When an electrical appliance is used frequently, it gets used and abused a lot. We’re talking about hairdryers, coffee pots, mixing machines, curling irons, vacuums, power tools, and other types of portable appliances. Sometimes, the damage is to the plug, while other times the damage is to the cord itself.
“Damaged and ungrounded power cords pose serious hazards to users of the appliance including electrical shock and risk of fire,” according to the Office of Compliance, which actively works to promote health, safety, and workplace rights in the United States.
When you see a missing ground prong on a power cord plug, it usually means that someone or multiple people pulled on the cord to take the plug out of the outlet, so this is a practice that should be avoided. How do electrical cords become damaged? Power cords become frayed or damaged for various reasons, including age, heavy use, and from an excessive current flow going through the wiring.
Never Use Cracked or Frayed Electrical Cords
You probably have multiple electrical appliances in your home right now. The electrical cord connected to your appliances has what is called “live wires” that are securely insulated. If an electrical cord becomes frayed, this means the live wire can end up being exposed. When electrical wires are exposed, you have a dangerous situation, which can make you and other users vulnerable to electric shock and an electric house fire.
Follow these tips to protect yourself from damaged electrical cords:
- Check power cords regularly.
- If you have a damaged or frayed electrical cord, STOP using it, throw it out and replace it immediately.
- Avoid wrapping the electrical cord in PVC tape. Your dad or grandfather may have done it, but it’s just a Band-Aid; it’s not a permanent solution.
- You want to protect all electrical cords in your home so they don’t get damaged. To do this, don’t run cords under rugs or carpets and avoid hanging them from nails.
“What if I have a really nice appliance that I want to keep, but it has a damaged electrical cord? Do I throw it out?” Do NOT touch it and please don’t try to fix it yourself. Instead, contact Lightning Bug Electric and let the pros handle it for you.