Risk of Using an Adapter or Extension Cord For Appliances.
By Angelina Perez | aperez2@kamr.com
As record breaking heat continues on the High Plains, more residents are running their air conditioners.
But Amarillo fire officials say if you have them plugged in through an adapter or extension cord you are at risk of causing a fire.
"Unfortunately they can happen pretty quickly or it can take a while to do it just depends on the circumstances. How old the adapter is, or the outlet, or extension cord, it is something that has to be monitored very, very closely," said Captain Larry Davis.
Thankfully, Davis says there haven't been recent fires in Amarillo caused by adapters but there have been some in Lubbock.
He says he is hopeful people will be proactive.
"I understand, some people are accustomed to using an extension cords but we highly recommend you don't do that. Get an electrician out and have them either put a receptacle closing or at least update your receptacles so you don't have to use those little adopters," added Davis.
Using an extension cord or an adapter to run a heavy appliance is risky because they can overheat before you know it.
"Another risk of using an extension cord, a lot of people try to hide their extension cords with a rug or something like that on top of them, run them along the carpet and that is just a bad idea , if that cord does get overheated and it fails," said Davis.
Davis says it is best to hire an electrician to come out to your house before using anything that may be unsafe.
Davis says if you do have any concerns around your house, you can contact THE Amarillo Fire Department.
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