Electric shock from extension cable? If an extension cable is in bad condition such as having damaged insulation or a broken plug, it can definitely give you an electric shock. An electric shock from an extension cable can also be made worse by the lack of electrical protection on the circuit, such as not having an RCD.
This post will try to explain why you are getting an electric shock from an extension cord and what you can do about it.
What Is An Electric Shock?
An electric shock occurs when contact is made between an electrically ‘live’ wire or surface and the earth. Depending on how strong the electrical current is and how long someone is exposed to it determines how dangerous it is.
If someone has a good connection to earth (for example, not wearing shoes standing on wet grass) then the shock will also be much worse because more current can travel through the body.
Electric shocks have the potential to cause damage to vital organs, depending on the path that the electrical current travels through the body.
If the current travelled through the heart, it is easy to see why electric shocks are so damaging.
The potential for electric shocks in the home is the reason why many rules and regulations exist to prevent electric shocks from occurring.
Some of these rules include using Residual Current Device (RCD) protection and specific wiring rules regarding damp areas.
Electric Shock Protection
In modern homes RCDs are an important measure to protect people from receiving fatal electric shocks.
RCD’s work by shutting off electricity to a circuit if it senses that current is leaking to earth (giving someone a shock, for example). Legally, for personal protection, an RCD must trip within 30 milliamps of leakage current and within a 300 milliseconds. These are both established benchmarks of electric current that someone can stand before causing serious bodily harm.
General use electrical sockets both inside the home and outside are required to be on RCD.
All modern homes should have RCDs however older homes won’t have them. If your home doesn’t have RCD’s it is probably time for a switchboard upgrade.
Electric Shock From Extension Cable – Reason #1
Damaged Insulation On Extension Cable
The most common reason why you would be getting a shock from an extension cable is damaged cable insulation exposing live wires.
Extension cables tend to experience heavy use and we see them used well past their expiry date (causing breakers to trip).
In our experience, they tend to get squashed, thrown, yanked, pulled against sharp objects. All of these things will damage the insulation of the extension cable resulting in exposed wires.
It is these exposed, shiny strands of wire that will give you an electric shock.
It is a good idea to examine the condition of the extension lead, but always remember to unplug the extension cable from the electrical outlet before doing so.
Electric Shock From Extension Cable – Reason #2
Damaged Plug On Extension Cable
A damaged plug is another common reason why someone might get a shock from an extension cable. Damaged plugs tend to occur due to plugs being yanked out of wall outlets. This eventually results in the prongs becoming damaged and even exposing live electrical contacts which can give someone an electric shock.
If this is the case, you should be able to replace the plug or throw out the extension lead for a new one.
Electric Shock From Extension Cable – Reason #3
Water Inside The Plug
Water allows electrical current to travel. A wet plug will definitely give someone an electric shock. For this reason, it is important to only used the proper IP rated extension cables if you are using them outdoors.
Conclusion
Electric shock from extension cable? This is a common occurrence mainly resulting from people using damaged or old extension cables where there is damage to the cables insulation, plugs or both.
We Fix Faults is a blog dedicated to finding and discussing common electrical faults around the home.