# Extension cords

**URL:** <https://forum.nachi.org/t/extension-cords/38060>\
**Category:** Electrical Inspections\
**Created:** [April 19, 2009, 11:58am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/extension-cords/38060 "2009-04-19T11:58:10Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 7\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![nbhi](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/nbhi/32/982_2.png) [@nbhi](https://forum.nachi.org/u/nbhi)\
**Post date:** [April 19, 2009, 11:58am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/extension-cords/38060/1 "2009-04-19T11:58:10Z")

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Does anyone have verbiage on why not extension cords should not be used for permanent wiring?  
Thanks

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**Author:** ![badair](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/badair/32/166699_2.png) [@badair](https://forum.nachi.org/u/badair)\
**Post date:** [April 19, 2009, 12:13pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/extension-cords/38060/2 "2009-04-19T12:13:08Z")

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[hazard](http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/16.html)

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**Author:** ![jbushart](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@jbushart](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jbushart)\
**Post date:** [April 19, 2009, 1:32pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/extension-cords/38060/3 "2009-04-19T13:32:06Z")

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OSHA has specific language forbidding it, as well as a definition for “temporary” versus “permanent” use.

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**Author:** ![pabernathy](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/pabernathy/32/178230_2.png) [@pabernathy](https://forum.nachi.org/u/pabernathy)\
**Post date:** [April 19, 2009, 2:07pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/extension-cords/38060/4 "2009-04-19T14:07:48Z")

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I can show you why the NEC prohibits it which is a minimum safety standard.

\*\*400.8 Uses Not Permitted. \*\*Unless specifically permitted  
in 400.7, flexible cords and cables shall not be used for the  
following:  
(1) As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure  
(2) Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings,  
suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors  
(3) Where run through doorways, windows, or similar  
openings  
(4) Where attached to building surfaces

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**Author:** ![mroberson](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mroberson/32/195146_2.png) [@mroberson](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mroberson)\
**Post date:** [April 19, 2009, 8:59pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/extension-cords/38060/5 "2009-04-19T20:59:51Z")

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I posted this in another thread. I carry this in my inspection bag, and show it to people. Rather than saying “It is not intended to replace permanent wiring, It could short out” I show them this. If you want a better picture, I can send you one.

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**Author:** ![pabernathy](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/pabernathy/32/178230_2.png) [@pabernathy](https://forum.nachi.org/u/pabernathy)\
**Post date:** [April 20, 2009, 11:33pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/extension-cords/38060/6 "2009-04-20T23:33:49Z")

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visuals usually work best…very nice Michael

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**Author:** ![dbowers](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/dbowers/32/59651_2.png) [@dbowers](https://forum.nachi.org/u/dbowers)\
**Post date:** [April 21, 2009, 12:49am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/extension-cords/38060/7 "2009-04-21T00:49:37Z")

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At least one or more **temporary** extension cord(s) was being used for **permanent** wiring (such as at XXXXXXXX). This is a common but unsafe wiring practice. Also the exposed electrical wiring have the potential to be damaged or become a safety concern as installed. We recommend having a competent and licensed electrician evaluate and then service, modify or repair this condition as necessary to properly and safely correct this.