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Go the Distance On Extension Cord Safety

Underwriters Laboratories experts show how to avoid electrical shocks and fires

Spring into SafetyNORTHBROOK, Ill.; Spring 2005 - Extension cords let you go to great lengths for spring maintenance chores in and around your home. But extension cords also require you to go the distance on safety to avoid electrical shocks and fires when you're using power tools and garden equipment.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, misused or damaged extension cords cause about 3,300 residential fires each year, killing 50 people and injuring 270 others.

"Extension cord safety begins with inspecting cords before you use them," says John Drengenberg, manager of Consumer Affairs at Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), the not-for-profit product safety organization. "Do not use extension cords that are cut or damaged. Touching even a single, exposed strand of wire can give you an electric shock or burn."

Also, check the cord's plug to ensure that the blades and grounding pin are present. "Never file or cut the plug blades or grounding pin of an extension cord or an appliance to plug it into an old outlet," he says. "If an extension cord plug doesn't fit an outlet, have a qualified electrician replace the outlet."

Read the label when you're buying a new extension cord. "Labels carry valuable information about the use, size and wattage rating of the cord," he notes. "This can help you choose the right cord for the right job rather than overloading or misusing a cord. For example, outside extension cords are clearly labeled 'Suitable for Use with Outdoor Appliances.' Using an indoor extension cord outdoors could result in an electric shock or fire hazard."

Cords are marked with a size or gauge. "The larger the wire, the smaller the gauge number," he explains. "A 12-gauge wire is larger and can power larger wattage tools than a 14-gauge wire."

And, recognize that as the cord gets longer, the electric current carrying capacity of the cord gets lower. "That's probably not a problem if you're running a power tool inside your home, but it could be a factor if you're operating an electric lawn mower at the edge of a big lawn," Drengenberg points out.

Finally, UL safety experts offer these additional safety tips when using extension cords:

  • Look for the UL Mark which means that representative samples of the cord have been tested for safety hazards.
  • Store all cords indoors when not in use. Outdoor conditions can deteriorate a cord over time.
  • Unplug an extension cord when it is not in use. The cord will still conduct electricity until it is unplugged from the outlet.

For more tips on the safe use of lawn mowers, ladders, power saws and home wiring, visit UL's Web site at www.ul.com/consumers.

About Underwriters Laboratories

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is an independent, not-for-profit product safety certification organization that has been testing products for more than 110 years. UL tests more than 18,850 types of products annually, and more than 19 billion UL Marks appear on products each year. Worldwide, UL's family of companies and its network of service providers include 58 laboratories, and testing and certification facilities.

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