Fire Officials and DHEC regulators agree that the use of unapproved extension cords can present a serious fire safety hazard in the workplace.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical distribution equipment, such as extension cords, was the second leading cause of fire deaths in the U.S. between 1994-1998. The most common cause of fires from extension cords is due to improper use and/or overloading, especially when cords have multiple outlets. Overloading can occur when multiple devices are plugged into one cord or when cords are “daisy chained”.

DWG has authored a white paper based on the National Electric Code (NEC) to aid in identifying the correct usage of power strips and extension cords in commercial buildings that are used for Patient Care and Non Patient Care. Please click here, Power Strips White Paper, to read more about the proper use of extension cords and power strips.