During the holiday decorating season, extension cord use in American homes increases dramatically — and so do the fires caused by improper extension cord use. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that extension cord misuse causes approximately 4,700 fires, 40 deaths, and 180 injuries every year in the United States, and the holiday season is when the most common and most dangerous cord mistakes are made.
The Mistakes That Cause Holiday Cord Fires
Daisy-chaining. Connecting one extension cord to another to extend reach — called daisy-chaining — is one of the most common and most dangerous holiday mistakes. Each cord is rated for a specific maximum load. Chaining cords compounds the load beyond what either cord is designed to handle, generating heat at every connection and inside the cord’s insulation.
Overloading. Plugging multiple strands of holiday lights, decorations, and appliances into a single extension cord or power strip overloads the circuit. Light strands draw significant current, especially older incandescent sets. Running many strands from one source creates exactly the sustained overload that causes cord insulation to melt and ignite.
Covering cords. Running extension cords under rugs, across doorways, or beneath furniture prevents heat from dissipating and can compress the cord in ways that damage the internal wires. An overloaded or damaged cord under a rug can smolder for an extended period before a visible fire starts.
Using indoor cords outdoors. Indoor extension cords are not weatherproofed. Using them outdoors exposes them to moisture, which can cause shorts and fires. Always use outdoor-rated cords for exterior holiday lighting.
The Rules
- Never daisy-chain extension cords together.
- Never run extension cords under rugs, carpets, doorways, or furniture.
- Use only cords rated for the load you are placing on them — check the amperage rating on the cord and the total draw of what you are plugging in.
- Always use outdoor-rated extension cords for any exterior decoration.
- Unplug all holiday lights and extension cords before going to bed or leaving the house.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, visit SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772.
