By Robert Hess

You know it's funny, because when you read those words in the title, if you're like me, the first thought that comes to mind is one of those old mob movies where one of the bad guys gets whacked with the old extension cord around the neck trick. The (not so) funny thing is, extension cords do kill. And they're not killing bad guys in the movies....they're killing real people like you and me everyday. I'll be perfectly honest with you, I didn't always know this, and when I investigated further, I was astonished! The statistics tell a very scary tale. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that about 4,700 residential fires originate in extension cords each year, killing 50 persons and injuring some 280 others.

Who would have thought? To be honest, I don't think I can function without extension cords. Building Codes in NY State have changed in recent years, and because of this, newer homes have more receptacles (outlets) than older homes. While not completely eliminating the need for extension cords, this greatly reduces it. The 2007 Residential Code of NYS (Section E3801.2.1) requires that within every room, (other than hallways or bathrooms), no point on the wall, along the floor line, shall be more than six feet from an outlet. For kitchen counter areas, (Section E3801.4), that space is reduced to two feet. The goal is to try and reduce, if not eliminate the use of extension cords. Section 605.5 of the Fire Code of NYS does not allow permanent use extension cords in any home, new or old. It's sad to think, but people had to lose their lives in order for us to learn from our mistakes.



Listen, the point is let's be smart about extension cords. Never use them if they're frayed, old or ungrounded. Always make sure they have the proper ampacity rating. If you're not sure, ask an electrician. Never run them behind or through walls, or under carpeting. Only use them for portable appliances, and never permanent ones, such as water softeners or refrigerators.

While nothing can completely eliminate the risk of fire, following these guidelines, and using extension cords wisely, may reduce the risk of fire in your home. It's a simple precaution that I definitely exercise. You should too.



Warmest Regards

Bob Hess

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