Ask This Old House... Extension Cord Tip

Fire hazard with coiled extension cord

Stuart Johnson

>There is something kicking around in the back of my head about there being a possible fire hazard using a coiled extension cord. Probably something I saw on McGiver or I Spy.

Re: Fire hazard with coiled extension cord

r payne

>What happens is the result of inductance. The electricity flowing through the cord affects the cord laying next to it. It can heat up the coiled cord and change the characteristics of the electricity in the coiled cord. This can reduce to effectiveness of tools plugged into the cord. That is why I always uncoil a cord all the way before using it.

ron

Not a problem if you don't draw too much current..

John in New Mexico

>I suspect the problem is drawing excessive current through a long cord with plastic insulation (it melts easier). You'd probably melt the insulation on a 50' zip cord running a 1500 watt space heater.

John

Re: Fire hazard with coiled extension cord

Robert Hutchins

>I've read that inductance is a problem. I have, on occasion, run the contractor's TS from the bucket of volts in relatively close proximity to a power source; thus the cord was wound inside the bucket. I checked for heat and found none that I could sense with a bare hand, even after ripping 2by treated lumber. And, I've never felt any heat in the cord. But, I must admit that I almost always use this bucket of volts at very near the end of its length. I have a 12' cord that I use if I'm relatively close to a power source.

Seems to me if heat caused by inductance were hazardous, there would be CPSC warnings about it and recalls of retracting cord reels.

Don't go by what I say and always, ALWAYS be careful using extension cords for power.

Re: Ask This Old House... Extension Cord Tip

darita

>I'm in the TV biz. Every single cable we use is coiled the same way...over, under, over, under. That way, if we need to throw it out in a hurry, it lays out straight as a jointed board. Also, it doesn't matter how thick or stiff the cable is, it's the same method and result. I think it's the first thing you have to learn how to do.

Lowes

bill tindal, E.TN

>Lowes has a 15' flex rubber 12 gauge cord, black. Just bought one for the reasons you describe.