Extension Cord Surge Protector Safe
Surge protector electrical extension cord and power strip safety.
Extension cord surge protector safe. For example this belkin surge protector has a 14 gauge cord so you ll want to make sure that your extension cord is 14 gauge or better. The most frequent causes of such fires are short circuits overloading damage and or misuse of these power cords. A number of people believe that extension cords and surge protectors are compatible. Some surge protectors offer a warranty up to a certain amount on the gear connected to the protector.
Also though power strips and surge protectors don t expire or need to be replaced after a specific amount of time take a good look at the cord and the strip itself from time to time. While this is technically correct it s actually a misconception. Extension and power strip surge protector safety the u s. Underwriter laboratories tests and rates the safety of surge protectors.
Also connecting a series of extension cords together or daisy chaining is forbidden as is using one surge protector power strip to power another extension cord. Can you plug a surge protector into an extension cord. In truth it s against occupational safety and health administration and national electrical code safety regulations to use a surge protector with an extension cord in either combination. If it s damaged in any way especially the cord maybe it s getting frayed or the insulation is is getting brittle and breaking away it s time to.
The right extension cord will give you the power you need when you need it. Consumer product safety commission cpso estimates that electrical power cords cause about 4 000 injuries and 3 300 residential fires each year. Every year thousand of injuries fires and deaths result from surge protector electrical extension cords and power strips. For example in the us one belkin model has a 300 000.
Etl or the canadian standards association csa mark to make sure an extension cord is safe for its rated use. Products that pass muster display a ul approval label. The two components are not designed to work with one another. On paper yes you can.
How to shop for a surge protector. Shop for a surge protector with a ul 1449 label that shows it is listed as a surge protector device and isn t just a power strip extension cord. Always choose the best extension cord for the location and the device. Consumer product safety commission cpso estimates that about 4 000 injuries 3 300 fires and 50 deaths occur each year.