How Often Should You Test Your Power Cords?

To keep your power cords operating at their best, you need to make sure you are testing them. This is crucial for both making sure they are still working, and for the safety of everyone in your home or building. But how often should you test your power cords? This article will give you all the information you need to know about power cord testing.

What You Need to Know About Testing Power Cords

Everyone who uses power cords should make sure that they are inspected regularly to ensure you are being compliant with relevant safety standards. You should also look out for any physical defects before you use your cords.

One of the most common reasons why fires start in a house is power cords and faulty wiring. That includes everything from poor insulation, frayed wiring, overloading extension cords, etc. 

According to US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), about 4,600 residential fires in the US annually start due to extension cords, not including all power cords connected to electrical devices and appliances. Due to this, the actual number related to power cords, power strips, and extension cords is much, much higher. 

How Often Should You Test Power Cords?

As a general rule, you should test your power cords every year, however you should also regularly check them before each use. The regularity of your testing will depend on several factors, including:

• Usage: How often the cord is used

• Environment: The conditions in which the cord is used

• Manufacturing: The quality of the cord

Regular inspection of extension cords before each use is crucial for safety. By checking for defects, and signs of overheating, and ensuring proper gauge ratings, you can prevent hazards like electrocution, fires, and tripping.

In addition to correct usage and maintenance, quality also matters greatly when it comes to extension cords. Naturally, investing in power cords made of durable materials reduces associated risks, enhancing both safety and longevity. 

How to Inspect Power Cords

Here’s a step-by-step guide on appropriate inspection of extension cord:

1. Start by examining your power cord's plug. Make sure it is not broken, bent, or loose. Then gently bend the cord and inspect the entire length of the wire checking for cuts, nicks, or abrasions. 

2. Check the connectors, and ensure that the prongs, ground pins, and housings are intact and securely attached. 

3. Assess for any obvious signs of overheating, such as discoloration or characteristic melted smell from the insulation.

4. Evaluate if moisture or dirt is collecting on the wire. This is important to prevent short circuits. 

5. Look at the gauge rating of the cord and make sure it is capable of handling the devices connected to it. Lower gauge (AWG) numbers mean thicker wires that are high amperage. Higher gauge numbers are thinner wires for low amperage.

6. Always remember to test the cord. Plug and test it with a known working device to see if it operates correctly. 

How to Maintain Power Cords

Proper maintenance of extension cords is essential for ensuring their longevity and safety.

If you regularly use extension cords, here are some key tips that you will find useful:

• Storage: Store extension cords indoors in a cool, dry place. Avoid coiling them tightly, as this can damage the wires. Use a cord reel or wrap them loosely to prevent kinks and twists.

• Protection: Keep cords away from high-traffic areas to reduce wear and tear. Avoid running them under rugs or furniture where they can overheat or become damaged. If used outdoors, ensure they are rated for outdoor use and protected from water exposure.

• Regular Cleaning: Clean cords regularly to remove dust, dirt, and debris. Wipe them down with a dry cloth and check for any signs of moisture or damage.

• Avoid Overloading: Do not plug too many devices into one extension cord. Check the cord's amperage rating and ensure it matches the requirements of the connected devices.

• Inspect Before Use: Always inspect the cord before each use for any visible signs of wear, damage, or defects. Pay special attention to the plug, connectors, and insulation.

• Proper Usage: Use extension cords only for their intended purpose. Avoid using them as permanent wiring solutions, and unplug them when not in use to prevent overheating and reduce fire risk.

Power Cords and More From SIGNAL+POWER

SIGNAL+POWER stocks a wide range of power cords that are available for many industries, countries, and uses. We are a custom power cord and plug adapter manufacturer to OEMs in all types of industries.

We can make custom power cords that:

• Match the color you want

• Have special labels

• Meet the grade you’ll need (e.g. hospital grade)

So whatever you need, we can deliver them over to you in a short time. Find out more information on all the custom products we make, and browse our range of power cords, plugs and adapters.