GoKawiilFire-safety body warns against leaving extension cords permanently plugged in
The Electrical Safety Foundation International says extension cords aren't designed as permanent wiring and can degrade when left connected continuously. Unplugging a cord after use gives owners a chance to spot cracked insulation, loose connections or overheating plugs before they become hazards.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Cords left in place for months can get pinned behind furniture, exposed to lightning damage, or pressed into powering heavier devices than they were meant for, each of which raises fire risk. The warning suggests that convenience habits, like treating a cord as built-in furniture, can quietly undermine basic safety checks.
- ESFI says extension cords should not be used as permanent wiring
- Continuous use can hide developing damage like cracked insulation or loose plugs
- Risks increase when cords are hidden, overloaded, or exposed to storm damage
Belkin Surge Protector Power Strip — If you're relying on extension cords for daily power needs, a proper surge protector power strip is a safer long-term solution with built-in overload protection. It's designed for sustained use, unlike a basic extension cord, giving you peace of mind for all those always-plugged-in devices.
See Belkin Surge Protector Power Strip on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: engadget.com — Husain Parvez, 2026-10-12
Published there as: “Why you shouldn't leave an extension cord plugged in all the time”
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