5 Things to Know About Coiled Extension Cords and Fire Risk

A coiled extension cord can start a fire Electricity flowing through a cord generates heat from resistance. When the cord is coiled, that heat has nowhere to escape, building up until insulation melts and ignites.

Partial coiling is especially dangerous A partially coiled cord traps heat more effectively than a fully coiled one, creating hot spots that accelerate melting and arcing.

Thicker cords and higher currents increase risk The more current a cord carries, the more heat it produces. Thicker cords can handle more current, but coiling them still traps dangerous heat.

Cheap, thin-gauge cords are more prone to failure Low-quality cords have less insulation and higher resistance, making them overheat faster when coiled.

Always uncoil the cord fully before use Even for a small load like a lamp, a coiled cord can overheat. Uncoil it completely every time to allow heat to dissipate safely.