5 Reasons Not to Run Flat Extension Cords Under Rugs

Heat buildup is a fire risk Even a cord carrying moderate current gets warm, and rugs trap that heat. Over time, the insulation degrades, leading to shorts or fires.

Foot traffic damages the cord Walking on the cord crushes it, eventually damaging the conductors inside. You won’t notice until it’s too late.

Flat cords are not actually safe They are marketed as “carpet safe,” but no extension cord is designed to be run under a rug.

Rearranging furniture is a better fix The simplest solution is to avoid crossing a walkway with a cord. Use a floor outlet if you’re handy.

Use a cord cover as a last resort If you absolutely must run a cord across a rug, use a hard plastic channel that protects the cord and dissipates heat. But avoiding the situation entirely is best.