5 Signs Your Extension Cord Is Unsafe

A warm extension cord means something is wrong Even a low-wattage device should not make your cord feel warm. Heat indicates high resistance from a bad connection, damaged wire, or wrong gauge.

Resistance causes heat and fire risk Internal fraying, loose plugs, or undersized cords create resistance. Heat from resistance is a common fire starter.

Distance matters for voltage drop A 50-foot 18-gauge cord running a lamp is fine, but the same cord running a space heater is not. Long cords with thin wire can overheat even with moderate loads.

A warm cord at low wattage means the cord is defective If a small load makes the cord warm, the cord itself is the problem. Toss it immediately.

Unplug and replace, never ignore Do not use a warm cord again. Replace it with a properly sized one. A few dollars now prevents a house fire.