My cord is too short, can I use an extension cord?
|
The concern is that an undersized or unsafe type of insulation found with most general purpose extension cords is unsafe and…. |
Electrical Question from Ian about Electrical Safety
[ad#block]Question: I’ve seen various places online that state you should not use an extension cord with a washing machine. I’ve also seen others that say you can. Which is accurate? My cord is about a foot short of my outlet and I want to use a heavy duty cord to connect it. Is this safe?
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Ian. The concern is that an undersized or unsafe type of insulation found with most general purpose extension cords is unsafe and I totally agree. However there are specific use cords which state they are designed to be used for devices such as microwave ovens. These cords are short and the wire gauge and insulation type is safe for the stated application. If you find one of these specific application cords and its states that it is safe for your application AND it has a Genuine UL Listing AND you will not be altering the cord in any way then it should be safe for your application. However if your electrical appliance explicitly prohibits the use of any extension cord then I advise against it.
The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:
For more information about Electrical Safety
Electrical Safety
This link is helpful as a Homeowner
Do-It-Yourself Electrical
Make sure not to miss these Resources for: Electrical Safety
Home Electrical Safety
Be Careful and Be Safe – Never Work on Energized Circuits!
For Best Results Consult a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Locate An Electrical Contractor in Your Area
The following may also be helpful for you:
Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
|
Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire CutterMy absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. |
More articles about Electrical, Safety and Home Electrical Wiring: | |
« Previous | Next » |
What is a compound lightning arrester? | Is it safe to install a larger sized circuit breaker? |