Q&A: Power strip safety: are they considered extension cords?

Are power strips considered extension cords, with or without surge protectors built in?

OSHA’s electrical safety rule at 29 CFR 1910.303 does not state whether power strips can or cannot be used permanently, but that they must be “installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling” on the device from the manufacturer or a certified source, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Therefore, manufacturers and nationally recognized testing laboratories, such as UL, determine the proper uses for devices like power strips.

29 CFR 1910.304(b)(4) addresses power loads, stating that outlet devices such as power strips must “have an ampere rating not less than the load to be served.” Therefore, the equipment plugged into a power strip must not collectively exceed the amperage rating of the strip. The power strip must be directly connected to a permanently installed branch-circuit receptacle outlet only, not to an extension cord or to another power strip.

In addition, according to an OSHA letter of interpretation, power strips (regardless of whether or not they have surge protection) are treated like extension cords in that both must meet the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1), Use of flexible cords and cables.

What is EHS Hotline?

Subscribers of EHS Hero® get access to our team of in-house subject matter experts. EHS Hotline allows subscribers to submit questions and receive timely, thorough, and plain-language answers from our team of experts—complete with resources and references. The purpose of EHS Hotline is to help connect workplace employment, safety, and environment questions to the material provided by BLR on its subscriber websites.

While the service is defined as providing advice, it is assistance to help bridge the gap between the BLR compliance resources and our client’s workplace issues. It is not a legal opinion or replacement for seeking legal counsel.