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 Power Strips & Adaptors

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​Electrical Power Strips

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Electrical power strips (or extension cords) are found almost everywhere. These are used in our homes, offices, and schools. Most of us might not even notice the power strips since they have always been there at a particular place for a long time. It is important to know the proper use of electrical power strips for our safety. If not used correctly, power strips can be a source of potentially dangerous electrical and fire hazard.

Dos and Don'ts:

At KFUPM, use only the electrical power strips, which the Maintenance Department provides upon request. These power strips have a current rating of 13 A, and have an inbuilt fuse.

Use of any power strip other than the one provided by the Maintenance Department is considered as a safety violation at KFUPM.

The EHS Department at KFUPM has listed below, the Dos and Don'ts, for proper use of power strips at offices, labs, and homes:

Dos:

  • Electrical power strips should only be used on a temporary basis.
  • Visually inspect the power strips for physical damage before use.
  • Fully insert the plug of power strip into the power outlet.
  • Unplug the power strips when not in use.
  • Pull the plug, not the cord, while removing the plug from the outlet.
  • Store the power strips indoors.
  • Keep power strips away from water.
  • Whenever possible, use power strips with an inbuilt fuse.

Don'ts:

  • Do not tangle the power strip wire during use.
  • Do not plug one power strip into another to extend the power supply.
  • Do not use the power strip that has a current rating lower than that of the appliance to be powered.
  • Do not overload the power strip by connecting one or more appliances whose combined current rating exceeds the specified current rating of the strip.
  • Do not run power strip cords under rugs or carpets or in busy areas. This may overheat the power strip.
  • Do not use power strip in case of the cord or the plug being damaged.

Electrical Adaptors


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Electrical Adaptors are very commonly used to power devices, when the plugs have a different pin configuration to that of the power outlet available. For example, using an adaptor to plug a mobile phone charger with a UK pin configuration, into a power outlet having US pin configuration.

Although the electrical adaptors make it very convenient to power the electrical devices anywhere by matching the pin configurations, they come with their own hazards.

Making use of low quality electrical adaptors or using them to power heavy-duty electrical appliances may result in overheating and burning of the adaptor, plug or the socket connected.

Keeping in mind the safety aspects, the use of electrical adaptors is prohibited at KFUPM. Instead, you may request the Maintenance Department to change the pin configuration of the power outlet to match it with the device to be powered.

Use of any type of electrical adaptor is considered as a safety violation at KFUPM.