Extension Cords cause FIRES. USE POWER STRIPS

[@MrKnotWright]

As one firefighter to another, you forget to mention NOT TO OVERLOAD the power strip and NEVER plug a space heater into the power strip.

[@FirefighterCafferata]

I'll add it into the description. Thank you.

[@slvmplord1577]

Helpful! although my power strip just caught fire, I was going to replace it with a extension cord, now I know I just over loaded the strip!

[@FirefighterCafferata]

Remember please never use extension cords with power strips

[@powerofknowledge8333]

What about a fan?

[@djstoplichtofficial]

Now i don't know shit about electrical stuff and all that, but if you overload a powerstrip it will not take long before it will catch fire right? I've got one that's pretty full, but it's been doing just fine like that for about a year. It shouldn't just randomly catch fire cuz it's been overloaded all that time right?

[@elijahwatson8119]

Extension cords are fine. What's not fine is that people don't understand wire gauge and voltage drop. You could have a 1400 watt load on a 50' 12 gauge extension cord for the rest of your life, and it'll be fine. Put that same load on your Walmart 16 gauge extension cord and it'll probably eventually melt and lead to a fire. I don't get why you think a power strip is somehow any safer. Sure, some of them have breakers built into them, but they're often built really poorly and can't even properly handle the 15 amps they're rated for. Instead of fear mongering, I'd highly suggest you teach appropriate wire gauges for intended wire length and loads, how to properly route an extension cord (i.e: not under a rug that gets walked on), how to inspect a cord for damage..

[@FirefighterCafferata]

I like what you are saying although all of that is well above most people's heads. Agreed? As a Firefighter we don't inspect businesses and tell them about correct gauge wires because that would be a liability towards us and we're not electricians we're Firefighters. We simply explain most extension cords are not a permanent solution for supplying electrical power. As a Firefighter I've personally witnessed numerous fires due to faulty electrical and many being extension cords. Please piggy back and make a video on your electrical knowledge. I think that is great. I also appreciate your message.

[@thaboshikwambane]

@@FirefighterCafferata I love the conversation you guys are having on this thread... Really unpacking the problem and the politics surrounding it. Thanks guys. Another awesome reminder of why I love KZbin 🙏🏽

[@bssitsmmsunrr]

Hi Elijah Watson, what's wrong with an extension cord being under a rug? I have an extension cord that is 17feet long and 18 gauge (1mm2) and the site I bought it at says rated for 10Amps. In this country, the voltage is 230v. That would mean I could run 2300w on a power strip through that extension cord to the socket, provided that it the power strip can handle at least 2300w, right?

[@FirefighterCafferata]

Well, as for my job I'm limited on electrical knowledge. As Firefighters we recommend never have or use extension cords underneath rugs. This is where I recommend you specifically talk to a local electrician that knows your local codes.

[@elijahwatson8119]

@@bssitsmmsunrr the issue with extension cords running under rugs is two fold. First, you're limiting how quickly the cord can shed head - its full rating is assuming it's isn't being insulated by something like a rug. Second, if it's under a rug that is being walked on, it's being subjected to physical damage. Cords aren't meant to be walked on, and you could eventually cause enough damage to the insulation that a short could occur, potentially leading to a fire. That said, if it's under the rug in an area not subject to foot traffic, and it's not being loaded to its maximum rating, say 1500 watts instead of 2300 watts, you'll probably be okay, though I wouldn't be conformable guaranteeing that.

[@christinale3949]

Thank you sir. Such a helpful video. These are common items we have in our household yet we never realize the dangers it poses and the safety precautions we need to take.

[@FirefighterCafferata]

Always here to help

[@brownr749]

he doesn't know what he's talking about...

[@crand20033]

I have a 1500w space heat and I am using a 15 foot, 14 AWG extension cord. The breaker is 15 Amps. in the garage and the cord runs over a concrete floor. Is that OK?

[@Jeff-xy7fv]

Power strips are pretty damn dangerous too! My former neighbor's house recently burned down due to an electrical fire that started in the garage due to a power strip.

[@FirefighterCafferata]

I'll do another video on this. It seems important

[@Jeff-xy7fv]

@@FirefighterCafferata OK, that's good. People plug things into them that draw a lot of power (such as space heaters), and that's where the danger comes in. They are OK for light loads, such as electronics and chargers.

[@brownr749]

..if a power strip is that dangerous, they should stop selling them or make them so they won't burn your house down while you're in it...all this bull about adding watts, amps, and how much is crap..when some ppl do it and still the house catches on fire.

[@danteerskine7678]

​@@Jeff-xy7fvexactly. It's not risky to connect a power strip to another as long as they're used only for sensible electronics which aren't power hungry like speakers, TV, tv box, fast chargers, WiFi routers, and even a table fan but it could turn sour if someone decides to use a heater with it.

[@RobertSilva-n5w]

Powerstrips make it easier to overload and once they start burning there's plenty of plastics to burn

[@ronhaywood5424]

The cord on the power strip is not long enough. What do i do now?

[@jaywholoveseveryone1721]

What if you need the extension tho'? My electronics will not reach my power strip.

[@tightwad]

Use a thick 12ga cord or higher quality long corded power strip. Take advice from firemen talking next to their Bombay Gin w a grain of salt.

[@jaywholoveseveryone1721]

@@tightwad Thanks so much for the reply. That is just what I did after doing more research. I really appreciate you ❤ Even tho' you are talkin' thru _Bombay with salt_ I would have STILL trusted ya' 😂 enjoy your drink 🤪🤣

[@tightwad]

When I can afford it with the spiraling value of the US Dollar 💵...Try Bombay w Grapefruit Jarritos soda and a squeeze of lime, although it masks some of the gins succulents.

[@jaywholoveseveryone1721]

@@tightwad 🤣❤

[@AVIDEOGAL]

THANKS FIREMAN, I'M HAVING A LOT OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND I WILL TRY TO REPLACE AND UPGRADE ALL THE CORDS ALL THE CORDS TO SEE IF THAT HELPS, BUT THANKS FOR YOUR TIPS !!!

[@FknNefFy]

Thank you I feel dumb for not knowing this and it wasn’t what I was looking up but I am very glad to finally at 38 know this information

[@akaLuptonPittman]

As a retired firemedic… I’ve definitely learned how being dumb and not knowing something are completely different things lol.

[@SparzWizard]

Can I plug in a tower fan into a power strip? Or would that be dangerous

[@FirefighterCafferata]

That is okay.

[@Colorwitmee]

my job at wingstop had one in the sink near where I wash my hands. What can I do to see who placed it in the sink? I could’ve died right?

[@henryzampieri]

Thanks! Can we hear about leaving cords coiled

[@nancyc.8572]

Hi .. for the last year I have had an extension cord plugged into an outlet and then to my power bar , which is holding my freezer and tv internet , Is there a danger here ; is my solution to get a power strip with long cord

[@FirefighterCafferata]

Super sorry for not responding quickly - a power strip is what fire departments recommend during our inspections via businesses. It prevents a overheating problem or surge. We recommend unplugging equipment if not needed continued usage.

[@beeechng]

This is a GREAT video. Thank you!!

[@FirefighterCafferata]

Thank you

[@SharonMcNutt-i3y]

❤Great Post!

[@Sparky-ww5re]

One thing that could be mentioned, for outdoor rated cords used temporary as designed, be sure to unwind the cord before use. Personal experience: A couple years back during a cold snap, a pipe had frozen in the garage. Our house has copper pipes. My propane torch was empty, and the hardware store closed. So I grab my extension cord reel, 100 foot of 14 guage cord, unwind maybe 10 feet or so, plug in my 1500 watt heat gun with the temperature set to max, and get some heat to the pipes. A while later the garage circuit goes dead, and the cord reel is on fire. Grabbed the part that wasn't on fire and tossed the burning cord into the snowbank. I then kept the remains as a souvenir, to warn my loved ones, on the dangers of improper extension cord usage, and that this could happen on your carpet, instead of the cement floor.

[@xonx209]

For that much power, I would use 12 gauge extension and I would feel the cord after a few minutes to see if it heats up, especially at plug/socket junctions.

[@brownr749]

I think they should only sell things that are perfectly safe or start teaching classes in grade school on how to quickly access this craziness.....you shouldn't have to innocently add an extension cord to any item and then you end up burning yourself up or your house...this is insane.

[@brownr749]

@@xonx209 ...and after all that feeling around and using what you think is safe and still the wall goes up in flames.

[@denimgenes5909]

Is it okay to plug a mini fridge into a power strip?? (Whole reason I watched video!!)

[@cinemafx3035]

What if i need to reach a far point how do i manage without an extension cord?

[@zahavailan3782]

Thank you so much for great information

[@FknNefFy]

What about a extension cord that is connected to the wall and then a power strip? I don’t know about electricity well enough to know for sure on that I would assume the breaker would still work but I don’t know that for sure

[@jessehutchings]

I think that might be backwards. You would probably want the power strip in the wall but it sounds like you should not be combining them, either. I wouldn't just to be safe

[@jessehutchings]

Ya, people are saying not to combine any kind of extension cords including strips

[@colossalbreacker]

Old comment, but the breaker likely wont pop before the power strip or more likely the extension cord is overloaded. If you are going to do it and dont want to avoid plugging high power draw devices into the circuit like a toaster, power tool, vacuum cleaner ect, then buy a 12 or 14awg extension cord.

[@christopher_martin]

do they make 25 feet power strips?

[@4ulan1ec40]

Yes

[@RScottDuncan]

I just got a power recliner without taking into account the length of the power cord. My recliner must sit in the middle of the room and the recliner cord is short by about 2 feet no matter what I do. The actual power adaptor on the chair says 100-240V - 50/60Hz, 1.6A at an output of 29V - 2A. There's a big tag on it that says do not use with a power strip or extension cord. Can I use a power strip or extension cord? Do I need a heavier-duty extension? Nice video and channel. Thanks for all your tips.

[@tightwad]

They sell 10ga appliance cords at Lowe's, HD. They use WAY more Amps than 2

[@AnthonyandRoger]

Great information.....thanks for the education, it really helped.

[@FirefighterCafferata]

Nice to meet you Guy! Thank you and if you have any other ideas for videos please shoot them my way.

[@higherleveling]

Good topic. One thing when you say to choose one that "looks good and feels like it's a good one", you need to actually describe what you mean by "good". Is a good one heavier? or larger? or more sockets? lighter? It might seem very obvious to you on what you mean by "good", but people who don't have the training/experience that you have, would have no idea what to look for.

[@jessehutchings]

Thanks for clarifying some of this. I'm being nagged about my portable AC being plugged into a power strip bc mom's friend is saying they can cause fires with too much energy going through them but all my connections are cool and you're saying my strip should shut off if it's being overloaded

[@fuckbagmartin1384]

Two years later but - best thing to use for a portable AC unit is to use an extension cord rated for appliances such as refrigerators, window AC units, etc. Or a heavy gauge extension cord such as a 12 gauge.

[@amethystaquariusglendagree1070]

So how is it going

[@melodyabcdefghijklmnopqrst1663]

I have a vacuum steam cleaner but the cord was too short, I bought an 'extension socket' with six spots to place devices in it. What are power strips as opposed to exension cords? Aren't those that say they have a surge protector more safe?

[@FirefighterCafferata]

A surge protector is definitely more safe. Usually a power strip is a device that plugs into the wall outlet: it has give or take 6 outlets and an off / on switch. I'm not familiar with a socket? An extention cord is a cord that just has length to connect from an outlet to a device (should never be a permanent solution for a device).

[@brownr749]

@@FirefighterCafferata Oh, don't use extension cords for vacuums...just be safe with vacuuming the carpet that close to the wall socket...and the other parts of the carpet has to just stay dirty, huh? @@ OMGosh

[@DocEnnik]

What about my washing machine? Also if not I do have 105 degrees Celsius- 300 v 3 / C 1.31mm² ( AWG 16) c(UL) sjt ft2

[@slayer7003]

Comes down to load!

[@quit293]

Power strip you mean surge protector?

[@FirefighterCafferata]

Yes!

[@voodoohex72]

can you daisy chain power strips?

[@FirefighterCafferata]

You should not do that

[@voodoohex72]

@@FirefighterCafferata what if you don't exceed 15A and 1800 watts and every strip is at least 14 guage wire? I've been doing this for year running synthesizers/audio recording equipment and it seems to be fine. I doubt my setup exceeds 500 watts at any given time. I only have them on while i'm present as well.

[@FirefighterCafferata]

I can look into this but to be honest you should consult with a licensed electrician. As a Firefighter we just inspect buildings and recommend to not permanently use extension cords. Hopefully I helped you.

[@voodoohex72]

@@FirefighterCafferata Appreciate the help. Will do.

[@massivedynamic9848]

Thank you, very helpful info!

[@akaLuptonPittman]

There’s actually a LOT of similarities between how water and electricity behave when governed by us. It may help some of your guys who’re gonna be riding up soon and/or just wanna be more well rounded firefighters on any given scene. GPM, PSI, friction loss, line and nozzle characteristics… man it goes on and on. I got tired of fearing electricity on everything from and old couple’s odor of smoke call to nervously waiting for power to show up for lines down, just because I didn’t understand it enough to have a more helpful “healthy respect” instead. No bueno. Stay offensive and safe brother!

[@larryermanajrrocksit]

are there outdoor weather-proof power strips though? I'm trying to run power from my shed to my patio lights, and I know outdoor weather-proof extension cords exist but I can't imagine a power strip that is safe in the rain. if anyone knows, I'd love to know!

[@FirefighterCafferata]

BN-LINK 24 Hour Mechanical Outdoor Multi Socket Timer, 6 Outlet Garden Power Stake www.amazon.com/dp/B07BNSYT3Q/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_QFGE61NFYNZGVKD8Q25R?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 Here you go buddy

[@colossalbreacker]

This pretty much just stems from the fact that many power strips have overload protection (I'm pretty sure they are technically required to) and at least a 15a rating, whereas extension cords are just a wire. With extension cords it is up to the user to know that they aren't plugging in devices that overload the cord. You can buy extension cords that will handle the full 20 or 15 amps that a circuit might be able to provide but they are expensive and most people dont know what they are getting for the money. Most cheap outdoor cords are 16awg usually 13a rated depending on length and cheaper indoor cords can be rated the same, but really only safe for less. Plug a space heater or power tools into your cheap extension cord and you are already close to or exceeding the rating, possibly enough to start a fire depending on how crappy the cord is. There's a pretty good Technology Connections video on the topic called "Perhaps the weakest link in the US electrical system."

[@okaro6595]

How does it make safer that you can put more devices on it? The more easier you can overload it. How naturally an extension cord should be rated for what you do, preferably to the breaker what on the circuit.

[@nicholasyt122]

So do i have ti use like a billion power stips because i cant use a nice long extension ? Becuase power strip have a short cord but extensions have long cords that reach where i need it

[@FirefighterCafferata]

There are power strips that are longer. Please look on Amazon, or local hardware stores.

[@nicholasyt122]

@@FirefighterCafferata cant i just use a high quality extension cord?

[@l3loodyfingers]

@@nicholasyt122 are you still alive, did you use the extension cord?

[@nicholasyt122]

@@l3loodyfingers yeah extension cords are good dude

[@l3loodyfingers]

@@nicholasyt122 i use my phone while it's charging and the charging cable is not long enough to reach my bed. I have been using an extension cord for around a month without any issues. Possibly the danger this guy is talking about with extension cords is when you use something that requires a lot of energy or electricity. Not sure at all though.

[@Milo19970]

What about exstension cords that use 230v?

[@gingermanc]

Is it because the power strips are protected by a fuse ? The big sin in the U.K. is replacing a fuse with a 13Amp. Don’t do that ! Always replace the fuse with the same or lower amp rating. If it keeps blowing then reevaluate your set up and buy higher quality thicker gauge safety kitemarked gear

[@Progrocker70]

People tend to abuse power strips and extension cords because they really don't have adequate overload protection. Personally I don't believe power strips should be rated at and have breakers that are 15A. Most general circuits in U.S. homes are rated at 15A. I also don't believe they all use 14 gauge wire. They really should have a 10A or even 8A breaker max. Plugging a heater or using other high wattage items will then trip the breaker before the strip can overheat. Same with extension cords. Many of those cheap white or brown cords are only 18 or even 20 gauge wire but have no breaker or fuse on them to provide any overload protection.

[@jonathanblowfish5248]

extension cables aren't unsafe if you don't use high power stuff on them. but yeah, they're scary, good advice

[@warrengamameilhardin]

UL listed extension cords (used properly) could be considered ok to use temporarily. If you use a power strip, again, make sure it is UL listed and has an overcurrent protector, and never plug one power strip into another.

[@xonx209]

You can plug one power strip into another if the current draw is not big. To say never plug one power strip into another is overly restrictive.

[@warrengamameilhardin]

@@xonx209 sure, you can do that, but it's not safe or recommended because the vast majority of people do not know about or pay attention to current ratings. There's a reason so many house fires are started by power strips. It's just better to stay on the safe side. If, in your world, you are the only one who controls the plugs, and you have training in electrical loads, and the sum of all the loads are well under the rating of the first power strip, then go ahead, it's a free country, but a lot of those factors aren't always able to be controlled, so it's better to just not do it.

[@brownr749]

@@warrengamameilhardin To stay on a safe side, ppl should advocate they get rid of all these things if they can't make them safely and not burn your house down....you should be able to add extension cords to anything including power strips....no one has ten wall sockets...and all their items in one corner of the room so not to use extension cords....

[@brownr749]

What bothers me is...I never knew all of these horrible things could happen with just plugging something up. I was always under the impression, you can safely plug in anything in your house and if you overload something the FUSE will blow, it'll shut it off and you just end up buying another fuse...or if you have one of those fuse boxes, click the switch back into place and you know not to use certain items at the same time....now it seems like now you have to be a math genius, go around feeling on cords and carefully watching strips to see if they won't burn up....this is all a little crazy to me...and if the things they are selling are not completely safe, they should be illegal....a WAR ON ELECTRIC ITEMS.

[@avedis7k]

is it possible to use a mini fridge and a 6kg washing machine together on a powerstrip?

[@TheOnlySpareBox]

I peep the bombay

[@brownr749]

Why not go into the safety of high powered extension cords, instead of dangling these thin cheap ones in front of our faces ..The cords on power strips are short and most ppl don't have all of their electrical appliances in one corner of the room...you need an extension cord.

[@Valay.]

If youre outting on your tree Get a heavy duty high quality extension for outdoors, and use inside, get also a a ups, and a high quality power strip and pair them toguether… i had this cheap extension cord that fried one of my musical christmas lights a few days ago cuz its outlet was very low quality! Those ones causes fires!… threw the thing away right after and the burnt set aswell… AVOID BUYING ANY ELECTRICAL PRODUCT FROM GTC

[@crazy-es8tr]

from an electricians pov i have a simple answer to solve all of this. just buy a 20amp cord not the 15amp, also the amazon basic power strips catch fire very easy because they are all plastic

[@flattedsixth4547]

I bought a 6' 14 gauge extension cord for my girlfriend's window AC unit. The cord handles 15 amps and 125 volts. The AC unit runs 115 volts and 9.97 amps. Is this ok? The extension cord is going directly into the wall.

[@colossalbreacker]

@@flattedsixth4547 Yes, the cord you bought is overkill and very safe.

[@LilyPedals]

Which brand power strips do you suggest?

[@crazy-es8tr]

@@LilyPedals Bergen industries

[@RondoSki6475-YT_Channel.]

If I saw a fire from my Ridgid extension cord on my portable electric heater, it would overheat and I'll die from it.

[@FirefighterCafferata]

So many variables - I would unplug your extension cord after use. Fire situations are dynamic and unpredictable. FYI - Don't use extention cords.

Just don‘t use them in kitchens, they may be good for PCs/routers but especially in the US these stupid things can be overloaded quickly (17WG/1mm2 wires only can handle 10A, even just my PC can draw more than half of it if it would be on a 120V circuit. Yes, of course the power can be calculated and there are 16A power bars, but for people who don‘t know about this, avoiding them in situations where high loads are possible is the best. Even in Germany (where we have 207-253V) these things cause lots of trouble.

[@okaro6595]

In Finland all extension cord an power strips are rated for 16 A. The only exception is the Eurloplug one which is rared for 2.5 A but the devices using it use only that and one can never split it to two devices.

[@brownr749]

If they be used with all items, they should be sold....I'm for adding new laws for stores not to sell them if they are not completely safe plugging in everything.

[@curtisgta5fan272]

I have a Extension cord running behind my head to over my headboard to only plug my phone in it should just be fine

[@FirefighterCafferata]

Hi Curtis, as a Firefighter we say it's always best to unplug these cords when not in use. I believe our concerns are overheating an electrical cord. If the extension cord is used temporarily it should not be an issue. I'm assuming this is a land line telephone? I would personally like to find a different location but don't know your entire setup.

[@FirefighterCafferata]

Hopefully this helps

[@curtisgta5fan272]

@@FirefighterCafferata thanks I only used it to Just charge my iPhone and iPad

[@FirefighterCafferata]

Not an issue then. I would just unplug it when you leave your house or work place.

[@hank7281]

Gotta keep that job security, I guess... Why prevent fires by telling people not to coil or overload extension cords when you could tell them a pretty absurd generalization about extension cords that you can much more easily overload instead?

[@FirefighterCafferata]

Don't understand your words. I'm actually helping others not to start fires. Maybe that's what you mean? Job security is from unfortunate acts that occur from lack of understanding, or accidents. I believe we're on these same page.

[@K.b.173-dog]

Are you trying to unalive people man what the heck!

[@crand20033]

He's saying it turns off automatically when overloaded.

[@myface6739]

looks under desk

[@saumytiwari7]

The Power Strip you show in this video... I call it Extension cord.. Lol... Now tell me is it safe to power your TV or other heavy device

[@mgamingyt4995]

Hey my lights went out when I turned my pc on it the extension strip caught fire is my pc ok

[@2JobsStillPoorUSA]

Mostly it is. The strip took the brunt of the damage.

[@BubonicPestilence]

lol? wtf? sounds like: "don't use small guns, use big guns because it don't kill people" (facepalm)

[@markjohn4802]

Bought a lovely 4 gang extension with USBs from Ebay. It didn't catch fire! but after it failed within weeks I opened it up. I was shocked at it's design and poor quality. Thousands of them must have gone to landfill. Chinese junk mistakes the end up on. Signs of excessive heart due to poor contact. Might do a vlog with it.