Power for Progress: Safety tips for extension cord use

Extending electric safety
As it recognizes May as National Electrical Safety Month, GRDA is also sharing some important electric safety tips. This week, the topic is extension cords.

Power for Progress …

A weekly column from the Grand River Dam Authority

Recognizing National Electric Safety Month …

Safety tips for extension cord use

May is National Electric Safety Month, and the Grand River Dam Authority is proud to recognize that by passing along more safety tips to you. This week, those tips from the Electric Safety Foundation International (from esfi.org) are focused on extension cords. In many homes, these items are used daily and perhaps even more often this time of year, when warmer weather gives us the opportunity to complete some do-it-yourself projects around the house.

Before you plug in that extension cord, consider these tips:

• Do not overload extension cords or allow them to run through water or snow 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. Have 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. For more electric safety tips, keep an eye on this column space; we will be sharing more throughout May, National Electric Safety Month. Also, be sure to visit esfi.org for additional electric safety information.

GRDA is Oklahoma’s largest public power electric 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.