A power cord is a cable that temporarily connects an electrical appliance to an electrical power source. The term is generally used for cables connecting to a single-phase alternating current power source at "mains voltage" (100 to 240 volts, depending on the location).
Power Cord Safety
- Turn off electrical products if a cord overheats.
- Check to make sure electrical cords are intact and in good condition, not frayed or cracked.
- Check to make sure lamp, extension, telephone and other cords are placed out of the flow of traffic. Cords stretched across walkways may cause someone to trip. If you must use an extension cord, place it on the floor against a wall where people cannot trip over it.
- Whenever possible, arrange furniture so that outlets are available for lamps, entertainment products, or appliances without the use of extension cords.
- Check to make sure furniture is not resting on cords.
- Check to make sure electrical cords do not run under furniture or carpeting, or behind baseboards.
- Check to make sure electrical cords are not attached to the walls, baseboards, etc. with nails or staples. Disconnect power before removing nails and staples from on or around electrical cords.
- Do not attempt to repair cords yourself. Take any item with a damaged power cord to an authorized repair center, or cut the cord, safely dispose of the item, and purchase a new one.
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