Vivi's Safety Corner - September 2011
by: ESD Safety Coordinator Vivi Fissekidou (x5610)
Electrical Safety Reminder regarding the use of extension cords:
- Do not use extension cords as permanent power; they are for temporary use only.
- Do not fasten cords to surfaces with nails, wire, tape etc.
- Do not use extension cords in wet or damp locations without a GFCI ahead of the plug connection.
- Never use two‐conductor extension cords at the Laboratory. Instead always use three‐conductor or three prong cords—even if the device itself is two‐prong.
- Appliances such as heaters, microwaves and toasters should never plugged into power strips because they draw a high amount of current and and can melt the circuits of a power strip and cause fire. Plug directly into a wall outlet.
