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Extension cords through walls

By
Home Inspector with Elliott Home Inspection

When performing the electrical portion of a home or condo inspection.  I'll occasionally run into cases where the property owner knowing nothing of electrical systems decides the best way to power up appliances is through the use of an extension plug.

 

Use of an extension plug record in and of itself is not a big problem.  As long as they are temporary.

 

The key word here is temporary as extension plugs are not meant to be used as permanent wiring solutions. 

When I see an extension plug has been run through a wall.  I know it is not meant as a temporary solution and not only that but I consider it extremely dangerous.

Extension plugs need lots of air to dissipate the heat that surrounds the conductors inside the covering.  And when running them through walls and ceilings, doorways or through floors.  The heat can build up and spark a fire.

extension plug through wall

 I doubt if even Lloyds of London insurance would cover this in case of fire.

Notice that cable was brought up through the wall probably to connect the television set on one side with component video equipment on the other side of the wall.In this particular case there was a fireplace on the other side with no built-in electrical outlet.

When running any electrical extension cord device always make sure to check the tag and see that it is UL listed, also check the label on the cord to see the extension cord is able to handle the amperage of the appliance it is connected to.

Show All Comments Sort:
JDo Doe
Barrington, RI
NICE!!!  How long did it take you before you stopped laughing??????  Sad how dumb people can be.
Mar 06, 2008 11:26 AM
Bob Elliott
Elliott Home Inspection - Chicago, IL
Chicago Property Inspection

Hi Nathan

Not too suprising as years ago when working as the installer for Sears I was changing out a microhood and noticed that the wall had extension plugs running through it.

I immediatly informed the owner and he told me the entire house had been run that way and he did not find out till after moving in.

Still he never changed it.(strange).Talk about a death trap.

Mar 06, 2008 12:43 PM
Joseph Lang
Pillar To Post Professional Home Inspection - Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Home Inspector, Southern California
Bob, great post and good picture to go with it.  We seem to see this way too often.
Mar 06, 2008 05:30 PM
Michael Reel
Integrity Home Inspections LLC - Parkersburg, WV

Great Post. The saddest thing is, these folks really do not have any idea how dangerous it is to create a situation such as the one pictured. That is why inspections are needed in every home transaction. Did you post this to the real-estate community blogs? I think with more articles like this they will more and more see the need to "STRONGLY" recommend an inspection.

Blessings, Mike

Mar 06, 2008 09:43 PM
Jim Ellis
Ellis Home Inspection Services - Pensacola, FL

Not uncommon to see around here either. I don't think they understand and I often get that look, "who gives a hoot" are you stupid!

Oh well, we keep trying and writing 

Mar 06, 2008 10:36 PM
Martin Trucco Chicago Home Inspector, Condo Inspection
InspexPro Home & Condo Inspection Services - Chicago, IL
When my parents moved out of their 120 year old home, they had it inspected and found the entire living room was connected to the electrical panel with an extension cord.  I think it was about 20 gage and braided.  Thats about the time I showed my dad where I fixed a leak in a radiator feed pipe with hockey tape when I was about 12.    Now I'm a home inspector.
Mar 07, 2008 02:00 AM
Matt Yogerst
RE/MAX Realty 100 - Menomonee Falls, WI
Metro Milwaukee Real Estate
Great Post! As a past electrician, I was always amazed at the creativity, stupidity and cheapness of some people. Yes cords are a quick fix, temporary solution, but can't people learn just to do things the right way to start?
Mar 07, 2008 04:38 AM
Bob Elliott
Elliott Home Inspection - Chicago, IL
Chicago Property Inspection

Well guys and gals since I have been drafted to do a presentation for first time buyers tommorow , with short notice, I will be doing part of it as home owner safety.

I have been in thousands of homes over the years and know that the less funds people have the more likely they are to do it themselves.

This pic will make a good addition though I prepared it for this blog.(I was way over due for one)

My other big worry is carbon Monoxide and the practice of leaving the stove burners on along with the oven.

This is often done with small kids running around.

We sometimes forget not everyone knows what we do.(no matter how simple)

Mar 07, 2008 06:38 AM
Chuck Willman
Chuck Willman - Alpine, UT
NewHouseUtah.com

They forgot one important home improvement thing. Duct Tape. Oh... and bailing wire. Two things. :-)

Sep 14, 2008 05:33 AM
Bob Elliott
Elliott Home Inspection - Chicago, IL
Chicago Property Inspection

Hey I love duct tape.

Not sure why I do .

Sep 14, 2008 05:45 PM
Bob Elliott
Elliott Home Inspection - Chicago, IL
Chicago Property Inspection

Rob, explain that to the many families suffering from loss of a loved one in a fire.

I hope you are not a Electrician or an Inspector.

Look up the term arc.

Dec 02, 2008 10:53 AM
Frank Torre
Torre Inspection Service, LLC 888-202-8869 - Hicksville, NY

Hi Bob, another great post it amazing to me what some people will do not to call a electrician.

Dec 02, 2008 12:10 PM
Bob Elliott
Elliott Home Inspection - Chicago, IL
Chicago Property Inspection

I just had one on Sunday ,where they ran an extension cord through wire mold that was plugged in to an recepticle above the kitchen cabinet and ended in another cabinet at he other end.

I almost missed it ,and same place had a powerstrip plugged in and mounted on the side of the island counter ,but no source seen as it ended inside the wall somewhere.

I will post pics later ,but need to get some sleep for tommorows 6 unit inspection.

I am suprised to be fairly busy in December.

Dec 02, 2008 02:32 PM
Bob Elliott
Elliott Home Inspection - Chicago, IL
Chicago Property Inspection

There is no grey area.

It is not allowed.

Dec 08, 2008 03:11 PM
Bob Elliott
Elliott Home Inspection - Chicago, IL
Chicago Property Inspection

It is not allowed.

Both OSHA and the NEC are adament in stating that extension cords should not be used as permanant conductors or  be run through walls.

I am not sure why you would continue to be in denial on this subject?

Please go here to read .

http://tees.tamu.edu/index.jsp?page=trc_flex_elec

Dec 08, 2008 03:28 PM
Gene Allen
Fathom Realty - Cary, NC
Realty Consultant for Cary Real Estate

We always had problems when I was in the Navy because no one understood the word "temporary".  If you used an extension cord, you needed to unplug it when you went home for the night.  Unfortunately, some places are open 24-7 and to run the equipment you need an electrical outlet.  Doesn't help when the place burns down.  Every rule or regulation is written with someones blood on it.

Dec 13, 2008 08:25 AM