Extension cords and power strips are the most commonly used electrical accessories in daily life. But using them wrongly is one of the main causes of fires and electric shock accidents. A significant share of home fires in Türkiye is caused by faulty use of extension cords.
The most dangerous practice is daisy-chaining. Increasing the number of devices by plugging one power strip into another pushes the total load on the first strip to dangerous levels. Every power strip has a maximum power it can carry, usually between two thousand three hundred and three thousand five hundred watts. When this limit is exceeded, the cable heats up, the insulation melts and a fire starts.
The cross-section of extension cords must suit the load they carry. Connecting high-power devices such as an air conditioner, heater or oven to a thin extension cord leads to overheating in a short time. As a general rule, devices over one thousand five hundred watts should be plugged directly into a wall socket.
The physical condition of the cable matters too. In cables that are crushed, kinked or run under a door, the inner conductors can be damaged. Even if this damage cannot be seen from outside, it raises the internal resistance and causes heating and arcing. Running a cable under a carpet or rug prevents heat from dissipating and multiplies the fire risk.
For safe use, follow these rules: Never daisy-chain power strips. Check the power capacity of the extension cord and do not exceed it. Use the cable straight, without knotting or coiling it. Do not use extension cords on wet floors. Replace damaged cables immediately. Avoid long-term use and have extra socket lines installed as a permanent solution.
If your home does not have enough sockets, the safest solution is to ask an electrician to install extra socket lines. In the long run this investment protects both your safety and the life of your devices.
