Extension cords are a staple device in virtually every home or office. They make life easier by extending the power supply to various parts of the living or working area. Due to the durability and versatility of extension cords, including 20-amp extension cords, you can easily ignore signs of overloading. What's more, you might be overloading your 20-amp extension cord now.
Overloading should not be taken lightly. In extreme cases, it can result in fires or electrocutions. So, to continue enjoying the benefits of your extension cord, you must take steps to avoid overloading it. If you are unsure how to prevent overburdening your cord, this guide has you covered. You're about to discover six crucial steps to avoid overloading your 20-amp extension cord to prevent accidents.
1. Look Out for Safety Test Certification
Overloading the extension cord is inevitable when you buy unsafe brands. For global market access, devices like extension cords must pass local safety and durability tests. This is a prerequisite for mass production and distribution.
Further, the product might be retested in a foreign lab to be allowed into overseas markets. Upon passing the tests, a safety certification mark is attached to the product's label. For example, an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Intertek (ETL) certification mark is a sign of quality and durability for electronics distributed in the US.
Therefore, look out for the safety certification mark on the extension cord before buying. It can help you avoid low-quality and unsafe products doomed for overloading and burning.
Ensuring an extension cord's safety and durability is easier when you buy from a trusted vendor. You can search online for verified and certified electronics dealers with a reputation for quality products. On their website, you will find the right 20 amp extension cord for your home or office use.
2. Check the Label for Specification
Every electrical appliance, especially extension cords, has specifications on how best to use it. There are specifications for amperage, gauge, and voltage. You will also find suggestions for the ideal appliances or devices to plug into them. You must check the label to know the device's specifications.
Without consulting with the specification label, you don't know what appliance is ideal for the extension cord. As a result, you might plug in appliances that may be too heavy for the cord. Check the label for this crucial information before using your 20-amp extension cord. It can help you avoid overloading the cord, which can ruin the device.
3. Avoid Plugging One Extension Cord into Another
In an environment where power sources or outlets are scarce, people find creative ways to make them more accessible. For instance, when a workspace has two power outlets for over a dozen staff members, those far from the outlet will be most affected. To ensure proper electricity distribution, they might plug one extension cord into another.
While this approach might seem harmless or genius, it can damage a 20-amp cord. Being the centralized power outlet, it bears the load of the devices directly plugged in and those indirectly attached to it via other extension cords.
4. Unplug Devices after Use
Overloading works in two major ways. First, bearing more load than you can accommodate at once. Second, carrying the ideal load for an overly extended period. This implies you can overload the extension cord even when you only plug in the recommended appliances.
Since plugging appliances for too long can cause overloading, you must make slight adjustments. Simply unplug devices from the extension cord that are not in use. This simple act might take time to adjust as people forget, especially after a long, busy workday. Thus, make a habit of unplugging an appliance immediately after using it. If you share extension cords with colleagues, encourage them to unplug unused devices.
5. Get More Extension Cords
If you risk overloading your extension cord, it might be due to overreliance on it. When you plug in too many appliances into one extension cord, you risk overloading it. As a result, you must consider adding one or more to your collection. This helps reduce the burden on your primary cord.
Think of it as a division of labor. Getting more extension cords allows the devices to share the responsibility evenly, reducing strain on a single cord. Upon getting more extension cords, spread your devices across the cords.
6. Make Time for Maintenance and Check-Ups
When the result of overloading a 20-amp extension cord takes effect, you might notice it too late. That's why you must make time to inspect your extension cord. Knowing the signs of overloading can help you avoid hazards and maintain workplace electrical safety standards.
One of the first signs your extension cord is overloading is in the temperature. Touch the cord. If it is unusually hot or cold, it's most likely overloading. Also, check for physical damage such as melting or discoloration of the cord.
Finally, a burning smell is a major giveaway of overloading. If you experience any of these occurrences, unplug your extension cord to avoid electrical hazards.
Takeaway
Overloading a 20-amp extension cord is a common issue with serious consequences, from fire outbreaks to electrocution. However, you can avoid those occurrences by taking proactive steps to prevent overloading your extension cord.
Look for signs of overloading such as plugging too many devices or leaving unused appliances plugged into the extension cord. You must also check for safety and durability certification on the product label.
Finally, a simple way to ensure the safety of your cord is by buying from a verified and reputable online merchant. Make the right adjustments to maintain your extension cord and the security of lives and property under your watch.
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