I've just moved into a beautiful older home (125 years) and, although it's been recently re-wired, there just isn't always an outlet where I need it. I live with my elderly mother and do not want to take a chance that she might trip over a cord. When I do short tasks like ironing or vacuuming, can I slip the excessive cord under a rug so that she will not encounter it with her feet. She is absolutely sure that I'll burn the house down - and she's incredibly intelligent, but I'd like to hear from a real fire prevention expert.Thank you for your expertise - I think that safety is essential - paranoia is a bit much, though!
Folks, it is oh so important to READ carefully, the question you're considering answering. I see absolutely nothing wrong, in the least, with this lady's idea of putting any excess cord under a throw rug so that her mother doesn't trip on it. As long as you don't forget it, and leave it there, you're perfectly safe. Check the cords in question to be sure they're in decent condition, don't put cords under any rug or sheet or anything of that nature that is showing wear of any kind of the insulation around the wires. As long as you observe a few common sense ideas you should be safe as safe can be. If, in the future, you find yourself wanting more recepts than you currently have, you could purchase one of the new multi-outlet extension cords used by carpenters, electrians, builders, workmen, in a #12 size wire. It won't be real cheap, but they come in 25 ft, and 50 ft. lengths. You could plug that into one outlet in any room and run it around the outer edges of the room to wherever you want electricity. You can leave it there indefinitely, as it doesn't draw any juice as long as nothing is plugged into it. Being on the outer reaches of the room, it's easily hidden by running it behind a cabinet, or chair or couch, etc. We live in a house built in 1904, so 106 years old, we've done this in many rooms, and are still utilitizing them to this day. We also have much of the old ball and tube wiring functional in our basement and a few walls.
Under Carpet Extension Cord
This Site Might Help You. RE: Is it a fire hazard to run an electic cord under a throw rug? I've just moved into a beautiful older home (125 years) and, although it's been recently re-wired, there just isn't always an outlet where I need it. I live with my elderly mother and do not want to take a chance that she might trip over a cord. When I do short tasks like ironing or...
That guy above me (GTB) is dead on and so is your mom. House fires caused by extension cords under throw rugs are in the cannons of electrical safety. So many lives lost just because someone wanted to make it look good. Back in the day, extension cords were common because of loose electrical standards dealing with required outlets. People used to equate a lot of electrical receptacles with wealth, so people went to great lengths to hide their shame by putting extension cords underneath throw rugs. All those deaths over vanity. Now that's the shame. Sorry about the history lesson and give your mom the 10 points for Best Answer.
