section e:  electrical appliances & extension cords

Prevention measures

• Make sure you have the protection of ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) in bathrooms and kitchens and arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCI) in bedrooms.
• Check your GFCI monthly to determine that it is operating properly. Units can be checked by pressing the "TEST" button; the GFCI should disconnect the power to that outlet. Pressing the "RESET" button reconnects the power.
• All electrical appliances, cords, and fixtures in your home should be listed by an independent testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories *UL.
• Follow the appliance manufacturer's recommendation for plugging into electrical power. Extension cords should only be used temporarily.
• Keep all electrically-powered appliances and equipment dry and away from places where water is used.
• Unplug all small kitchen appliances, hair dryers, curling irons, electric blankets, and other small household appliances when not in use.
• Check the electrical rating on appliance cords and extension cords and make sure they are carrying not more than proper loads.
• Follow safety measures for use of electrical cords.

Section F:  Household Extension Cords

• overheaing is usaully caused by overloading.

• hot plugs and sockets are often caused by frayed connections.

Prevention

• check all the components of the extension cord foor fraying, cracks, etc. and replace.
• feel the temperature of the cord when in use:

  - if hot to the touch, disconnect the appliance

  - overload has occurred.

• use the heavier wire gauge (the lower the guage number, the heavier the wire and the more electrical current can be safely carried). the number 16 cord is preferred.
• check new cords to make sure of prior safety testing.