This page provides a general overview of electrical cord, plug, and appliance safety. You may also find it helpful to speak with a certified electrician.

Electrical cord and electrical plug safety

Inspecting electrical cords and electrical plugs regularly helps reduce the risk of electrical fires.

  • Discard all cords and plugs that are worn or frayed.
  • Never break off the third prong on a plug to plug it into a two-pronged outlet.
  • Replace two-pronged outlets with three-pronged outlets.

When plugging in or unplugging items:

  • Hold a plug securely to pull it from the wall. Pulling on the cord can wear the cord out, and increase the risk of a short circuit, an electrical shock, or a fire.
  • Use multi-outlet extenders, power bars, and surge protectors sparingly. Otherwise you can risk overloading a single circuit.  If a power cord feels warm or hot to the touch, it is a fire hazard. Unplug it immediately.
  • Use extension cords temporarily. If you need the extra length more often, speak to a certified electrician to install additional electrical outlets.
  • Avoid running electrical cords beneath carpets.
  • Keep electrical cords away from sources of heat and water.

Warning Warning: When young children are present, cover unused outlets with safety plugs, or install outlets with spring-latch covers.

Electrical appliance safety

  • Follow manufacturer instructions.
  • Disconnect small appliances (toasters, toaster ovens, coffee makers, etc.) before cleaning them.
  • Have defective appliances checked by a professional.
  • Disconnect small appliances when not in use, for instance when you are on vacation.
  • NEVER use an extension cord for a space heater.

Check for inadequate electrical wiring

Older homes and apartments can have inadequate wiring. This can be a fire hazard and an electrical hazard. If your home matches any of the statements below, contact a certified electrician to inspect your electrical system.

  • You unplug one appliance before plugging in another appliance, otherwise you may trip a circuit breaker or blow a fuse.
  • You run multiple extension cords, or plug multiple cords into a single outlet because you don’t have enough outlets.
  • Your furniture arrangement options are limited if you need to be close to electrical outlets.
  • Your small appliances, such as toasters or irons, are slow to heat.
  • You notice that the lights dim when you use certain appliances.
  • You enter rooms and stairways in darkness because there are not enough three- or four-way light switches.

Unless it’s something as simple as replacing a cord, fixing shorts and faulty wiring requires the expertise of an electrician. Faulty wiring symptoms include flickering lamps, plugs that spark when you plug something in, breakers that constantly trip, and “buzzing” outlets. All these can cause sparks, which can quickly cause a fire.

While you’re at it, make sure to replace or eliminate any wire, connection, extension cord or fuse box that feels warm; warmth in these cases usually indicates a faulty or unsafe wiring connection. It can also mean that too much current is running through the circuits, which could cause an overload and result in a fire.