Prevent Yourself From Making The Big Extension Cord Mistake This Winter

Dec 12, 2018 by apost team

Extension cords are a convenient option to have. They are perfect for when your cords cannot reach a standard outlet. However, they come with risks. Fire departments across the nation are warning people about their hidden dangers. Proceed with caution and do not plug everything in at one time.

These long cords with several outlets are usually described as extension cords or power strips. Although, it is vital to understand that they don't always serve the same purpose as surge protectors.

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They are meant to stop the flow of electricity when an overload occurs. On the other hand, power strips can only handle so much. They might have multiple outlets, but that doesn't mean that they can't be overloaded.

You could easily make a mistake and plug a harmful device into one. If it causes a surge, a fire may occur. This could be an expensive disaster. Although, things can be replaced. Precious lives cannot be.

When winter rears its ugly head, people turn up the heat and light their fireplaces. If you don't have access to either of those options, you may need a space heater. They're a simple and portable way to heat your home. However, plugging one into a power strip could prove to be dangerous. They can quickly overheat your power strip or extension cord.

Oregon's Umatilla County Fire District #1 issued a statement about space heaters. They warned people that they should never plug one into a power strip. Most extension cords are not created to handle the large amounts of electricity that space heaters use. The fire department went on to warn the public about the fire dangers this may present.

That fire station experienced the dangers firsthand. They published a photo of a burnt power strip to their social media account. They claimed that even high-quality equipment can ignite if it isn't used properly. Sometimes, even firefighters need to be reminded of how to stay safe

Good Housekeeping also published a warning from Rachel Rothman who serves as their chief technologist. She says that it's safer to plug your space heater into its own outlet and never use a power strip for one. Rachel went on to say that no other devices should be plugged into the same outlet as a space heater.

The National Fire Protection Association claims that 50 percent of all house fires happen during the winter months of December, January, and February.

Between 2009 and 2013, heaters caused 56,000 fires. It can happen to anyone, so don't let it happen in your home. If you are considering buying a space heater this season, it's important to check that it's been tested first.

It should be tested by a third-party laboratory such as UL. The box your heater is in needs to have a UL rating. If you can't see one, don't buy it.

Each winter, there are a couple of actions you can take to stay safe. Always test your smoke detectors to make sure they are working properly. Also, make sure to regularly check your heater's cords. They should not be damaged or frayed. Make sure to send this article to your friends and loved ones, to ensure that they are all cozy, warm, and safe this winter.