Many times, you need to power the device, which is further away from the electric socket. In that case, you might think about using an extension cord. The problem arises when one extension cord is not enough.
At the time, you might be thinking, if you can plug an extension cord into another extension cord? Today I will answer this question. Additionally, I will go into other details of this problem as well. Once you go through this article below, it will be easier for you to understand whether you should do it or not.
Can you plug one extension cord into another extension cord?
You can’t plug one extension cord into another extension cord due to potential risks like reduced current, increased resistance, cord damage, and overheating. These issues pose safety concerns and may harm your devices.
While you can power the gadget for the time being, in the long run, it will pose a lot of problems.
I will share all the reasons with you why you shouldn’t do this below.
Increase in resistance:
The extension cord is designed in such a way that it does not have high resistance. When the resistance is manageable, it becomes effortless for you to pass the current. At the end of the line, the current will be at a manageable level. In that case, you can easily power your gadget.
However, when connecting or powering one extension cord to another, you will realize that the extension cord’s resistance increases significantly. So, the current reduces significantly. When it happens, you might not be able to get proper current to power the gadget at the end of the line. In that case, the gadget might get damaged as well.
Thus, the number 1 risk when you’re connecting one extension cord to another is the gadget getting damaged.
Cords Coming to Lose:
If both of the extension cords are not connected properly, the cord might come close. You might be thinking that you will once again plug it in. However, the cord coming to lose is very risky.
If the cord comes loose, it might lead to sparking. If there are flammable materials near the cord, it might lead to a fire hazard as well.
When there is an electric fire, it isn’t easy to control it. It can lead to large-scale losses as well. An electric fire can spread rapidly, as well.
It poses a damage risk to not only the gadgets on the premises but also the human beings in the vicinity. To avoid all of these problems, it is a good idea not to plug an extension into another extension cord.
Loss of power:
When the cord comes loose, the gadget will lose power as well. If you’re using it to power an essential gadget like a CPAP machine, you cannot afford power loss.
Similarly, if you’re powering a computer or other such gadgets that are being used consistently, using an extension cord is not advisable either.
The loss of power might damage the gadget or the application for which you are using the extension cord.
Moreover, such consistent failure of the gadget can also lead to damage. In that case, you might have to either replace the gadget, or you might have to spend some money on repairing it. Both of them are pretty costly options. Due to this very reason, plugging an extension cord into another to power, something is not a good idea.
Insulation risk:
The insulation of the extension cord plays a crucial role when it comes to using it. If the insulation is not proper, it will become tough for you to use it.
When you connect one extension cord, the distance that both of them will cover will be on the higher side. In that case, the current present in the extension cords at any point in time will be much higher than normal. It means that the insulation risk is also on the higher side.
With consistent use, wear and tear are common. Moreover, when you’re moving it like over the door frame or over any object with edges, there is always the risk of insulation facing wear and tear. With so many risky points in the extension cord, it becomes difficult to avoid current exposure.
When you’re using just a single extension cord, you can be sure that you choose one with thicker insulation. However, the amount of current increase in the dual extension cords further makes the insulation prone to risk.
So, I will undoubtedly advise you against doing so. It is better and preferred to opt for a larger one right from the start or go with a more permanent solution than a makeshift one.
Overheating:
The quantum of current inside the extension cord increases when connecting one extension cord to another. Moreover, if the plugging mechanism is not proper, it can lead to sparking as well. Even if it does not lead to sparking, the higher current and the loose connection can lead to overheating.
In the case of overheating, the plugs or the gadget can get damaged as well. In that case, once again, there is the risk of fire.
Moreover, if sparking happens near the gadget, there is a risk of damage to the gadget. These days, gadgets can cost you thousands of dollars. Due to this very reason, it is not worth it to plug one extension cord into another.
The amount of loss that you can face due to the same is much more costly than going for a permanent solution.
So, to answer the question, can you plug an extension cord into another extension cord? You shouldn’t do so. While you might think that powering a gadget for some time is okay using the solution, it is not. There are too many risks in doing so. Moreover, there are chances that you might end up damaging the gadgets. The amount of current that you supply to the gadget might get reduced as well. In a nutshell, there is no advantage of doing so.
Other Things You Should Not Do With an Extension Cord
Don’t Overload Extension Cords
Extension cords are prone to overloading. They are designed to accommodate a limited amount of current. But most people don’t know this, which is why it has become quite common for homeowners to overload their extension cords by plugging multiple devices into them.
Don’t Use Extension Cords Permanently
Extension cords don’t have expiration dates but they tend to wear out over time. If you make regular use of these devices, they will slowly but surely lose their effectiveness. In the best-case scenario, they will simply die. In the worst-case scenario, they will malfunction, causing voltage fluctuations and ultimately harming your appliances. In that regard, you cannot use extension cords permanently.
Don’t Cover Your Extension Cords
Extension cords generate heat. The more powerful the appliance that is attached to their outlets, the more heat they will generate. All the heat it generates will accumulate, eventually starting a fire. Another issue is human traffic. People are more likely to step on the extension cord because they cannot see it. If they keep walking over it, they can damage it in the long run by tearing the jacket and fraying the wires.
Don’t Use Indoor Extension Cords Outdoors
Indoor extension cords are not only light and flexible but they are more vulnerable to moisture. All those factors will harm an indoor extension cable, destroying its insulation and leaving you vulnerable to fires and electric shocks.
References:
https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/2018-12/fy07_sh-16586-07_4_electrical_safety_participant_guide.pdf