Fused Extension Cords

[mbrooke]

Personally, I never understood why UL never mandated the fusing of extension cords in their listing requirements in the 90s when the CPSC made extensive studies, reports and statements that cords were a major cause of residential electrical fire. IMO a fuse in the plug would be two fold while providing superior protection as compared to an AFCI in that 1) any overload of the cord would be cleared by the fuse preventing overheating of the cord if to much were plugged in. 2) A short circuit coming from a frayed or compromised cord would be cleared within cycles (relying on a reliable tin coil vs hit or miss electronics) reducing the incident energy thus avoiding setting flammable material on fire.

This video makes some really good and eye opening points IMO. Fusing extension cords would accomplish the same thing as the intent behind AFCIs at less cost while reducing the hazards associated with extension cord misuse.

 

[romex jockey]

Personally, I never understood why UL never mandated the fusing of extension cords in their listing requirements in the 90s when the CPSC made extensive studies, reports and statements that cords were a major cause of residential electrical fire. IMO a fuse in the plug would be two fold while providing superior protection as compared to an AFCI in that 1) any overload of the cord would be cleared by the fuse preventing overheating of the cord if to much were plugged in. 2) A short circuit coming from a frayed or compromised cord would be cleared within cycles (relying on a reliable tin coil vs hit or miss electronics) reducing the incident energy thus avoiding setting flammable material on fire.

This video makes some really good and eye opening points IMO. Fusing extension cords would accomplish the same thing as the intent behind AFCIs at less cost while reducing the hazards associated with extension cord misuse.

luv the fire forensic farce 18:10 and on there MBrooke

~RJ~

 

[electrofelon]

Personally, I never understood why UL never mandated the fusing of extension cords in their listing requirements in the 90s when the CPSC made extensive studies, reports and statements that cords were a major cause of residential electrical fire. IMO a fuse in the plug would be two fold while providing superior protection as compared to an AFCI in that 1) any overload of the cord would be cleared by the fuse preventing overheating of the cord if to much were plugged in. 2) A short circuit coming from a frayed or compromised cord would be cleared within cycles (relying on a reliable tin coil vs hit or miss electronics) reducing the incident energy thus avoiding setting flammable material on fire.

This video makes some really good and eye opening points IMO. Fusing extension cords would accomplish the same thing as the intent behind AFCIs at less cost while reducing the hazards associated with extension cord misuse.

This is America Mbrooke, you can pry that unfused extension cord out of my cold dead hands!

 

[yuhong]

One problem is if the fuse blows, it will have to be replaced. AFCIs are easily resettable.

 

[romex jockey]

fuses closer to usage is nothing new>>

What is a Fused Connection Unit (FCU)?

In this blog we will explore what a Fused Connection Unit (FCU) is, and the difference between the kinds available on the market.

www.elesi.com

~RJ~

 

[Barbqranch]

When the fuse blows, in a significant number of cases, the plug will be cut off and the wires stripped back and pushed into the outlet.