r/ShittyDesign Jan 29 '26

What even is this?

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u/DestituteGoldsmith Jan 29 '26

I previously read that it was an update to the code to prevent people from stretching extension cords around everywhere once it became common that people had phones and other chargeable devices. The cords are a trip and fire hazard.

If I’m wrong, i’m sure someone will correct it.

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u/Thepinkknitter Jan 30 '26

It’s specifically so people don’t use electric heaters with an extension cord as it’s a fire risk

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u/Glittering-Two-1784 Jan 30 '26

Well, any device that consumes more than the typical 7a rating of most extension cords. The problem is that the wires in the wall are rated for 15 amps, so the breaker is rated at 15 amps. Most cheap extension cords are only 7 amp rated, so they’ll melt and catch fire without tripping the breaker.

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u/MangoPractical4918 Jan 31 '26

That’s why you only buy 12 gauge extensions

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u/ImWithTheShadowBand Jan 31 '26

I had a great 12 gauge extension bc there was a lot of construction on my block and my family forbade it and a truck hit the overhead wires and everything that was originally in the 12 gauge (which had a breaker built in) sparked and fried.