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Avoid overloading your wall outlets.
 Don't use outlet adaptors to increase electrical supply.
 Use a power strip with an internal circuit-breaker switch. |
Wall outlets are designed to provide electricity for only 2 appliances at the same time. Overloading them may result in a fire hazard.
- Do not use outlet adaptors — they can cause the circuit to become overloaded.
- Use a multiple-outlet power strip if you need to increase electrical supply in your area. These devices have an internal circuit-breaker switch that will stop electrical flow if overloading occurs.
- Report broken or uncovered outlets.
- Residential buildings, contact the Housing & Dining Maintenance Customer Service Center, (858) 534-2600.
- All other campus facilities, contact the Facilities Management Service Referral Desk, (858) 534-2930.
- UCSD Medical Center facilities, contact:
- Hillcrest: Facilities Engineering Help Desk, (619) 543-6454
- Thornton Hospital: Facilities Engineering Help Desk, (858) 657-6400
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Follow guidelines for safe use of extension cords.
 On this extension cord, the AWG 12-3 means the wire gauge is 12 and there are 3 wires inside. |
Extension cords are intended for temporary use, not for supplying permanent power to tools and appliances. If you must use an extension cord, do the following:
- Select the right extension cord.
- Answer these 3 questions about the intended use to determine the type, wire size, and length of cord needed for the job:
- Is the cord for indoor or outdoor use?
- Cords rated for outdoor use can be used both indoors and out, but never use an indoor cord outside.
- How much electrical current (typically rated in amperes, or amps) does the tool or appliance require? The amperage requirement determines the wire size needed.
- Choose the right wire size for the intended use. Extension cords are rated by wire size, known as gauge. The thicker the wire, the more amps it will carry. Amperage requirements are usually given with the the tool or appliance.
- A cord's wire thickness is identified by the letters AWG followed by numbers; typically 12, 14, or 16. (See image at left.) In this case, less is more – the lower the number, the thicker the wire.
- Rule of thumb: Be sure the diameter of the extension cord is as large or larger than the cord being plugged into it.
- What is the maximum distance the cord will need to extend from the permanent electrical outlet?
- Select the right length of cord. The ability of a wire to carry a specific amperage will diminish as its length increases. If you need a lot of amps carried over a long distance, you'll need a heavier gauge wire.
- Use the chart below as a guide for selecting an extension cord of appropriate gauge and length for the amperage required.
Ext.
cord
length | Amperage required |
0-2
amps | 2-5
amps | 5-7
amps | 7-10
amps | 10-12
amps | 12-15
amps |
| 25 ft. | 16 ga. | 16 ga. | 16 ga. | 16 ga. | 14 ga. | 14 ga. |
| 50 ft. | 16 ga. | 16 ga. | 16 ga. | 14 ga. | 14 ga. | 12 ga. |
| 100 ft. | 16 ga. | 16 ga. | 14 ga. | 12 ga. | 12 ga. | 10 ga. |
| 150 ft. | 16 ga. | 14 ga. | 12 ga. | 12 ga. | 10 ga. | – |
| 200 ft. | 14 ga. | 14 ga. | 12 ga. | 10 ga. | – | – |
- Inspect extension cords periodically for cracked or frayed insulation.
- Replace cords that show signs of wear. Do not tape over them.
- Buy UL-listed cords.
- Do not link or "daisy chain" extension cords. Select a single extension cord long enough to do the job.
- Plug extension cords directly into the wall, not into a power strip or 3-prong adaptor.
- Never run an extension cord under carpeting or through walls.
- Never tack or staple an extension cord to the wall or woodwork — it could damage the cord and create a fire hazard.
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Label the circuit breakers in electrical panels.
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Electrical panels house the circuit breakers that control each electrical outlet. Make sure power can be shut off quickly in case of emergency by doing the following:
- Label each circuit breaker, identifying the outlet it controls.
- Keep access to electrical panels free of obstructions. Electrical panels must have 36" of clear floor space in all directions.
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Be alert for situations where electrical shock may be a hazard. |
Electricity travels in closed circuits and wants to reach the ground any way it can. If you contact electricity, you become its conduit to the ground.
- Be aware of situations where you may act as a circuit ground when working near electricity.
- Never work on a "hot" (energized) circuit or electrical apparatus.
- If any of these warnings occurs, take it seriously. Disconnect power and have the equipment serviced.
- Mild shock or tingling when in contact with an electrical machine
- Frayed or exposed wires
- Excessively hot motors
- Unusual odors such as burning insulation
- Inoperative or erratic switches; erratic equipment operation
- Sparks or smoke
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