[K3CAL] Coiled Extension Cords

[kf3aa at comcast.net]

Why is it dangerous use a coiled extension cord 
Many fire safety websites reference that an extension cord should not be used while coiled. 
The theory is that if the cord is getting heated from high current draw, when coiled all of this heat is in a much more condensed location, causing a greater temperature rise than if the cable was unrolled. 
You get away with it most of the time because most of the loads people plug into extension leads are small and/or intermittent. From time to time though the right combination of circumstances come together and melts one. 
I have seen this happen . Other than the threat of fire ,the fumes and gases coming off the wire are quite noxious. 
73 Bob KF3AA 
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