Why You Shouldn't Leave An Extension Cord Plugged In All The Time
Your wall outlet may handle the load, but that doesn't mean the extension cord will.
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Extension cords are amazing at making temporary solutions permanent. You connect a laptop charger because the outlet is in an inconvenient location and you hide the cord behind your desk and six months later it's as if it's part of the furniture.
That's where the trouble begins. Extension cords are not permanent wiring additions and can become damaged over time if used continuously, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). When you're done, unplugging one is a good opportunity to observe cracked insulation, loose connections or a plug that is getting hotter than you would prefer.
To be clear, an empty extension cord doesn't inevitably start cooking itself simply because its plug is still in the wall. The question is, what happens when that cord becomes a part of your daily routine?...
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