Safe way to daisy chain extension cords Mar 28, 2024 · The Dangers of Daisy-Chaining Extension Cords. Another common solution that is often used is to create a “mixed daisy chain,” by interconnecting several extension cords and surge protectors or power strips in series. Let’s work together to keep Emory safe! Dec 21, 2023 · Avoid Daisy Chaining: It’s generally not recommended to daisy chain multiple extension cords or power strips together. Each extension cord has an amperage rating, and hooking up several can result in an excessive power draw load greater than what the cords can handle safely. The more time you spend daisy-chaining, the greater the chances that something will go wrong. Extension Cord Safety. Daisy chaining strains the first cable and increases the chance of it overheating. Jan 28, 2025 · There are many ways to wrap extension cords. Smart Home Guides Smart Home Jan 11, 2024 · By understanding the proper uses and limitations of power strips, you can stay safe from potential electrical hazards caused by their misuse. One of the most popular methods currently used by many electricians is the daisy chain. Apr 29, 2022 · Never plug extension cords or power strips into one another. needs. The best way to remove an extension cord from an outlet is to firmly grasp the plug with Nov 19, 2018 · Does OSHA mandate extension cords cannot be plugged into each other? OSHA references 1926. Oct 11, 2023 · It’s unsafe to daisy chain multiple extension cords together because they may not all have the same current capacity or voltage requirements. Poor Storage All employees who use, see, or are in the proximity of extension cords must be trained on extension cord safety—and electrical safety in gen-eral. Daisy-chaining extension cords, or connecting multiple extension cords together, is a common but hazardous practice that can lead to several electrical safety issues. Don’t bend, move or modify the metal electrical components of your extension cord. It’s when you start to chain together multiple extension cords or cheaper, unprotected power strips that you increase electrical resistance to the point that you create a safety hazard. These tools also let you connect multiple appliances using just one outlet, temporarily solving power socket shortage issues and boosting productivity. As most extension leads will start from a 13Amp plugtop then the maximum current is limited to 7. Check the condition of May 31, 2016 · Extending the length of an extension cord by “daisy-chaining” can lead to overheating the cord by overloading it, creating a serious fire hazard. 403 & 1910. The wires can cause a trip hazard; The extension leads can be left coiled up and get hot, increasing the chance of fire Daisy chaining two (or three) extension cords for one single 15V/3W appliance Hi there, I know in general the rule of thumb is daisy chaining multiple extension cords is bad, but after reading a few posts it appears that as long as you're limiting what appliances are connected, you should actually be okay. The length of the flat plug extension cord determines how far you can extend power from a wall socket. Nov 12, 2008 · Color-coding cords and tools for different job sites, equipment owners, or cord gauges is a smart way to stay organized. Additionally, you shouldn't daisy chain them with extension cords, either, because that is also a risk. Extending the length of an extension cord by “daisy-chaining” can lead to overheating the cord by overloading it, creating a serious fire hazard. However, only qualiied electricians who are trained to ix extension cords may repair a Aug 27, 2024 · Using a daisy chain extension cord setup offers several advantages that make it a practical choice in many situations. Daisy-Chaining. Here are some of the main benefits: Extended Reach: The primary advantage of daisy chaining extension cords is the ability to extend the reach of power beyond the length of a single cord. I suspect this is a variation of the above - don't exceed 25m; every connection adds additional contact resistance; water in the outdoors connections can be a problem - in general, it just adds risk. Jun 6, 2016 · However, unlike the charming childhood memories this term might provoke, daisy chaining poses a very acute danger. This means that there is a great risk that one of the cords may be overloaded or overheat due to the higher resistance and load of the electricity. 2. Move equipment or desks or whatever needs electrical power closer to existing outlets. However, using extension cords to Jul 21, 2019 · These devices are only approved to provide power to a specific number of electrical appliances, and daisy chaining them increases that number and creates a potential fire risk. There's a reason some devices have very short cords (coffee maker, dryer, deep fryer) - a long cord would introduce too much electrical loss, and loss always equals heat. DON’T exceed the rating of the cord. Failure to use and maintain extension cords in the manner they were intended may create a fire or shock hazard that puts you or your family at risk. This techni… Oct 9, 2017 · Alternatives to Daisy Chaining. It certainly isn't good practice to daisy chain them. ' While safety comes first, energy efficiency is also vital for managing household bills and reducing environmental impact. Don’t run extension cords through doorways or holes in ceilings, walls or floors. This refers to interconnecting multiple power strips and/or extension cords. Check it Jun 25, 2023 · Another way to avoid daisy chaining is to use extension cords instead of power strips. 100ft of 8AWG cord would let me sleep well if the AC is on all night. Feb 1, 2025 · Daisy chaining is the act of plugging one extension cord into another so that you can make it longer. This can lead to overheating and poses a serious fire hazard, not to mention a tripping hazard as well. Daisy Chain an Extension Cord: Keep your extension cords easy to use - a daisy chain is both easy to 'assemble' for quick and neat storage, and it's easy to undo so that you can use the extension cord at the drop of a hat (and not worry about frustrating knots). Plugging two extension cords into each other reduces their current capacity in half and can possibly result in voltage drop and overheating Run cord through walls, doorways, ceilings or floors Extension cords or surge protected power strips are often interconnected, or “daisy chained,” to readily provide more outlets and/or to reach greater distances. No – you should never run two extension cords together. 25 KiloWatt (13 Amps at 240/250 volts). Daisy-Chaining: Connecting multiple extension cords can cause overheating, especially if the total length exceeds the cords’ capacity, increasing the fire risk. DO… Keep your extension lead safe and switched off at the socket when not in use – Make sure to switch off, unplug and store your extension cord in a safe place. This is a common mistake in offices that allow space heaters. TRADESAFE is an established American-based and owned company trusted by thousands for industry safety supplies and equipment. This is particularly useful for electrical extension cords, computer cables, or any specialized cords. Daisy chaining increases the risk of overloading the electrical circuit, which can lead to overheating and electrical hazards. Don’t plug extension cords and/or power strips into each other as was done in this picture. One electric fire, or a kettle would pull much more current than this lot combined. Never use a damaged extension cord. Don’t daisy chain your power strips permanently. But if the extension is too long, it adds resistance to the electric flow, which can lead to Mar 16, 2009 · The issue with daisy chaining is more one of fire risk than anything else. Aug 27, 2024 · Plugging one extension cord into another, also known as daisy chaining, can introduce potential dangers and should be avoided whenever possible. Aug 12, 2021 · \$\begingroup\$ The problem with allowing this is, in the winter you'll get cold, and (you or someone else) will attempt to plug a heater into that double-extension cord. But you shouldn’t make it a habit. Overloading an extension lead can lead to overheating, posing a severe fire risk. If you decided to daisy chain extension cords or power strips, it is crucially important to NOT load past the ampacity of the primary extension cord (the first one from the wall outlet). Only use extension cords for temporary power. You can do it every so often to charge a phone or to operate a heavier device. Be aware of the following dangerous or improper conditions: Daisy-Chaining . What a pain to unravel! I was planning to take a video of Wyatt wrapping a cord into a daisy chain, but why reinvent the wheel? These guys nailed it. Do’s. The wires can cause a trip hazard; The extension leads can be left coiled up and get hot, increasing the chance of fire No – you should never run two extension cords together. Oct 16, 2018 · What is daisy chaining? Daisy chaining is the process of combining multiple extension leads or power leads. Avoid daisy-chaining or connecting multiple cords together. Weave heavy-gauge cords into a chain Don't daisy-chain extension cords. Why is daisy-chaining dangerous? Ashley Boyce, our in-house appliance safety testing expert, explains this in more detail in a previous article. Don’t use an extension cord marked for indoor use outdoors. 3: Never cover it . They must know the correct way to use extension cords and how to recognize an unsafe cord or cord setup. Daisy chaining, or connecting multiple extension cords together, is perhaps the most dangerous yet prevalent mistake homeowners make. All extension cords have wattage limits, and these limits must be respected. equipment to an area with a power outlet so that. The bigger problem is probably those lamp extension cords with 3 plugs on them. Store all extension cords indoors, free of kinks and twists. If you use more than one extension lead per socket it will significantly raise the risk of overloading the socket. Mar 12, 2024 · Don’ts of Using Extension Cords Avoid Daisy Chaining: Linking multiple extension cords together, a practice known as daisy chaining can lead to an excessive load on the cords, increased resistance, and potentially overheating. Aug 29, 2023 · Power cord length is a significant quality to consider. Here are some guidelines to consider: Check the Power Rating: Each power strip or extension cord has a maximum power rating indicated in watts or amps. The "it's dangerous to daisy chain" thing is a myth, it's perfectly safe so long as the total current draw is less than 13A. —John Ross, associate Web editor. 7 %µµµµ 1 0 obj >/Metadata 207 0 R/ViewerPreferences 208 0 R>> endobj 2 0 obj > endobj 3 0 obj >/ExtGState >/Font >/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI Safe Usage Practices for Extension Leads. This practice significantly increases the risk of electrical fires by creating resistance points at each connection. Dec 31, 2015 · Also, if you don't want to use the entire length of the extension cord, you can leave part of it in the daisy chain, and you won't have to wrap the entire cord back up. This refers to power strips and/or extension leads being plugged into other power strips and/or extension leads to allow you to plug more appliances into the wall socket. It is risky to Daisy chain cords. However, the practice dramatically raises the chances of overheating and electrical fires. Never do this – use a longer extension lead instead. . You might be better off at this point to create your own extension cord. Now that I’ve learned how to make a daisy chain to organize extension cords, I hope we never fall back into this habit. Feb 6, 2025 · Why daisy chaining extension cords creates serious risks. They make dealing with electricity much easier, ensuring your laptop stays powered even when working in the farthest corner of the room. Overloading extension cords, whether through daisy chaining or connecting devices that exceed the cord’s capacity, can lead to overheating, voltage drops, and electrical fires. Conclusion Feb 21, 2025 · Avoid daisy-chaining extension cords Even though too-long cords are a no-no, if you do need to bring power to far-flung places, avoid daisy-chaining multiple cords together. No Under-Carpet Runs: Jul 29, 2023 · Almost every household owns one of these essentials - the extension cord. Get one that is the correct length you need. Contact EHSO if you have any questions or need assistance in determining a safe layout for your equipment. Aug 18, 2024 · Label Cords and Cables: If you have multiple cords or cables that look similar, label them for easy identification. you don’t have to chain multiple cords together. At less than $6 for multiple ties in red or black, or a variety pack, there is no reason not to enhance productivity with proper cord management. Avoid Overheating: Never wrap extension cords or cables that have been recently used with high-wattage appliances. It can also bypass the built-in safety features that protect against electrical overload. Daisy chaining is like making a braid that keeps a cable tangle-free. Connecting multiple extension cords together or daisy chaining can cause voltage drops and overheating and is a serious fire and electrocution risk. edu Extension cords or surge protected power strips are often interconnected, or “daisy chained,” to readily provide more outlets and/or to reach greater distances. Do Not Exceed Ampacity. Ensuring the safe use of extension leads is essential to avoid fire risks and other safety hazards. extension cords aren’t needed. Will I use the cord indoors or outdoors? 2. Left double quote This is when power strips and/or extension leads are plugged into one another. The only reason they say it's dangerous to daisy chain is they assume everyone is an idiot and can't work out how close to 13 Amps they are. These included: Replace a power strip with a power cord of adequate length to reach an outlet. Damaged extension cords should be repaired to meet the manufacturer’s original standards or be discarded. Portable cord- and plug-connected equipment and flexible cord sets (extension cords) shall be visually inspected before use on any shift for external defects (such as loose parts, deformed and missing pins, or damage to outer jacket or insulation) and for evidence of possible internal damage (such as pinched or crushed outer jacket). Get the appropriate connectors and make your own. Select the proper length of extension cord so that. o An extension cord, power strip or surge protector is only to be plugged directly into an outlet (not another extension cord, power strip or surge protector i. Jan 21, 2024 · The number of outlets you can safely daisy chain depends on various factors, including the power requirements of your devices and the capacity of your extension cords or power strips. A very short one will be insufficient, which may force you to resort to daisy chaining. Don’t use anything else other than a cord protector to cover an extension cord. Extension cords are designed to provide power to a single device, so they are less likely to overload the circuit. " This can overload the cords, increase resistance, and create fire hazards due to overheating. Jan 31, 2025 · It may be extremely tempting to daisy chain numerous extension cords together. Jul 4, 2023 · Child and Pet Hazards: Children or pets may play with or chew on extension cords, risking electric shock or damage to the cord. Safe use of Extension Cords ESA encourages consumers to ask the following questions before using an extension cord: 1. Sep 29, 2022 · Either way, it’s important to know how to properly use extension cords so that you can avoid these accidents in the future. Here are the critical risks associated with daisy-chaining: Overloading and Fire Hazards: At least in the US all power strips are fused or have circuit breakers, so in theory they should be safe with respect to overcurrent. Extension leads can heat up, so never keep them covered. This is called “daisy-chaining” and can overload the circuit creating a potential fire hazard. ” Why is this dangerous? “When it comes to extension leads, current cannot exceed 13 amps and the problem comes when too many high current appliances (such as heaters, fans, kettles or portable AC units) are plugged into an Jun 3, 2024 · It is important to note that most extension cords are not rated for continuous usage. Daisy chaining involves plugging an extension lead into another extension lead. , not strung together in series or “daisy-chaining”). Dec 14, 2023 · One thing you should definitely avoid with your outdoor extension cords is daisy chaining: connecting multiple extension cords together in a series. It seems daisy chaining extension cords is generally not recommended. Here are five super simple rules to remember: Rule #1: Never daisy-chain multiple extension cords together. It may be tempting to just string them together, but resist the temptation. It’s a practice that significantly elevates the risk of fire. However in summary there are two issues: 1 – Combining multiple extension cables and multi DON'T plug extensions cords together. Avoid Overloading. %PDF-1. Mar 5, 2020 · The photo above on the left is what our cords usually look like. Additional cord extension should never cause (See the Office of Compliance “Extension Cords” Fast Facts for more information) Figure 1: Daisy Chain—Interconnected extension cords Daisy Chaining Found Frequently Daisy chains and mixed daisy chains constitute some of the most common violations identified during recent Office of Compliance health and safety inspections. Exceeding Daisy chain: Connecting multiple extension leads is a risky venture; if a longer cord is needed, choose one that meets the required length. Don’t run extension cords through doors or windows. Problems arise when higher rated appliances are plugged in (IT equipment is usually low rated and not a problem). This flexibility allows you to power Plug a power strip and/or extension cord into another power strip and/or extension cord – commonly referred to as “daisy chain”. Don’t overload cords with more than the proper electrical load. Answered by Dave, Electrical Safety Expert. However, it’s important to use extension cords properly. Oct 24, 2024 · No, it is not safe to plug one extension cord into another, commonly referred to as "daisy-chaining. okstate. Apr 29, 2025 · 'You should never "daisy-chain" extension leads together. Here are key practices to help you safely use extension cords and power strips in your home. Allow them Feb 28, 2022 · Extension cords, meanwhile, are perfectly safe for short-term use or running electricity to one or two low-wattage devices in an inconvenient location. 100 ft of 10AWG sjoow cord would work. The Office of Compliance gave several safe solutions in place of daisy chaining power strips and extension cords. 303 in Letters of Interpretation. Equipment or appliances should also be plugged directly into an outlet but, if necessary, may be plugged into a surge protector. e. Use and Care Extension cords are designed for temporary use only and should not be attached Mar 2, 2023 · 2: Avoid daisy chaining . See full list on ehs. Connecting two or more extension leads together (sometimes known as ‘daisy-chaining) is unsafe for several reasons. If possible, rearrange desks, workstations and. It is best to minimize connections and have a single long cord. But assuming you don't have a choice, is there anything that can be done to make the whole thing safer? power-supply Are you sick of having tangled extension cords? This video teaches you how to daisy chain an extension cord so you don't have to worry about tangles ever ag The daisy-chaining should be temporary. zfrhfulqelouansedhvvulbjwhssuwhwzuhzvwzvanlaifqebdtenpaiatxduwhaujhfqlxifrmlntkelgu