Are power strips considered extension cords OSHA?

Are power strips considered extension cords OSHA?

According to OSHA, are we allowed to use power strips to permanently power electronics like office computers? This was our answer: They must be directly connected to a permanently installed branch-circuit receptacle outlet only, not to an extension cord or another power strip.

What is the OSHA standard for extension cord safety?

In addition to its other rules, OSHA requires that any extension cord used on a job site must be a three-wire grounded cord. You’ll recognize these cords by their plugs, which always have three prongs. The third prong is ground and is an important safety feature that you should never attempt to defeat.

Are power strips against fire code?

Utilization of a standard extension cord or power strip is unsafe and a violation of Fire Safety Code for these appliances. To meet occupant needs and the requirements of the State Fire Code, power strips equipped with internal fuses are permissible to connect appliances in the absence of permanent wiring.

Can I use power strips permanently?

Only power strips equipped with internal fuses are acceptable as permanent wiring. Those lacking these fuses are equivalent to extension cords, and therefore may not be used as permanent wiring.

How safe are power strips?

Never Overload a Power Strip Every power strip has a load capacity, which means it can only move so much power through its circuits at any given time. Overloading the strip can create a fire hazard, melting the plastic and damaging your home or business as well as any surrounding equipment.

Can an extension cord be used as permanent wiring?

Using extension cords properly is critical to your safety. With continuous use over time, an extension cord can rapidly deteriorate, creating a potentially dangerous electric shock or fire hazard. Do not substitute extension cords for permanent wiring. Do not run through walls, doorways, ceilings, or floors.

Can you plug an extension cord into a power strip?

DON’T “daisy chain” power strips and extension cords—just don’t. Only plug in an extension cord into a power strip if the power strip has been hard-wired into the electrical system. Otherwise, avoid plugging an extension cord into a power strip. Only plug power strips directly into a wall outlet.

Can extension cords be repaired OSHA?

Answer: Extension cords used in construction may be repaired, so long as the repair returns the cord to the “approved” state required by §1926.403(a). This section states, “All electrical conductors and equipment shall be approved.” Repairs of extension cords are therefore permitted under §1926.404(b)(1)(iii)(C).

Do power strips have breakers?

Power strips usually have several outlets, a circuit breaker, and some sort of on/off switch, which is great for businesses or restaurants looking to conserve power. While some power strips have a built-in surge protector, not all of them do, leaving your electronics vulnerable to a surge in electrical power.

What is OSHA’s standard for power strips?

OSHA’s standard at 29 CFR §1910.303 (b) (2), Installation and use, requires that “Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling.” Manufacturers and nationally recognized testing laboratories determine the proper uses for power strips.

Is an extension cord a receptacle outlet?

NOTE 1 to subsection (b) (1): A cord connector on an extension cord set is considered to be a receptacle outlet if the cord set is used for temporary electric power.

Are power strips UL compliant?

According to the UL listing for power strips, some of these uses are acceptable, and some are not. These devices are actually called “relocatable power taps” in the UL book, and are referenced by the UL product category code XBYS.

Can power strips be used on construction sites?

There we can see that power strips are only intended for indoor use, and never for use on construction sites and similar locations.