How can I keep my extension cords safe outside?

Always plug outdoor extension cords into a GFCI outlet. These can be identified by TEST/RESET buttons, and are typically found in the kitchen, bath and garage. These devices protect your family from shock in the event the cord is exposed to water.

Do you have to cover outdoor extension cords?

Try to minimize the amount of extension cord to extension cord connections you make outdoors. If it is completely necessary to connect multiple extension cords, you should invest in a handy extension cord cover, in order to best protect the areas where the two cords meet.

Is it OK for outdoor extension cords to get wet?

An extension cord can survive the rain if it is rated for outdoor use and if it is in good condition. However, the plug should be kept out of the rain.

How do you cover exposed wires outside?

You can hide your cables along outdoor walls or baseboards by matching them or their covers to the wall color or simply run them behind the walls themselves. What is this? Even if your wires are covered, do not let your guard down by using any old wire or extension cord.

How do you tell if extension cord can be used outside?

Letter Designation. On the extension cord packaging or on the cord itself, the letter “W” indicates that the cord is designed for use outside. Outdoor extension cords have a heavy-duty appearance and tend to have tough, bright orange covers that are made from rubber, vinyl or plastic.

How do you cover electrical wires outside?

The only real solution to hide electrical wires on the outside of a wall is to incorporate some type of cable management system in the form of a cable or a wire raceway.

Can you bury an extension cord outside?

In general, you can’t bury the outside extension cord. Using a standard extension cord is designed initially only for temporary use. Instead, you can use a more suitable cable type for any permanent outdoor purposes, such as a direct burial UF cable.