FAST FACTS SEPTEMBER 2016 Power Strips and Dangerous Daisy Chains
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co f mp o l e ia c n i f c f e o OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE FAST FACTS SEPTEMBER 2016 Power Strips and Dangerous Daisy Chains The supply of readily available Problems electrical outlets is inadequate in OSHA regulations require that some older buildings. Extension conductors and electrical equipment cords or surge protected power be used in accordance with the strips are often interconnected, or conditions under which they are “daisy chained,” to readily provide approved by a recognized testing more outlets and/or to reach greater organization (29 CFR 1910.303(a)). distances. Another common solution Most power strips or surge protectors that is often used is to create a “mixed are approved for providing power to daisy chain,” by interconnecting a maximum of four or six individual several extension cords and surge items; however, when multiple power Figure 1: Daisy Chain—Interconnected protectors or power strips in a series. strips are interconnected, the one extension cords However, interconnecting these directly connected to the building devices is a violation of Occupational outlet is often supplying power to far Safety and Health Administration more outlets than the approved. This (OSHA) regulations and the National electrical current overload can result in Electrical Code because doing so can a fire or can cause a circuit breaker to cause them to become overloaded, trip, de-energizing computers and other which could lead to their failure and equipment throughout the area that are a possible fire. (See the Office of connected to the surge protector. Compliance “Extension Cords” Fast Facts for more information) Extension cords are sometimes used to energize power strips in locations Daisy Chaining far from outlets. Because electrical Figure 2: Mixed daisy chain— Found Frequently resistance increases with increased Powerstrip energized by an Daisy chains and mixed daisy power cord length, interconnecting extension cord chains constitute some of the most cords increases the total resistance common violations identified during and results in heat generation. recent Office of Compliance health This creates an additional risk of 90 days are considered permanent and safety inspections. During equipment failure and fire, particularly wiring. Unfortunately, once in place, the biennial inspection conducted when paper and other combustible extension cords tend to become during the 114th Congress, materials are in contact with the wires. permanent wiring and a fire hazard. instances of daisy chains and mixed Additionally, OSHA’s regulations daisy chains were observed in many only allow extension cords to be Solutions office settings, accounting for used as temporary wiring for up to Several safe solutions exist. In many numerous recorded violations. 90 days. Any cords in place over cases, a power strip energized by an Office of Compliance | 110 Second Street, SE | John Adams Building | Room LA 200 | Washington, DC 20540-1999 P: 202.724.9250 | F: 202.426.1913 | www.compliance.gov | @LegBranch_OOC extension cord or another power outlet, and helps to protect the plug strip can simply be replaced by a and cord from damage. Check each power strip with a power cord of surge protector to make sure it is in adequate length to reach an outlet. good condition for use. Alternatively, desks and associated equipment may be moved so they Only power strips equipped with are closer to existing outlets. Other internal fuses are acceptable as times, use of a power strip that is permanent wiring. Those lacking better able to accommodate bulkier these fuses are equivalent to extension transformer plugs solves the problem. cords, and therefore may not be used as permanent wiring. When a power Several factors should be considered strip is installed, care must be taken to when selecting an appropriate surge ensure that it is not suspended in mid- protector. Since models vary in the air by its power cord or cords plugged amount of current that they are rated to into it, resulting in excessive stress on safely carry, it is important to consider electrical connections. Figure 3: Daisy chain of power strips— the amperage requirements of the One power strip is being used to devices to be energized. Models vary in When there are not enough outlets energize two other power strips length of power cord, typically ranging to supply occupants’ needs, one from three to 15 feet. Choose one with solution is to request the installation merits of installing modular furniture a length that is most appropriate for of additional wall or floor outlets. that provides multiple outlets at each reaching the intended room outlet. Their placement should avoid any workstation. Interconnected modular Avoid having excess cord that could get need to run any wires across walkways, furniture units are energized by the in the way and cause a hazard. Ensure where they can create tripping hazards building’s electrical supply through a that the surge protector is set on its (See the Office of Compliance’s single, large power cord, or “whip,” base. Some have swivel plugs which “Slips, Trips and Falls” Fast Facts). providing ample power to all make them easier to connect to the Consideration can also be given to the served workstations. Fast Stats ■■ All conductors and equipment must be approved by an OSHA Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) (29 CFR §1910.303(a). ■■ OSHA’s electrical standards require that listed or labeled equipment be used or installed in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling by the manufacturer (29 CFR §1910.303(b)(2)). ■■ OSHA’s electrical standards require that outlet devices have an ampere current rating not less than the current load to be served (29 CFR §1910.304(b)(2)). ■■ The National Electrical Code and OSHA do not permit extension cords to be used for permanent wiring. co f mp If you spot a safety hazard in your legislative The Office of Compliance advances safety, health, and workplace o l e ia c n rights in the U.S. Congress and the legislative branch. Established i branch workplace, contact the f c f e Office of Compliance to report it: as an independent agency by the Congressional Accountability o Room LA 200, John Adams Building Act of 1995, the Office educates employees and employing offices 110 Second Street, SE about their rights and responsibilities under the Act, provides an Washington, DC 20540 impartial dispute resolution process, and investigates and remedies t/ 202-724-9250; f/ 202-426-1913 violations of the Act. Recorded Information Line/ 202-724-9260 www.compliance.gov This information does not constitute advice or an official ruling of the Office of Compliance or the dBoar of Directors and is intended for educational purposes only. For further information, please refer to the Congressional Accountability Act (2 U.S.C 1301 et seq.) and the regulations issued by the Board, or you may contact the Office of Compliance..