Administration and Finance

1. Don't use extension cords to compensate for inadequate office/home wiring. Use extension cords only when necessary and only on a temporary basis.
2. If an extension cord is not marked for outdoor use, use it indoors only. The UL label will tell you if it is OK for outdoors
3. Inspect the cord before use. Look for areas that are cracked or frayed. Verify that the ground prong hasn’t been removed. If you find any damage, dispose of the cord.
4. The appliance or tool that you are using the cord with will have a wattage rating on it. Match this up with your extension cord. Don't use a cord that has a lower rating.
5. Don't run extension cords through doorways, or through holes in ceilings, walls or floors.
6. Make sure the appliance or tool is off before you plug it into the cord.
7. Make sure the plug is fully inserted in the outlet.
8. Don't remove, bend or modify any of the metal parts of the cord's plug.
9. Don't plug a three-prong plug into a two-hole cord.
10. You shouldn't have to force a plug into an outlet.
11. If the plug is too loose in the outlet, the outlet may be too old and needs to be replaced.
12. Some cords are polarized; one hole on the plug is larger than the other. Match up the outlet and the cord.
13. During use:

• Keep away from water.
• Don't use it when it is wet.
• Keep it away from children and pets.
• Don't plug one extension cord into another cord or power strip. (Commonly referred to as daisy chaining)
• Don't overheat the cord. Uncoil it, and don't cover it with anything.
• Don't drive over the cord. Don't drag it or lay anything on it.
• Don't walk on it.
• Don’t route cord unprotected across walkways (trip hazard) if needed provide adequate warning of hazard.

14. After use:

• Remove it from an outlet by pulling on the plug, not the cord.
• Store it indoors.
• Unplug it when not in use.