Yes, you can plug an extension cord into an extension cord to make a longer one. But if your total length is longer, you need thicker wire for the same volts drop. Click to see full answer. Similarly, you may ask, is it safe to plug an extension cord into an extension cord?
How do you secure two extension cords together?
- Keep your cords dry. For obvious reasons, keep your cords away from puddles of water, and out of the way of precipitation, especially the section of the cords where the ...
- Make sure the cord is in one piece. ...
- Be aware of the maximum length of a cord. ...
- Never extend a cord beyond its maximum length. ...
- Never step on a cord. ...
What does OSHA say about plugging extension cords together?
Cord-and-plug connected equipment and extension cords that remain connected and cannot be damaged do not need to be inspected until they are moved. Flexible cords used with grounded equipment must have grounding conductors. Employees’ hands must not be wet when they plug or unplug energized flexible cords and cord-and-plug connected equipment.
Can you wire a ceiling fan to an extension cord?
The live circuit wire and the switch wire typically run behind the wall and ceiling, and are connected to the fan wires inside the box. If you eliminate the switch and substitute an extension cord for the circuit wire, you'll have to wire the cord to the fan wires inside the box, but it's illegal to do that.
Can you connect plugs and lights on the same circuit?
There are three primary factors to keep in mind where lights and outlets are concerned: 1). The Law. In some places, the authorities demand that lights and outlets be placed on different circuits. If your local codes prohibit contractors from placing lights and outlets on the same circuit, they will act accordingly. 2). Practical Concerns
Q: Is there an OSHA standard that mandates extension cords cannot be plugged into each other?
We had a client once comment: “ I have been reading about plugging extension cords. I want to make sure when I go on one of our sites and say, ‘You can’t plug one cord into another’ that I can give a reason why.
A: OSHA has two Letters of Interpretation that discuss extension cords
In a letter dated September 28, 2015, OSHA references 1926.403 (b) (2) – Installation and Use. Part of the letter’s answer clearly states that “OSHA will continue to enforce the listing, labeling, or certification requirements as outlined in 29 CFR 1926.403 (b) (2) – Installation and use.
Here's the technical answer
Extension cords are designed to carry a certain amount of current over a fixed distance (length of the cord). Daisy chaining cords (plugging cords together) increases this distance and thus increases the extension cord’s resistance.
Can I plug two extension cords together?
You should not plug two extension cords together. Plugging two extension cords together can cause a fire risk, so, should not be done. You can buy longer extension cords to fulfill the purpose of using two extension cords together. Keep your home safe, and do not use two extension cords together.
Is it dangerous to plug two extension cords together?
Using multiple extension cords in a chain is dangerous. So, plugging two extension cords together is a risk factor. It can result in fires and injure people nearby.
Can I plug two 100 ft outdoor extension cords together?
You should not plug two 100 ft outdoor extension cords together. Using one extension cord that is 100 ft is dangerous enough if used for heavy-duty appliances. Connecting two extension cords doubles the chances of severe consequences.
Can I plug multiple extension cords together?
Even though you can plug multiple extension cords together, but you should not do so. Connecting extension cords in a chain are dangerous and can result in fire. It can also cause loss of life in a worse scenario.
How many extension cords can you plug together?
You can connect multiple extension cords. You can keep on connecting extension cords limitlessly. However, what you want to use on the final outlet limits the number of extension cords you can join in a series.
How to connect two extension cords together?
Since it is dangerous to connect two extension cords, you can make the two extension cords into a single one. Follow the steps to do so:
Final Thoughts
Plugging in two extension cords together is dangerous. If you need a long extension cord, you can make a single extension cord from two identical extension cords. Avoid using extension cords for permanent uses as, over time, they deteriorate rapidly and may result in electrical and fire risks.
How long should an extension cord be?
In general, extension cords should not exceed 100 feet in length. However, by plugging one extension cord into another, the maximum cord length can be easily exceeded. Click to see full answer. Also, can you use 2 extension cords together?
Can you string two extension cords together?
While stringing together two extension cords can work as a temporary solution, such as in the case of a short power failure, it creates a significant risk when used as a long-term solution. Extended cords reduce the wattage capabilities of each cord and may lead to meltdown and fire.
Is it safe to add an extension cord?
When you start to add on extension cords, you run the risk of making the run too long and under-powering your devices—not safe.
Can you use an extension cord for temporary use?
At the end of the day, though, it’s actually not recommended to use an extension cord for anything more than temporary use, mostly because you risk subjecting the extension cord to prolonged wear and tear for which it’s not designed.
Can surge protectors overwhelm electronics?
Electronics like a steady stream of pressure coming from the source, but when a sudden surge of pressure comes barreling through, it can overwhelm electronics and result in damage. Advertisement. And you should note that not all power strips are also surge protectors.
Can a surge protector interfere with a power strip?
Also, the protection capabilities of a surge protector (as opposed to just a regular power strip) can be interfered with if another surge protector is plugged into it, possibly to the point where neither surge protector can do its job effectively.
Can You Plug An Extension Cord Into A Power Strip?
If the plug of your extension cord can fit into the electrical outlet of the power strip, you shouldn’t have any trouble plugging the extension cord into the power strip.
Is It Safe To Connect The Extension Cord To The Power Strip?
Connecting an empty extension cord to an empty power strip is perfectly harmless. Extension cords and power strips cannot draw power unless you plug appliances into their outlets.
Is It A Fire Hazard?
Yes, this practice is a fire hazard. All extension cords and power strips have a rating that you shouldn’t exceed. A powerful appliance can force a power strip to transmit more electricity than it was designed to carry causing fire.
Plugging An Extension Cord With A Power Strip – How?
For the best results, you should select the right gauge, preferably 12 gauge and above. This way, you are less likely to overload these devices. 12-gauge power strips and extension cords can carry a lot of power.
Best Extension Cord For Power Strip
If you want to select the best extension cord to plug into a power strip, you have to take these factors into account:
Can You Use a Power Strip With an Extension Cord?
If you can maintain the gauge and amperage rating of the power strips, you can use it! However, if the load exceeds the capacity of power strips, it can cause a fire. On top of that, you can also be sued for the lives that were lost and property that was destroyed.
Conclusion
Experts hate this practice but people do it all the time. It is a fire hazard. But if you take a power strip and extension cord with right guage, it is fine!
