Electrical cable/cords should never be rolled around an arm, etc;
When in use electrical leads should also be extended fully, and not left coiled.
Reasons ?
You run the risk of fracturing the electrical wiring inside the cable if wrapped around something too tightly, or even tying a knot in the cable can, over time, damage the wiring.
This can lead to a short circuit that may be fatal.
I have personally seen extension leads that have been wrapped around a reel, that have short circuited due to the build of of electric current, and fused the entire cable together in one solid mass.
Again, this person was very lucky to survive.
If you are using long extension leads with equipment that has a heavy power draw, heavy cable is much more suited.
Remember that the start up will surge more current for a fraction of a second, will your lead handle it safely ?
After using long leads for a while, see how warm/hot they feel, especially the pins.
Heavier wiring will handle the load much better than smaller thickness wiring, again reducing the risk of possible electric shock.
Safety is paramount when using electricity.
Learning to twist the leads as you roll them up is one way to help stop the kinking
How many of us check our electrical items regularly ??
I have passed a course and test, & paid money for an instrument that tells me if there is a problem with any electric item that I use.
This has a digital readout that will tell me if there is a dead short, such as if earth pin is u/s or a break in some wiring, also tells me if my positive or negative wiring is okay.
I make a point of testing and tagging all of my equipment regularly.
Hope some of this helps.
Ooroo,
Shorty.
I've seen the light, and changed my wicked ways.
www.get.shorty.com.au
