Extension Cords Safety

This article has been published at Old Bridge Observer over 10 years ago on July 21st, 2007. It shows our commitment to help our customers as much as possible to give he best advice for Electricity and Safety at your home. 

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Bill's Safety Circuit
Bill Root, Licensed Master Electrician, Answers Your Questions About Electricity And Safety

LIFE EXTENSION
I have the good fortune of working with many real estate professionals serving the public in the Old Bridge area. My skills are tested as the result of home inspections made by specialty companies highly trained in this field. One location in a home that especially comes to my attention is the attic. On too many occasions, I have seen hazardously performed electrical installations in this out of the way spot. 

The use of extension cords to wire
 anything in a home is an accident waiting to happen. The extension cord of choice seems to be the 3-wire outdoor type which can be found in various colors. This material is not an approved National Electrical Code wiring method and therefore is not safe. One home owner installed a receptacle in the attic using an extension cord, then proceeded to wire ceiling fans with the same material. When finished, all there was to do was simply plug the extension cord into the receptacle to supply power to the newly improperly wired ceiling fans. Just because it works doesn't mean it is safe.

Please, when tackling a home project, consult a professional or a "how to” book to keep your home in one piece and your family safe. 

Remember, knowledge is power - don’t be left in the dark.

Email your questions to: customers@rootelectric.com

ROOT ELECTRIC
703-494-3989
Putting your safety first since 1986.


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William Root

About the author

Bill has been employed as a journeyman electrician since 1974. His first 20 years comprised new construction of commercial industrial installations including but not limited to waste water treatment plant, nuclear power station, petroleum distribution tank farm, hospital, high rise buildings, and shopping malls. During the last 26 years his electrical installations have included light commercial and residential customers. Bill's began as an apprentice in Pennsylvania in 1972 and relocated to Virginia in 1986 to launch William J Root Inc., DBA Root Electric Services.