Electrical Safety: Extension Cords
- Extension cords shall be suitable for the intended environment and voltage and shall be listed by an appropriate product safety testing and certification organization. All extension cords must be of the three-wire type. Extension cords must be designed for hard or extra hard use at 14/3 or 12/3 gage, rated for 15 Amps.
- Extension cords shall be assembled and tested by a qualified electrician. Splices are not permitted in extension cords.
- Extension cords shall not be used as permanent wiring.
- Extension cords shall be protected from mechanical damage, oil, solvents, abrasion, pinch points and sharp objects, vehicles and pedestrians. Worn, frayed, oil soaked electrical cords and cables shall not be used.
- Extension cords shall be placed so they do not cause slip, trip, or fall hazards.
- Extension cords shall be secured or suspended using non-conductive means. Extension cords shall not be fastened with staples, hung from nails, or suspended by wire.
- All extension cords shall be visually inspected prior to each use. Any worn, frayed, damaged, crushed, pinched, spliced or defective extension cord shall be immediately removed from service.
- Documented inspections of extension cords shall be performed per the requirements of local regulations or consensus standards.
- Extension cords shall not be unplugged while the equipment is operating.
- Extension cords supplied from a disconnect switch shall not be unplugged with the disconnect switch closed.