What happens if you use an indoor extension cord outside?
Mar 13, 2022 · March 13, 2022 by alison. Extension cords are the perfect solution when you need to power a device whose cord doesn’t reach an outlet. An outdoor extension cord can be used indoors, but you should never use an indoor extension cord for outdoor tasks. Knowing the difference indoor and outdoor cords will help you eliminate safety hazards.
How to run outside extension cords safely and inexpensively?
Mar 28, 2020 · Extension cords are the perfect solution when you need to power a device whose cord doesn't reach an outlet. An outdoor extension cord can be used indoors, but you should never use an indoor extension cord for outdoor tasks. Knowing the difference indoor and outdoor cords will help you eliminate safety hazards.
What is the best outdoor extension cord?
Because outdoor devices often require more amperage than indoor devices, an extension cord that is appropriate for outside use will have a high amperage rating. How to Protect Outdoor Extension Cord from Rain. If you don’t have ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected outlets installed on the exterior of your house, use a GFCI adapter along with your outdoor …
Are there extension cords made to be used outdoors?
Mar 30, 2021 · Their sturdy construction protects outdoor cords from moisture, sunlight, temperature changes, and other elements that cause rapid deterioration of less durable indoor cords. Plugs — Outdoor extension cords always have three-prong plugs, whereas indoor cords may have either two or three prongs, depending on particular needs. The third prong is …
Can you use regular extension cord outside?
Never use indoor extension cords outside, they are not built for such rugged use. Do NOT leave even your outdoor extension cord outside more than a day or two. Left outside over extended periods, cord materials can breakdown, potentially resulting in sparking, fire, and shock.
How do I know if my extension cord is for outdoor use?
Letter Designation. On the extension cord packaging or on the cord itself, the letter “W” indicates that the cord is designed for use outside. Outdoor extension cords have a heavy-duty appearance and tend to have tough, bright orange covers that are made from rubber, vinyl or plastic.Dec 30, 2019
Can you leave outdoor extension cords in the rain?
An extension cord can survive the rain if it is rated for outdoor use and if it is in good condition. However, the plug should be kept out of the rain.
What kind of extension cords can be used outside?
Three-prong plug extension cords are the most common for outdoor use. The third prong essentially serves as a super ground for carrying high voltage. It greatly reduces the risk of electric fire caused by short circuits. It does need to be plugged into a three-prong outlet to work properly.Dec 13, 2019
How to keep extension cords from tripping?
Do not overextend extension cords by attempting to power too many appliances at once. Use brightly colored extension cords to help you locate them, to prevent tripping, and to help notify people who may be working in your yard or mowing that extension cords are present. ...
What are the three categories of extension cords?
Extension cords have three categories of use: occasional, frequent, and rugged. In order to find the one that’s right for your project, you’ll need to check the cord packaging or the cord itself for the specific letter designating the intended use.
What is the purpose of the third prong on an extension cord?
The third prong serves as a grounding wire, reducing the risk of fire or electrical shock. Because outdoor devices often require more amperage than indoor devices, an extension cord that is appropriate for outside use will have a high amperage rating.
What does the W on a cord mean?
The letter “W” on the packaging or the cord itself indicates a cord that is designed for use outside. The primary difference between an indoor extension cord and an outdoor cord is the insulation. Cords rated for outdoor use also have bright orange rubber, vinyl, or plastic covers that protect against moisture and the natural changes in ...
Can I use a GFCI adapter on an outside outlet?
If you don’t have ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected outlets installed on the exterior of your house, use a GFCI adapter along with your outdoor extension cord. It’s a smart way to provide an added layer of protection for your holiday light display. The GFCI plugs directly into your outlet, and then the extension cord plugs into ...
Is it safe to use a GCFI extension cord outside?
Although choosing the right extension cord designed for outside use and using a GCFI extension are excellent safety measures, there are other things you can do to keep your family and your home safe. Store extension cords properly.
Which Kind of Extension Cord Is Safe to Use Outdoors?
There are several types of ratings for extension cords. One rating is for their type of intended use: heavy, medium, or light duty. Another rating is by amperage: the power load they are designed to carry safely. Yet another rating is for indoor or outdoor usage. The “W” symbol is used to label cords made for outdoor use.
How to Protect Extension Cords from Weather Conditions
All outlets mounted on the exterior of your home should have a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) built into the outdoor outlet. A GFCI is a circuit breaker that shuts off electricity to the cord, if it detects irregular electricity flow, such as when it is passing through water, or a human, or something else other than a normal power conduit.
Tips for Safe Use of Outside Extension Cords
In addition to making sure you have the right type of extension cord for outdoor use and a GFCI, here are some other important ways to help keep people and pets safe while using outdoor extension cords around your home:
How to make an extension cord safe?
How to Make Using an Outdoor Extension Cord Safe. Stage the cord so that it is not a tripping hazard. Run the wire along the building structure. Inspect the wire for jacket damage. Do not use an extension cord if you can see its internal wires.
What is the letter on an extension cord?
The US government requires extension cord manufacturers to place the letter “W” on cord s designed for outdoor use. Use only “W” cords outside. When you use a “W” cord outside, you should plug it into a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interruption) outlet. Modern codes require a portion of outlets in homes be include GFCI outlets.
What gauge wire should I use for a vacuum cleaner?
A 12-gauge wire carries a heavy load both inside and outside the home. A 20-gauge wire can handle only small jobs, but is OK to use if it’s in a “W” jacket. The changes of a 20-gauge cord being useful outdoors are small. Use a 16-gauge cord for lamps, fans. Use 12 gauge for the garage vacuum cleaner and table saws.
What is the difference between a wire gauge and an extension cord?
The “gauge” refers to the thickness of the internal wires that carry the electricity. When wire gauge, thicker is better as it safely carries more electricity.
What is an extension cord jacket?
The extension cord jacket is the rubbery coating surrounding the wires. The thicker and stronger the jacket, the more protection it provides the wires inside. This jacket protects the inner wires from rain, snow, and sunshine. Never use an extension cord with a broken jacket. You might get a shock or risk a fire.
How long does an outdoor cord last?
A good outdoor cord will last for years, even if it lives outside 24x7x365. It’s just that its useful life will last a lot longer if you give it a occasionally lower its load, or bring it into a warm area.. Dangers include animal bites, debris in the outlet, water and abrasion damage.
How many deaths are caused by bad extension cords?
When you’re done with it, bring it back to a warm, dry place. Internationally, bad extension cords cause 50,000 fires and 490 deaths every year. A bad extension cord is one that: is overloaded. is the wrong size, is fully loaded without a break in service,
Why use an extension cord?
An extension cord can come handy when your electrical outlet is not positioned ideally where you’d like it for your needs. The holiday season and outdoor events require that you know which type of extension cord is ideal for that setting. Extension cords are not all one and the same. To ensure electrical safety, ...
What does the W on an extension cord mean?
On the extension cord packaging or on the cord itself, the letter “W” indicates that the cord is designed for use outside. Outdoor extension cords have a heavy-duty appearance and tend to have tough, bright orange covers that are made from rubber, vinyl or plastic.
What is a 3 prong plug?
The third prong on the plug of the extension cord serves as a grounding wire that minimizes the risk of electrical shock or fire. A three-pronged plug is meant to fit an outlet ...
Is an extension cord the same as an extension cord?
Extension cords are not all one and the same. To ensure electrical safety, protection of property and the preservation of life, it is essential to know how to identify an extension cord suited for outdoor applications. Below you will find some useful information to help you choose an outdoor extension cord.
Do outdoor extension cords need insulation?
The sturdy cover of outdoor extension cords allows them to provide insulation that provides protection against moisture and the natural outdoor temperature changes, as well as sun damage that can the insulation to deteriorate over time. Indoor extension cords lack the same protective materials and insulation capacity as indoor extension cords.
How to tell if extension cord is for outdoor use?
How to Tell if an Extension Cord is for Outdoor Use. If you’re using outdoor electric tools, you’ll want to make sure you have the right extension cord. This means making sure it’s rated for outdoor use and also making sure it’s the right amperage rating for the tools you’re using.
How many prongs does an outdoor cord have?
If you already have the cord and want to check, this info will be stamped near the male (prong end) of the cord. Generally, outdoor cords have 3 prongs (so they’re grounded), have a tough rubbery coating, and come in bright colors like orange or yellow.
How many amps does a 12 gauge extension cord need?
This is fine for some smaller tools like electric drills but for more powerful outdoor equipment like mowers, circular saws, and chainsaws you’ll want a 12 gauge cord that’s rated for 15 amps.
Is it worth getting a good cord?
That said, it’s worth getting a good quality cord. Cheap ones have thinner coatings that crack over time (definitely not good when there’s rain or snow around). They also tend to have cheaper prongs that bend or break which is just plain annoying.
What is the best extension cord for outdoor use?
The best extension cords for outdoor use are certified by organizations like Underwriters Laboratories that test them thoroughly to ensure that they meet international safety standards. You cannot trust a permanent outdoor cord that doesn’t have the necessary certification.
Why can't you use extension cords permanently?
The authorities do not want people to use extension cords permanently because they present a fire, electrocution, and tripping hazard. If you are determined to use an extension cord over the long term, don’t cover it.
Why do extension cords overload?
Extension cords are prone to overloading. They are designed to accommodate a limited amount of current. But most people don’t know this, which is why it has become quite common for homeowners to overload their extension cords by plugging multiple devices into them.
What is the gauge of an extension cord?
The gauge is one of the most important factors. It determines the amount of current an extension cord can carry. Even with indoor extension cords, professional electricians will encourage you to select a high gauge.
Is it dangerous to use extension cords?
This is one of the most obvious dangers of extension cords. It is also the one hazard people tend to dismiss. But that is a mistake. Extension cords consist of a cord that can range from a few dozen to several hundred feet. It is more than capable of tripping the user, especially if it has been positioned in the same place for several weeks and months. You have a higher chance of forgetting that it is there and tripping over it as a result
Is it safer to use a power strip or an extension cord?
This makes the power strip safer because the circuit breaker can protect you and your appliances from the consequences of a short circuit or overload.
Can an electrician work on a live circuit?
Every electrician knows that you shouldn't work on live circuits. However, the OSHA has exceptions to this rule, that is to say, situations where you can work on a live circuit, but only if it is...
What is the difference between an indoor and outdoor extension cord?
Indoor extension cords do not have the same materials and protective insulation as outdoor extension cords do. Outdoor cords are made with durable insulation to protect against moisture and temperature changes. Sunlight can also break down the insulation used for indoor extension cords, but outdoor extension cords use a special material to protect against light damage. Outdoor extension cords are also constructed to prevent damage from chemicals, such as oil.
What is an extension cord?
The indoor extension cord is generally used for small electrical devices such as household appliances, lamps or computer equipment, while the outdoor extension cord is used for greater lengths and higher amperage and voltage requirements, and requires protection from the environmental conditions. All extension cords come with information about ...
What is the third prong on an extension cord?
The third prong on the extension cord is a grounding wire that reduces the risk of electrical shock or fire . A two-prong extension cord is generally used on lamps or small appliances found indoors. A three-prong plug is only used with an outlet that has a ground slot.
What is an outdoor cord?
Outdoor cords are made with durable insulation to protect against moisture and temperature changes. Sunlight can also break down the insulation used for indoor extension cords, but outdoor extension cords use a special material to protect against light damage.
How to determine the gauge of an extension cord?
The gauge of an extension cord is determined by the size or diameter of the conducting wires inside. Larger-gauge conducting wire allows more current to flow through the extension cord, which is required at greater lengths and for different pieces of equipment. Indoor extension cords rarely come in lengths longer than 25 feet, while outdoor extension cords come in lengths up to 150 feet or more. You will need the proper combination of gauge and distance specifications to safely power your appliances.
How long should an extension cord be for a table lamp?
An indoor table lamp will need an 18-gauge cord specified for up to 25 feet. A circular saw requires a 12-gauge, heavy-duty outdoor extension cord for up to 100 feet. An indoor vacuum can use a common 16-gauge indoor extension cord. Advertisement.
Do outdoor extension cords need more amps than indoor extension cords?
Indoor extension cords generally have a lower amperage rating than an outdoor extension cord, since outdoor devices require more amps than indoor appliances. For instance, whereas a lamp utilizes approximately half an amp, a leaf blower can use up to 12 amps. Most indoor extension cords would be unable to accommodate the amperage needs ...
