An Engadget report on extension cord safety carries a clear message for businesses: these cords are temporary tools, not permanent wiring. The National Electrical Code's Section 400.12 explicitly says flexible cords should not replace a structure's fixed wiring, and it bars running them through walls, doorways, or anywhere they might be damaged. For workplaces, that means a desk setup powered by an extension cord for months is a code violation in the making, not just a minor convenience.
The article cites a practical rule of thumb from workplace safety organization MEMIC: if equipment has been powered by an extension cord for more than 30 days, it's time to consider a permanent solution. That could mean adding an outlet where it's needed. The Electrical Safety Foundation International also warns against covering cords, daisy-chaining them, or running them under rugs, all of which can trap heat and lead to overheating.
The stakes are real. The report notes a July 2026 house fire in Virginia that was attributed to an extension cord's electrical failure, displacing five occupants. While that incident involved a home, the same risks apply in offices and commercial settings. The article advises checking a cord's amp rating, replacing damaged cords, and unplugging temporary setups when they're no longer needed—but for businesses, the more durable takeaway is to invest in permanent outlets rather than rely on cords that were never meant to stay.