Common Causes of Damaged Extension Cords & How to Prevent Further Damage

What is an Extension Cord and How Does it Get Damaged?

Extension cords are essential power tools for any home or office. However, they can be easily damaged and can cause serious safety issues if not properly maintained. In this article, we'll discuss what an extension cord is, how it gets damaged and the causes of damaged cords. We'll also look at how to fix a damaged extension cord and prevent future damage. By understanding these issues, you can keep your home or office safe from electrical hazards.

5 Common Causes of Damaged Extension Cords

Extension cords are essential to many of our everyday activities. However, with improper use and care, they can become damaged and create a serious safety risk. In this article, we will discuss the five most common causes of damaged extension cords so that you can avoid them in the future. We will cover faulty wiring, overloaded cords, kinked cords, pinched cords, and overused cords. By understanding these causes and taking preventive measures to protect your extension cord from damage, you can ensure your safety and extend its lifespan.

How to Avoid Further Damage to Your Extension Cords?

Extension cords are a great way to get electricity where it's needed, but they can also be dangerous if not handled properly. Overloading extension cords, improper storage, and other careless practices can lead to damaged cords and even fires. In this section, we will discuss how to avoid further damage to your extension cords by following some simple safety tips. We will cover topics such as how to prevent damaged cords, avoid overloading extension cords, and proper storage for extension cords. By following these guidelines you can ensure that your extension cord remains in good condition for many years of use.

How to avoid further damage to your extension cords by following some simple safety tips:

Always store your extension cords in an area where they are not exposed to the elements. Avoid storing them in a damp or damp basement, near a pool or swimming area, or anywhere they could be damaged by water that could seep in. The outlet should also be out of reach from children and pets. Be sure your cord is positioned, so it cannot come into contact with anything hot, such as the stove top or radiator. Use 3-prong plugs for all appliances (including vacuum cleaners). Use surge protectors for circuits. Any building's electrical system can, in theory, be damaged by an improperly wired outlet. 

Proper wiring involves connecting the electrical outlets to the main power source before connecting them to other circuits in the building. This is a safety precaution that prevents unrelated electrical appliances from being connected to each other and causing a short circuit. Be sure you have an outlet for every 30 feet of extension cord you use, plus one more. Never share an outlet with another appliance; this makes it easier for them both to be "plugged in" at once and fire sparks when they are switched on or off together.

What are the Warning Signs That Your Extension Cord is Damaged?

Extension cords are incredibly useful for providing extra power to devices and appliances. However, if your extension cord is damaged, it can be a major safety hazard. It's important to be aware of the warning signs that your extension cord is damaged so that you can take the necessary steps to replace it.

1. Fluctuation in Voltage

Voltage fluctuation is a sign that your extension cord is damaged and at risk of catching fire. The voltage will change from moment to moment, which can put you and your family in danger. For instance, the voltage could suddenly drop and then spike back up again without warning. To avoid electrical injury, stay away from the area until a qualified electrician has inspected the area or until you have replaced your extension cord with a new one.

2. Hot Spots on electrical cords

Hot spots are another sign that an extension cord may be damaged and at risk of fire. These spots can be seen on the surface of the cord and are typically a sign that there is a short in the cord or that there is something wrong with an electrical outlet. The metal has melted and come off, which creates this hot spot. To avoid electrical injury, stay away from the area until a qualified electrician has inspected the area or until you have replaced your extension cord with a new one.

3. Cigarette burns 

If you see cigarette burns on an extension cord's insulation, it usually means that someone has tampered with it by either scratching up its insides or poking holes in it to let overheated electricity escape.

4. Broken power outlet

This is a very obvious sign if you come across an outlet that's been broken off from the wall. It means an attempt was made on someone's life by trying to plug something into it, like a lamp or a laser pointer, which then over-stressed the wires and caused them to break away from the wall socket.

What are the Best Practices For Using & Maintaining Your Extension Cords?

Extension cords are a great way to extend the reach of your power source, but they must be maintained properly if you want to ensure that they remain safe and reliable. In this section, we will discuss the best practices for using and maintaining your extension cords in order to keep them in good condition. We will cover topics such as how often you should check your power cords, how to store them correctly, and how to replace any damaged parts. By following these tips, you can ensure that your extension cords remain safe and reliable for years to come. 

How often should you check your cords? 

It is recommended that you clean and inspect your cords at least once a year. This can be done by gently wiping the cord with a damp cloth, as well as inspecting any exposed wires for damage. You should also ensure that any exposed wires are not touching each other or anything else present in the area. If there is damage to an exposed wire, it should be replaced immediately by using the appropriate cord set for that particular appliance.

Emergency Electrician Derby

When you need an emergency electrician in Derby, it is important to call a professional. Electrical problems can be dangerous and require the expertise of a qualified electrician. Whether it is damaged extension cords, faulty wiring or a power outage, an emergency electrician in Derby can help you get your home or business back up and running quickly. With their experience and knowledge, they can assess the situation and provide the best solution to ensure your safety. Don't wait until it's too late; call an experienced emergency electrician in Derby today!