⚠️ Outdoor Extension Cord Safety: It’s Not Just Plug and Play!

Summer’s here, and so is the parade of outdoor fun: string lights, inflatable pools, projectors, margarita machines, fans on the porch. But before you go plugging into the great outdoors, let’s talk about something less exciting—but way more important: extension cord safety.

Because nothing kills the vibe faster than a short-circuited bounce house or a backyard BBQ blackout. 🍔🌭💥

What’s the Big Deal?

You may be thinking: “It’s just a cord. What could go wrong?”

Oh, only:

• Electrical fires 🔥

• Shocks in wet grass ⚡

• Tripped breakers in the middle of your playlist 🎶

Outdoor extension cords face a lot more abuse than indoor ones. UV rays, rain, dirt, pets, and people walking all over them (literally). So if you’re using that dusty orange cord you found in the garage… we need to talk.

The DOs of Outdoor Cord Use

✔️ Use outdoor-rated extension cords They’re thicker, tougher, and built to survive weather, BBQ sauce spills, and frisbee collisions.

✔️ Keep cords elevated or dry Avoid running them through puddles, grass, or anywhere they might soak up moisture like a sponge.

✔️ Match cord rating to your device Running a bounce house? Use a heavy-duty cord. Plugging in twinkle lights? A lighter one is okay.

✔️ Inspect before every use Check for cuts, frays, or weird smells. If your cord looks like it fought a lawnmower—and lost—it’s time to retire it.

✔️ Use GFCI outlets or adapters These shut off power if they detect a problem. Especially important near pools, sprinklers, or rainy-day setups.

The DON’Ts of Extension Cord Use

Don’t daisy-chain cords That’s when you plug one cord into another to make a longer run. It’s a fire risk and a bad idea. Get a longer, proper cord instead.

Don’t run cords under rugs or doormats It seems like a tidy solution—but it’s a classic fire hazard.

Don’t overload the cord Your cord isn’t a superhero. Plugging in too many things can melt the insulation or trip your breaker.

Don’t use them permanently Extension cords are for temporary use. If you’re relying on one daily, it’s time to call Ace Electric and talk about adding outlets.

Need More Power? We Got You

From installing outdoor-rated outlets to upgrading your panel for summer fun, Ace Electric is ready to make your space safer and smarter.

Let us wire it right—so you can plug it in without sweating it.

Ace Electric: Powering Stillwater One Connection at a time.