5 Signs Your Extension Cord Is a Fire Hazard

The cord feels too hot to hold If you cannot comfortably grip the cord for more than a few seconds, it is overheating and unsafe.

Plug prongs are discolored or melted Blackened or deformed prongs indicate electrical arcing or excessive resistance.

You smell burning plastic A faint burning smell means the insulation is breaking down. Stop using the cord immediately.

Lights flicker at the end of the cord Flickering lights signal a poor connection or voltage drop, both of which can cause overheating.

The cord is coiled or pinched while in use Trapped heat from a coiled cord or damage from running it under a rug or through a doorway can start a fire.