But even still, you're going to need to be careful. According to electricians, electrical devices that have a heating element, such as space heaters, air fryers and microwaves, should never be plugged into extension cords or power strips.
Larger appliances, such as microwaves and refrigerators, may not be plugged into a power strip or extension cord. Such appliances must be plugged directly into a properly installed outlet.
Do not use an indoor extension cord outdoors. Do not overload cords with more than the proper electrical load. Do not run extension cords through doorways, holes in ceilings, walls, or floors.
"Let's say you connect [an extension cord] to a floor heater," Martinez says, "the plug melts and it starts a fire. That's why you can't use extension cords and/or power strips for any appliances, because they should be used for electronics only."
The only real limit is that extensions will lose some voltage, if long enough (really long) the appliance won't like it. Modern (flat) TVs draw relatively little power, the label may tell you; 100W-200W would be small(ish). You want to avoid combinations of long extensions and high amperage/wattage loads.
It would be best if you never used an extension cord with an appliance that produces heat, such as a hair dryer, curling iron, or space heater. These appliances can overheat the extension cord and pose a fire hazard. Extension cords are handy around the house, but using them safely and correctly is vital.
Major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord with a major appliance – it can easily overheat and start a fire.
Don't plug too many devices
Plugging too many devices can overload the circuit. Treat extension cords as standard electrical outlets. Have up to two low-draw devices plugged at the same time. Also, don't plug the second device if the first one is a high-draw one (such as a heater).
The answer to this question is yes. Extension cords are fine for lamp rewiring as long as the gauge and the specs are compatible. Depending on the lamp, the extension cords with gauges of 18 AWG and 16 AWG are acceptable for lights as long as they are light-duty extension cords.
Extension cords can overheat and cause fires when used improperly. Overheating is usually caused by overloading or connecting appliances that consume more watts than the cord can handle. Damaged extension cords can also cause fires. Extension cords should only be used temporarily.
Do not overload extension cords or allow them to run through water or snow on the ground. Do not substitute extension cords for permanent wiring. Do not run through walls, doorways, ceilings, or floors. If a cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which may result in a fire hazard.
Select cords rated to handle the amps and wattage of the devices with which they'll be used. A cord's gauge indicates its size: The smaller the number, the larger the wire and the more electrical current the cord can safely handle. For use with larger appliances, thick, round, low-gauge extension cords are best.
'An extension cord is appropriate for gadgets such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones etc. High-power, large appliances, however, have the potential to overload extension cables and cause electrical fires. '
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. If the job requires more than a 100-foot distance, a temporary power distribution box is required.
Just like any electrical device, your outdoor extension cord should be unplugged when not in use. Leaving your cords plugged in unnecessarily increases the risk of damage and potential hazards.
If any part of the extension cord is hot while in use, it is a warning sign that it may be overloaded. Check if the extension cord is properly rated for the products that are plugged into it. Also, inspect the cord along its entire length to ensure it has not been damaged.
Never overload an extension lead by plugging in appliances that together will exceed the maximum current rating stated for the extension lead. This could cause the plug in the wall socket to overheat and possibly cause a fire.
Washing machine
Your washing machine and dryer should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Like other larger appliances, they simply require too much power and risk too many moving mechanical parts. The use of an extension cord may cause premature part failure.
We strongly recommend that an extension cord not be used with a Microwave due to potential safety hazards under certain conditions. Your Microwave should be plugged into its own properly grounded, dedicated electrical outlet to prevent the flickering of the lights, blowing of a fuse or tripping of a circuit breaker.
Always plug the cord directly into a wall outlet. Don't plug into an extension cord, power strip, or outlet extender. Don't overload the outlet – avoid plugging into an outlet already taxed with other devices. Do not use more than one electric blanket at a time.
Code says no. You can buy cords that are insulated and safe to run behind drywall. you'd plug tv cord to insulated cord OUTSIDE of wall and then let insulated plug end run thru gang plate, behind wall & come out of 2nd plate near floor & attach to surge protector.
Plug microwave ovens or other cooking appliances directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord for a cooking appliance. Check electrical cords for cracks, breaks or damage.