• Frayed wires pose a serious safety hazard. Power cords can become damaged or frayed from age, heavy use or excessive current flow through the wiring. Damaged cords can expose wires, causing shock or fire hazards.
• Avoid overloading circuits. Circuits can only cope with a limited amount of electricity. Overload happens when you draw more electricity than a circuit can safely handle—usually by having too many devices running on one circuit. Warning signs of an overloaded system include frequent tripping of circuit breakers or blowing of fuses, dimming of lights when other devices are turned on, a buzzing sound from switches or outlets, discolored outlets, and appliances that seem underpowered.
• Know ways to avoid overloading circuits. Label circuit breakers to understand the different circuits in your home. Contact a qualified electrician to have your home inspected if your home is more than 40 years old or if you need to install multiple large appliances that consume large amounts of electricity. Reduce your electrical load by using energy-efficient appliances and lighting.
• Use extension cords properly. Never plug an extension cord into another extension cord. If you “daisy chain” them together, it could lead to overheating and create a potential fire hazard. Don’t exceed the wattage of the cord. Doing so also creates a risk of overloading the cord and creating a fire hazard. Extension cords should never be used as permanent solutions. If you need additional outlets, contact a licensed electrician.