Proper Use of Extension Cords

1. Proper Use ofExtension Cords Proper Use and Electrical Hazard Awareness for Extension Cord Users Module 2

2. Purpose • The Purpose – Improve your safety on and off the Job • Raise your awareness of extension cord hazards • Help you learn to recognize extension cord hazards • Help you learn what actions to take when you find these hazards • Help you understand the limitations of extension cords • Help you realize the importance of an Electrical SME to your project

3. Electrocution Can Happen To You • A small amount of electrical current can cause injury, even death • The current from a 7.5-watt, 120-volt lamp, passing across the chest, is enough to cause fatal electrocution • Deaths from 120 volts represent about 12 percent of all electrocutions • Virtually everyone uses electricity every day • More exposure = more opportunity for accidents • ~2/3 of electrical incidents involve non-electrical workers

4. Electrocution Can Happen To You (cont.) • Electrocution continues to rank as the fourth highest cause of industrial fatalities (behind traffic, violence and construction incidents) • One person is electrocuted in the home every 36 hours • One person is electrocuted in the workplace every 24 hours

5. Cord Inspection • All mechanical equipment deteriorates with use over time. • The prevalence of electrical equipment in the workplace, and at home, presents more exposure to potentially damaged or defective equipment that can be lethal. Always take a minute or two to examine power cords and plugs before using them. Even a small nick in the insulation can be deadly.

6. Cord Inspections (cont.) • Extension Cords are a great way to extend a power supply however they can be dangerous • Power Cord Safety Basics (applies to all power cords, including extension cords) • Inspect the cord & plug. Look for cracks or damaged insulation, loose or missing plug blades, and indications of overheating or burning, especially on the plug. • Make sure the plug is securely attached to cable. The plug should be molded to the cord or have a clamping mechanism that fits snugly around the cord without pinching. • Check for hot or discolored outlet wall plates. That may indicate dangerous heat buildup at the connections.

7. Cord Inspections (cont.) • Power Cord Safety Basics (cont.) • Make sure your hands are dry before plugging or unplugging a power cord. • Make sure the plug fits snugly into the outlet. Outlets that have loose-fitting plugs can overheat and damage the cord and the plug. • Never force a plug into an outlet if it doesn’t fit. • Keep slack in flexible cords to prevent tension on electrical terminals. • Grasp the plug, not the cord, when removing a plug from an outlet.

8. Actions for damage or defective equipment • Don’t use any electrical equipment that you suspect may be damaged • Be suspicious if any tool, cord, or other electric equipment appears to be damaged. • If in doubt, have it checked out by a qualified person. They will remove the equipment from service or verify that the equipment is safe to connect to power and use. • If the equipment may be energized. • Isolate the area to alert personnel and keep them clear of the potential hazard and notify your supervisor immediately. • Don’t touch or handle damaged electrical equipment.

9. GFCI Protection • Extension cords may be plugged into cord connected ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) if the permanently attached cord on the GFCI device is less than six feet in length. • Permanently installed GFCI receptacles and circuit breakers shall be tested monthly or within the previous 30 days before use. Portable GFCI devices shall be tested before each use. • If you suspect a problem, have it checked out by a qualified person. They will remove the equipment from service or verify that the equipment is safe to connect to power and use.

10. GFCI Protection • GFCI protection for personnel shall be used: • When portable electric tools and equipment are used with temporary wiring methods or extension cord sets for construction, repair, maintenance, remodeling and similar activities. • When electric equipment is used in highly conductive work locations (with water or other conductive liquids) • Recommended GFCI test method: • Permanently installed GFCI’s are tested Per facility policies • Portable GFCI cord sets are tested by the user • Visually inspect device for obvious defects and broken parts. • Press reset button. • Press test button and verify no voltage at outlet. • Using a trouble light or tool • Press reset button and verify power is restored.

11. Proper Extension Cord use • Read and follow all Manufactures instructions

12. Proper Extension Cord Use (cont.) • Plan ahead and avoid difficulties • For Jobs requiring the use of multiple extension cords answer yes to “New electrical installation, modification or temporary wiring?” during the AJHA process • This will prompt the Electrical SME to review your power requirements • For Jobs involving the use of CAM’s and exhausters etc. it may be undesirable to use GFCI protection on these types of loads again during the AJHA process answer yes to “New electrical installation, modification or temporary wiring?”

13. Multi Outlet Adapters • Adapters are those Muti-Outlet units less then 6’ long. • Extension Cords with Multi-Outlet cord caps are also a good choice for field use

14. Extension Cord with Multi Outlet end Extension Cord to Refrigerator Multi Outlet Adapter GFCI Protector Duplex Recpt. Multi Outlet Adapter TV Cord Cords to counting equip Water Cooler Battery Charger Things to Avoid

15. Help With Electrical Safety Questions • Help Available On-Line on your electrical safety page • Contact your Electrical Safety Officer or Electrical Safety SME concerning additional questions you may have concerning the use of electrical cords

16. Summary • Always inspect before use. • Protect yourself through the use of GFCI’s. • Ensure potential hazards are properly dealt with • When in doubt contact an Electrical SME.