Watch for Shock Hazards Associated with Cheater Cords

Jan 13, 2019

Ontario’s Electrical Safety Association and Infrastructure Health and Safety Association are warning contractors and end users about potential fire and shock hazards associated with the use of so-called cheater cords.

Cheater cords are used to provide temporary power to portable compressors and other electrical appliances and tools. This is typically done for work on rooftops and other locations where an approved supply source is not readily available.

The product shown in the photo is an example of a cheater cord. This is not an approved product and cannot be approved to any known safety standard. It represents immediate fire and shock hazards by design, to users.

Electrical safety codes typically require that all electrical products used, advertised, displayed or offered for sale or other disposal must be approved. Approved electrical equipment is labelled with recognized certifications or field evaluation marks. See recognized certification marks here