Skip to content

Protect Flexible Cords

  News & Updates 

EHS reminds all Vols to protect flexible cords on campus. What are flexible cords? When we refer to flexible cords, we mean flexible electrical cords such as the cord and plug used to plug in a coffee maker, or extension cords and power strip cords. Such cords can be damaged by use or misuse. They can be accidentally cut or crushed. They can overheat, causing the insulation to shrink around the internal wires. There are many ways they can be damaged, which can lead to a risk of shock or fire.

A Recent Fire

Recently, UT experienced a fire from a coiled up extension cord store under cardboard boxes. Excessive heat built up that burned through the insulation and the cardboard.

Graphic with images of an extension cord that was tightly coiled and stored under boxes that started a fire.

 

 

 

What can you do?

  • First realized the risk of damage to flexible cords and the risk of electrical shock or fire.
  • Inspect all cords prior to use. Do not use if the insulation is damaged, stretched, or shrunken. Shrunken insulation looks like the outer insulation was shrink-wrapped around the internal wires. The cord may also look twisted. A very common form of insulation damage is the when it pulls away from the plug or other junction as shown in the graphic below.
  • Remember that extension cords are for temporary use only. Never cover them with carpet, rugs, or cardboard. Do not pass them through walls or over ceiling tiles.
  • Download and share our graphics on this page.

Infographic with graphic of a electrical cord and plug with damage insulation and sparks flying out. The graphic lists ways to protect flexible cords including: The can cause shock and fire hazards. Inspect them for insulation that is damaged stretched, or shrunken. They are for temporary use and should never be covered with carpet or passed through walls or ceiling tiles.

For more information about electrical safety

Electrical Problem Clues

  Fire Safety, News & Updates ,  

We have probably all experienced the moment when we turn on too many high-current devices, such as microwaves or coffee makers, and the power drops out. When we overload a circuit a breaker is designed to trip and turn off the power to the offending circuit branch. This helps prevent circuits from overheating and potentially causing a fire.

Even though these events happen, it’s important that we do not ignore them. If a breaker is failing repeatedly this is a clue that something is not right. An infographic of an electrical breaker panel with guidance. Recognize that a breaker repeatedly tripping evidence of a problem. If on campus contact Facilities Services. If at home consult an electrician.

What can you do?

  • Understand that breakers panels help protect buildings from overcurrents (too much current).
  • A breaker should not be reset if you do not know why it has failed. If a breaker is repeatedly tripping, assume something is wrong and get assistance.
  • If on campus seek assistance from Facilities Services.

Additional Resources

Don’t Get Overloaded

  Fire Safety, News & Updates , ,  

Winter is a time of year where we might consider using portable space heaters or other high current devices. Other times of year we might simply be using power strips to for refrigerators or freezers. These are all high current devices that may exceed the rated limits of a power strip. When this occurs a power strip can start a fire.

In fact we have had a fire recently in an office on campus due to a space heater plugged into a power strip. Because of these risks, EHS asks that you follow some basic guidance.

Power Strip Safety Tips

  • Realize the problem: Overloaded power strips have caused fires at UT.
  • Plug appliances directly into wall outlets.
  • Ensure your power strip is UL listed. Look for the holographic sticker with the listing (rating) information .
  • Check the capacity of your power strip. Are you within it?
  • When in doubt consult EHS.

For more information

The flagship campus of the University of Tennessee System and partner in the Tennessee Transfer Pathway.