Because offices never seem to have enough outlets, we turn to extension cords and power strips to expand the electrical capacity in our office spaces. Although most offices rely on extension cords, power strips and surge protectors on a daily basis, these items are not to be used as permanent fixtures unless they have their own internal fuses.
Surge Protectors – Power Strips
Surge protector strips are approved for long-term use if the safety information rating approves them as such, and if they feature their own “on-off” switch. Power strips of this kind are often used for computers, printers, and other sensitive electronic equipment.
- Caution: Never plug another extension cord or surge protector into a power strip. This practice is called “daisy-chaining,” and is the most frequent violation reported by the Office of Compliance during health and safety inspections.
- Only use surge protectors that rest on a solid surface; power strips are not intended to be suspended in mid-air or attached to a wall with nails, staples, or tape.
Extension Cords
- Never remove the third prong (“grounding prong”) from an extension cord.
- Never attach a cord to a surface with staples, nails, or even tape.
- Never place an extension cord in such a way that it will be run over by equipment, such as carts, office chairs, vehicles, etc.
- Always inspect a cord before using, and discard any cord if it has exposed wires or if the plug is detached from the cord.
- Always use cords of the proper length; never attach two extension cords together.
- Make sure the cord you use is approved for the proper wattage of the equipment you will plug into it.
- Never run extension cords through walls, windows, or doorways.
- Never use an extension cord in place of permanent wiring.
- **Extension cords are not approved for continuous use that exceeds 30 days.
At Shockley Electric, we wish you a holiday season that is Merry and Bright, with electrical outlets that help you do the job right!
