SUNY Cortland-Environmental Health & Safety

SUNY Cortland-Environmental Health & Safety Extension Cords Policy #19

Extension Cords

Contents 1. Introduction 2. Definitions 3. Use and Maintenance 4. Allowable Power Devices 5. Not Allowable Power Devices 6. Appendix A: Acceptable Electrical Devices 7. Appendix B: Not -Acceptable Electrical Extension Devices

1. Introduction

This policy establishes the procedures used by the faculty, staff, and students at SUNY Cortland to comply with the set standards enforced by OSHA (29 CFR 1910.304 Electrical – Design Safety Standards for Electrical Systems: Wiring Design and Protection and 1910.334 Electrical – Safety Related Work Practices: Use of Equipment) and New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (Subtitle 5 §1163.11 Equipment and Systems: Electrical Systems) with regard to extension cord use and safety.

Extension cords may not be used in lieu of permanent fixed wiring and the temporary use thereof shall be kept to a minimum. According to New York State Building and Fire Code Laws, buildings that are determined to have multiple residences of certain capacities are not permitted to use extension cords or other non-surge protected outlet extensions or adapters.

It is the policy of the college to eliminate the use of extension cords except during use in maintenance procedures (vacuum cleaners), construction (hand-held power tools), or temporary use (portable computers or audio-visual equipment).

2. Definitions

3-prong adapter-used to plug a three-prong ground to a two prong electrical system 3-way plug/T-taps-adds more plug receptacles to original wall receptacle outlet Extension cord/flexible cord- allows for added length to original appliance’s power cord GFCI- (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) instantly disconnects power-thereby preventing electric shock and fires. These devices interrupt the circuit to the load when a fault current to ground exceeds a predetermined value that is less than that required to operate the over-current protective device of the supply circuit.

Rev-5/13/2003 19:1 D:\Docs\2017-07- 12\02e688572f6d4e7f1d82fbd77ddd1fd6.doc Multi plug outlet extender pack- extra outlet adapter without surge protection (basically an extension cord with many outlets) Multi-plug power strip-outlet cases house multiple grounded outlets, circuit breakers and cord assembly in one unit. It allows for power control on the strip as well. Piggy-backing- attaching one extension cord or power strip to another extension cord or power strip to add length Portable equipment-equipment being used only for temporary use (i.e. overhead projector, laptop computer, vacuum cleaner) Portable Power Tools- power drill, portable hanging light, etc. Surge protector- when there is a surge in the power line it prevents over- powering the electrical appliance Zip cord- another name for a basic extension cord

3. General Procedure

a. The use of extension cords is prohibited on the SUNY Cortland Campus, with the following exceptions.

b. Exceptions: Insulated, grounded extension cords may be used in the following situations: ►Maintenance staff may use grounded extension cords for normal maintenance activities, including construction, renovation and related activities. ►Custodial staff may use insulated, grounded extension cords as needed to operate cleaning equipment and to perform minor maintenance activities. ►Faculty and staff may use insulated, grounded extension cords for use of classroom audio-visual and computer equipment. ►Other operations or activities approved by EH&S prior to use.

c. Surge protectors/power strips shall be used in place of extension cords under the following circumstances: ►When wall outlet availability is inefficient and electrical equipment/appliances are positioned, as much as practical, in proximity to electrical wall outlets. When wall outlet availability is inefficient contact Physical Plant Customer Service at X-2100 for installation of more wall outlets. ►Surge protectors are used for the intended purpose, subject to the use and maintenance procedures that follow.

4. Use and Maintenance

►Power strip cords or box units with surge protection will be used to replace basic extension cords. ►Power strip cords or box units will be kept in good condition. ►Power strip cords will be inspected before every use.

Rev-5/13/2003 19:2 D:\Docs\2017-07- 12\02e688572f6d4e7f1d82fbd77ddd1fd6.doc ►Power strip cords or box units will be free from cracks, splits, and general wear and tear. ►Exposed wires, knots, burn marks, loose connections, or other damage that may present a fire or electrocution will not be allowed. ►All power strip cords or box units showing signs of damage or disrepair shall be disposed of. ►Cords will be not be coiled or looped when in use. ►Power strip cords will be grounded and listed by the Underwriter's Laboratory and bear the U.L. label. ►Only GFCI circuits will be allowed in wet areas, such as, bathrooms or pool decks. ►Ground prongs will not be removed from three-wire extension cords. ►Power strips or other surge protection box units will not be used in excess of their rated capacity. See manufacturer's label for instructions and rating capacity. ►Power cords or box units shall not be covered by carpeting, clothing, furniture, or other objects that could prevent adequate air ventilation, circulation and cooling of the cord. ►Power strip cords or box units will not be run through any doorway or window. ►Power strip cords or box units will not be tacked, stapled, or otherwise semi-permanently or permanently fixed in place. ►Multi-plug devices (power strip cords or box units) may be used for computers, stereos, computers, and televisions. ►Major appliances such as microwaves, refrigerators, coffeepots, and toaster ovens must be plugged into the wall outlet directly.

5. Acceptable Power Cord Devices: Appendix A Surge Protectors Wall-Type Surge Protector Box Unit with Surge Protector

6. Not Acceptable Power Cord Devices: Appendix B Grounding Adapters Multi-Plug Extenders or T-taps or Three Way Taps Basic Extension Cords or Zip Cords Multi-Plug Extender Packs without surge protection Piggy-Backing Surge Protectors Homemade Extension Cords

Rev-5/13/2003 19:3 D:\Docs\2017-07- 12\02e688572f6d4e7f1d82fbd77ddd1fd6.doc Appendix A: Acceptable Power Cord Devices

Rev-5/13/2003 19:4 D:\Docs\2017-07- 12\02e688572f6d4e7f1d82fbd77ddd1fd6.doc Appendix B: Not Acceptable Power Cord Devices

Rev-5/13/2003 19:5 D:\Docs\2017-07- 12\02e688572f6d4e7f1d82fbd77ddd1fd6.doc