What does OSHA say about extension cords?

Portable cord- and plug-connected equipment and flexible cord sets (extension cords) shall be visually inspected before use on any shift for external defects (such as loose parts, deformed and missing pins, or damage to outer jacket or insulation) and for evidence of possible internal damage (such as pinched or crushed ...

What are the OSHA rules on extension cords?

When fuses are installed or removed with one or both terminals energized, special tools insulated for the voltage shall be used. Cords and cables. Worn or frayed electric cords or cables shall not be used. Extension cords shall not be fastened with staples, hung from nails, or suspended by wire.

Is it against code to use an extension cord?

The National Electrical Code and OSHA do not permit extension cords to be used for permanent wiring.

What is the extension cord violation?

Don't plug cords together.

Plugging one extension cord into another one violates OSHA standards because it can potentially lead to fire, equipment failure or electrocution.

What are the recommendations about extension cords?

For home use, a 50-foot extension cord with a 12-gauge wire thickness offers the best in portability and power. A 12-gauge, 50-foot wire can handle 15 amps, which matches most residential breakers and many older fuses. These breakers prevent overloaded circuits by cutting the power if you try to draw more than 15 A.

OSHA and Extension Cords

Why are extension cords banned?

Improper use of flexible and temporary wiring such as extension cords, multi-outlet adapters, uninterruptible power supplies, and power strips can present both fire and electrical shock hazards.

How many extension cords can you use and still be safe?

Some people string two extension cords together to get a lengthier one, but this is not a good idea. Extending the cords this way can lead to overheating and overloading, creating a risk for fire. Instead, get one extension cord with the right length.

Does OSHA allow extension cords to be spliced?

Answer: Paragraph 1926.405(g)(2)(iii) provides: Flexible cords shall be used only in continuous lengths without splice or tap. Hard service flexible cords No. 12 or larger may be repaired if spliced so that the splice retains the insulation, outer sheath properties, and usage characteristics of the cord being spliced.

How long can you use an extension cord per OSHA?

Reply: Use of temporary wiring for a period not to exceed 90 days under paragraph 1910.305(a)(2)(i)(C) is not intended to apply to experimental or developmental work.

What should not be plugged into an extension cord?

Does OSHA allow replacement ends on extension cords?

Answer: Extension cords used in construction may be repaired, so long as the repair returns the cord to the "approved" state required by §1926.403(a). This section states, "All electrical conductors and equipment shall be approved." The repair of cords and cord sets is permitted under 1926.404(b)(1)(iii)(C):

Does OSHA allow power strips?

If the temporary power taps are being used to provide transient voltage surge suppression, then these devices would meet the OSHA standards. If the temporary power taps are being used solely as wiring to provide extra or more convenient outlets, then this is a violation of 29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iii)(A):

Why are extension cords against fire code?

Do not run through walls, doorways, ceilings or floors. If cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which may result in a fire hazard. Do not use an extension cord for more than one appliance. Multiple plug outlets must be plugged directly into mounted electrical receptacles; they cannot be chained together.

What is the most common OSHA electrical violation?

The greatest number of electrical violations usually is due to not preventing the release of energy while servicing and maintaining the machinery and equipment. Common reasons include poor documentation, inadequate employee protection and training, and lack of regular audits being performed.

What is the workplace risk of electrical extension cords?

An extension cord is a potential fire ignition hazard, electric shock hazard, and trip/slip/fall hazard (or worse).

What are OSHA guidelines for electrical?

When working on electrical equipment, for example, some basic procedures to follow are to: deenergize the equipment, use lockout and tag procedures to ensure that the equipment remains deenergized, use insulating protective equipment, and • maintain a safe distance from energized parts.

Does OSHA require flexible cords?

The OSHA construction standard requires flexible cords to be rated for hard or extra-hard usage. These ratings are derived from the National Electrical Code, and are required to be indelibly marked approximately every foot along the length of the cord.

Are homemade extension cords legal?

In regard to electrical contractors assembling cord sets at construction sites, the practice is acceptable, provided the assembled cord sets are constructed in a manner equivalent to those that are factory-assembled and approved.

Can you use extension cords as permanent wiring?

Temporary Extension Cords & Power Connectors Should Not Be Used for Permanent Wiring. Improper use of easily overloaded, unapproved extension cords can present a serious fire safety hazard in the workplace as well as the home.

Does OSHA allow daisy chaining extension cords?

However, interconnecting these devices is a violation of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and the National Electrical Code because doing so can cause them to become overloaded, which could lead to their failure and a possible fire.

Can you connect 2 100 foot extension cords?

DON'T plug extensions cords together.

It may be tempting to just string them together, but resist the temptation. Extending the length of an extension cord by “daisy-chaining” can lead to overheating the cord by overloading it, creating a serious fire hazard.

Why not daisy chain extension cords?

“Daisy chaining” is the connection of two or more extension cords or power strips. Daisy chaining is usually a result of inadequate access to power outlets and can lead to overloaded circuits and fire risk.

Is it safe to have 3 extension cords plugged into each other?

No – you should never run two extension cords together. Connecting two or more extension leads together (sometimes known as 'daisy-chaining) is unsafe for several reasons. Only use one extension lead per socket and never plug an extension lead into another extension lead.

Is a power strip considered an extension cord?

In addition, according to an OSHA letter of interpretation, power strips (regardless of whether or not they have surge protection) are treated like extension cords in that both must meet the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1), Use of flexible cords and cables.

Are extension cords prohibited in place of fixed wiring?

California Fire Code Article 85, Section 8506 states that extension cords shall not be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.