allow them to run through water on the ground.
- Do not substitute extension cords for permanent wiring.
- Do not run through walls, doorways, ceilings, or floors. If cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which may result in a fire hazard.
- A heavy reliance on extension cords is an indication that you have too few outlets to address your needs. Consider having additional outlets installed where you need them.
- Make sure the extension cord or temporary power strip you use is rated for the products to be plugged in and is marked for either indoor or outdoor use.
- The appliance or tool that you are using the cord with will have a wattage rating on it. Match this up with your extension cord and do not use a cord that has a lower rating.
- Never use a cord that feels hot or is damaged in any way. Touching even a single exposed strand can give you an electric shock or burn.
- Use extension cords with polarized and/or three-prong plugs.
- Buy only cords approved by an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Remember, using extension cords properly is critical to your safety. We do hope you will keep these tips in mind.
GRDA is Oklahoma’s largest public power utility; fully funded by revenues from electric and water sales instead of taxes. Each day, GRDA strives to be an “Oklahoma agency of excellence” by focusing on the 5 E’s: electricity, economic development, environmental stewardship, employees, and efficiency.