Vacuum cleaning is one of the surest ways of removing every dirt particle from surfaces.
Some vacuum cleaners have relatively longer cords that can aid you in cleaning a sensibly large surface, while others have shorter cords that may not extend to a larger radius.
If you need to clean a large surface, but your vacuum cleaner has a short cord, you can simply plug it in an extension cord.
However, before you plug a vacuum cleaner into an extension cord, it is important to consider your safety and that of the vacuum cleaner.
So, Is It Safe To Use An Extension Cord With A Vacuum Cleaner?
You can safely use an extension cord with a vacuum cleaner if you place all electrical safety measures. Plug a vacuum cleaner in an extension cord with 13 amperes because most vacuum cleaners need 10 amperes of electricity, or simply use an extension cord with the same wattage as the vacuum cleaner.
Vacuum cleaners are classified as moderate power using equipment and can be used with most extension cords. You can choose to use either a short cord or a long cord, but at least be able to differentiate them. Nevertheless, every cord can.
This post will cover tips for safely using a vacuum cleaner and whether it is right to use it when connected to an extension cord.
Two Reasons Why It’s Fine To Use A Vacuum Cleaner With An Extension Cord
Typically, there is no problem using an extension cord with a vacuum cleaner if it needs just 10 amperes of electricity.
Here are two main reasons why using an extension cord with a vacuum cleaner is considered right.
1. Vacuum Cleaners Require A Moderate Power Supply
Even though a vacuum cleaner may be seen as a large piece of equipment, one may presume that they need high power to operate.
But in reality, most vacuum cleaners require just 10 amps of electricity.
For this reason, most extension cords can supply adequate power to a vacuum cleaner without damaging the cleaner or the power outlet.
However, some low-grade extension cords cannot operate a vacuum cleaner properly because they cannot pass the required amount of current.
A low-duty extension cord can easily overheat and cause huge damage to your vacuum cleaner or the power source once the cord overheats before you finish working.
Always make sure you purchase a quality and durable extension cord.
2. Most Extension Cords Are Capable Enough To Handle A Vacuum Cleaner
Most medium capacity extensions are 13 amps. They can hold most vacuum cleaners for extended house and outdoor cleaning.
However, it is very unsafe to use power strips to extend the ability of your vacuum cleaner to clean a larger part.
Plugging a vacuum cleaner in one power strip with other appliances can lead to a fire outbreak.
Eight Vacuum Cleaner Safety Tips
A vacuum cleaner is an electric appliance requiring good care and maintenance to function effectively.
Consider the following tips to use a vacuum cleaner safely.
1. Avoid Pulling The Cord
Vacuum cleaners are designed with a power cord to carry electricity and a handle that should be held when pulling around the vacuum cleaner.
While cleaning, avoid pulling the cord because this can cause damage and safety issues.
Even though moving a vacuum cleaner with a power cord may seem convenient, it can loosen the power connection, cause a short, and eventually cause fire risks.
2. Avoid Faulty Extension Cords
By all means, avoid using any faulty extension cords when working with a vacuum cleaner.
Read on the cleaning appliance to see the wattage capacity it expects for it to work efficiently and choose the right extension cords.
Be cautious when selecting an extension cord, so only use the preferred cord designed specifically for your vacuum cleaner.
A wrong extension cord can damage the entire vacuum cleaner or cause a fire outbreak.
3. Practice Maintenance For Your Vacuum Cleaner
Whenever you suspect any damage or anything wrong with your vacuum cleaner, ensure you repair it before the next use.
Maintenance practices help protect the equipment from additional damages that can lower the equipment’s lifespan and efficiency.
Failing to repair even the first problems can damage the entire equipment in a very short time.
4. Do Not Use A Vacuum Cleaner Near Powders
Even though powders and dust cannot greatly damage a vacuum cleaner, too much exposure to dust and powder can easily clog the filter system, eventually blocking the suction.
Always sweep out any dust on the floor before using a vacuum cleaner to minimize excess dust from its filters.
5. Avoid Flammable Materials
When using a vacuum cleaner, avoid passing it near toxic or flammable substances.
This is because the vacuum runs on electricity, and if the electricity lands on combustible substances, it can cause a fire, leading to severe damage.
6. Avoid Using The Vacuum Cleaner Outside Your House
Most vacuum cleaners are designed majorly for indoor cleaning.
Unless the manufacturer has specified that the vacuum cleaner can be used outdoors, you should not take it out.
Outdoor surfaces have many objects and tiny particles that can damage the vacuum cleaner.
7. Avoid Wet Surfaces
Having water near an electrical machine is quite dangerous.
Most vacuum cleaners are designed not to work on wet surfaces, but others can work well on wet surfaces by sucking up liquids on the floor.
If your vacuum cleaner is not designed to work on wet surfaces, make sure you dry out every surface before vacuum cleaning.
Otherwise, you may end up suffering from electrical shock or harming other people near the working area.
To make the condition worse, water can easily damage the motor of your vacuum cleaning machine.
8. Avoid Sharp Objects
When using a vacuum cleaner, avoid passing it near sharp objects or on a floor with pieces of glass or other sharp or hard objects.
Passing a vacuum cleaner on a surface with sharp objects damages the machine.
Nails, screws, and coils can also make vacuum cleaning difficult.
For better results, always pick any hard objects on the surface you wish to clean before you start using your vacuum cleaner.
Conclusion
When using any electric appliance, it is important to consider its safety tips.
If you have a short corded vacuum cleaner but wish to clean a larger surface, you can simply use an extension cord.
However, consider the safety measures of using a vacuum cleaner and how to choose the best extension cord to avoid damage to the vacuum cleaner or the entire house.
