Electrical safety

Keep extension cords out of walkways and pinch points

Do not run extension cords across walkways, through doors, under rugs or furniture, or where wheels, heavy items, or doors can crush them.

High-priority reminder

Last reviewed: 2026-10-12

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An extension cord across a hallway and pinched by a door and furniture on the left and equipment near a fixed socket with a clear walkway on the right

Why it matters

Foot traffic, pinching, and abrasion can damage insulation and internal wires, causing trips, electric shock, overheating, or fire.

Wrong action

Hiding a cord under a rug, pinching it in a doorway or behind furniture, or leaving it permanently across a hallway.

Correct action

Move equipment nearer a suitable fixed socket; for temporary extension use, choose a visible route protected from traffic and pressure.

What to do

Inspect the full cord and planned route before plugging in.
Move it away from walkways, doors, rugs, wheels, furniture, and heavy items.
Check after each use and stop for crushing, deformation, or damage.

If something happens

For smoke, fire, or electric shock, keep clear, isolate power only if safe, and call 999. Do not touch a casualty while they may still be connected to electricity. Once power is safely isolated, follow dispatcher first aid; if unresponsive and not breathing normally, begin CPR as instructed.