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 doesnt
  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

• Dont 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.
• Dont 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 GFCIs 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 CAMs 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
Things to Avoid
15
Things to Avoid
16
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

17
Summary

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