Which statement best describes extension cords as per the safety guidance?

Which statement best describes extension cords as per the safety guidance?

• A. They must be 3-wire and are for temporary use
• B. They can be plugged into multiple cords to extend length
• C. They can be used for permanent wiring
• D. They can be plugged into any non-mounted receptacle

Answer: (A)

Extension cords are intended as a temporary power solution and must provide a grounded connection. The statement that they should be 3-wire and used only for temporary setups captures both safety essentials: a grounded (3-wire) cord helps protect against shock and equipment faults, and the temporary-use note reinforces that cords are not a substitute for fixed, permanent wiring. Using cords in place of proper wiring or daisy-chaining them to extend length creates serious hazards: overheating, damaged insulation, tripping, and fire risk. They should not be relied on for permanent installations, nor used in ways that bypass proper outlets or mounting. If you need a longer, permanent, or outdoor setup, install appropriate fixed wiring or use equipment rated for the environment with a proper receptacle.

Extension cords are intended as a temporary power solution and must provide a grounded connection. The statement that they should be 3-wire and used only for temporary setups captures both safety essentials: a grounded (3-wire) cord helps protect against shock and equipment faults, and the temporary-use note reinforces that cords are not a substitute for fixed, permanent wiring. Using cords in place of proper wiring or daisy-chaining them to extend length creates serious hazards: overheating, damaged insulation, tripping, and fire risk. They should not be relied on for permanent installations, nor used in ways that bypass proper outlets or mounting. If you need a longer, permanent, or outdoor setup, install appropriate fixed wiring or use equipment rated for the environment with a proper receptacle.