The 4 Dangers of Using Extension Cords in Your Garage

That extension cord in your garage may seem harmless. It’s been quietly powering your freezer, tools, or space heater without a fuss. But just because something works doesn’t mean it’s safe. Extension cords are like flip-flops, fine for a quick trip, but not built for a marathon.

At Integra Electrical, we’ve seen more than a few garages and sheds running on nothing but an orange cord. We’ve seen them pinched under doors, chewed by mice, and overloaded until the plug ends were hot enough to fry an egg. They’re made for short-term use, not as a permanent stand-in for real wiring.

The four biggest problems with using extension cords:

• Extension cords aren’t built for permanent loads
  

• Physical wear and tear make cords unsafe over time
  

• Extension cords create trip hazards and clutter

• They’re not code-compliant as a permanent solution

  
  

Problem #1: Extension cords aren’t built for permanent loads

Extension cords are designed for short bursts of use, plugging in a leaf blower, running a shop vac, or powering tools for a weekend project. What they’re not designed for is carrying a heavy electrical load day after day.

Over time, the cord can overheat, the insulation can break down, and the wires inside can become damaged, all without you noticing until there’s a burning smell or, worse, a spark.

In garages and outbuildings, this problem gets even worse because people tend to plug in high-draw items like heaters, freezers, or power tools. Those can easily push a cord beyond its safe limits, especially if it’s not a heavy-duty type.

Problem #2: Physical wear and tear

Garages and outbuildings aren’t exactly gentle environments. Extension cords get dragged across concrete, run over by lawn mowers, pinched in doorways, or chewed on by curious critters. Every scrape, bend, or bite damages the insulation that’s supposed to protect the wires inside. Once that barrier is weakened, the risk of shocks, shorts, and sparks jumps way up.

Take our fictional friend “Larry,” for example. Larry plugged in an extension cord to power his garage freezer… three years ago. Since then, the cord has been stepped on, had paint spilled on it, and spent two winters buried under a snow blower tire. Larry doesn’t think much about it until one day he moves it and hears that unsettling zzzzzt sound. That’s not the ice maker; that’s the sound of a cord on its last leg.

Bottom line? Extension cords don’t age gracefully. The longer they’re out there, the more beat-up they get, and unlike your favorite pair of jeans, “distressed” is not a good look for electrical wiring.

Problem #3: Trip hazards and clutter

An extension cord stretched across the garage floor might seem harmless until you’re carrying a box of holiday decorations and suddenly find yourself auditioning for a slapstick comedy. Garages and outbuildings are busy spaces. You’re moving ladders, tools, bikes, or maybe a wheelbarrow full of dirt… and that cord is just lying in wait.

Trip hazards aren’t just about bruised shins, either. If you’re carrying something heavy, sharp, or breakable when you go down, you could get hurt and damage whatever you’re holding. And if you yank the cord out mid-fall, you could damage the outlet or the tool it’s powering.

Sure, you could tape the cord down, but that just means you’ve turned it into a permanent installation, which is exactly the problem we’re trying to avoid.

Problem #4: They’re not code-compliant as a permanent solution

The National Electrical Code is pretty clear: if you need power in a space all the time, you need permanent wiring, not an extension cord. Inspectors don’t see cords as a “creative workaround,” and neither do insurance companies. In fact, if a fire starts and they find a daisy chain of cords as the source, your claim could be in trouble.

Permanent wiring isn’t just about rules; it’s about safety. Properly installed circuits and outlets are designed to handle the load, stay protected from damage, and keep your home up to code. Extension cords? Not so much.

A safer, better way to power your garage or outbuilding

If you need power in your garage or outbuilding every day, it’s time to give that extension cord a well-earned retirement. A dedicated circuit with permanent outlets is safer, more convenient, and far less cluttered. In moisture-prone areas, weatherproof GFCI outlets add even more protection against shocks. And if you’ve got big plans for the space, a workshop, EV charging, or a home gym, we can size the wiring to handle the load now, so you’re not redoing it later.

The good news? You don’t have to figure out the details alone. We’ve helped countless Iowa homeowners turn “one cord and a prayer” setups into safe, reliable power solutions that pass inspection and give real peace of mind. If that orange cord has been your garage’s lifeline for more than a weekend project, it’s living on borrowed time. We’ve replaced dozens just like it after they sparked, smoked, or worse. Let’s get you a safe, permanent power solution before it becomes tomorrow’s emergency call.

FAQs about Extension Cords in Garages and Outbuildings

Can I bury an extension cord to power my shed?

No, extension cords aren’t designed to be buried. Underground wiring requires specific cable types, conduit, and installation methods to stay safe and up to code.

How long is “too long” to use the same cord?

 Extension cords are meant for days or weeks of use, not months or years. If you’ve had one plugged in full-time for more than a week or two, it’s time to think about a permanent solution.

Is it okay to use a heavy-duty outdoor cord in the winter?

 You can, but winter brings extra risks like stiffening insulation and hidden damage from snow or ice. Always inspect the cord before use and keep it as short as possible.