Safety Bulletin - Extension Cords

Fire attributed to extension cord use

A fire gutted a department store in Texas on August of 1998. The Fire inspector determined the cause to be an electrical extension cord. A freezer had been plugged into a lightweight extension cord, which overheated and ignited combustible materials that were piled on top of the cord. Total fire damage was estimated at $500,000.

Regulations regarding extension cords

 NFPA (the National Fire Protection Association) and OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) regulate the use of flexible electrical cords and cables in workplaces. These standards state:

1. Extension cords are not to be used as a permanent replacement for fixed wiring.
   
2. The amperage or load placed on an electrical conductor (the extension cord) cannot be greater than the maximum amperage rating of the conductor.
   
3. Extension cords must not be concealed under or behind materials, especially combustible or conductive materials.

All three of these regulatory standards were violated in the fire inspection that conducted by the State Fire Marshal.

School Extension Cord Problems

During our college inspection that was done by the State Fire Marshal in January of 2002, various office areas were cited for extension cord violations. Most involved plugging in computers using extension cords, although some involved the use of extension cords with coffee makers, microwaves, portable heaters, and refrigerators.

Remember, extension cords may be used, but only for temporary uses, such as the temporary use of a VCRITV, a laptop, or a coffee pot for a meeting. The extension cord should be promptly unplugged once the appliance is no longer in use.

:: College Inspection Checklist

• Document areas in the college where you are using extension cords and contact the Physical Plant to discuss getting additional electrical outlets installed if possible.
• Be flexible on your room layout. Relocate computers and appliances to use the electrical outlets that are already in the room
• Group computers and replace extension cords with a grounded power strip with an ON/OFF switch. But, NEVER plug one power strip into another. Power strips must go directly from the appliance to an electrical outlet in the wall.
• If you must use an extension cord on a daily basis, be sure someone is assigned to unplug the extension cord from the wall at the end of each weekday.
• Check to make sure only contractor grade extension cords ( 12 gauge or heavier) are being used.
• Make sure you don´t cover extension cords with furniture, carpeting, mats or materials, or conceal them behind walls, under floors or in ceilings.