Watch for Shock Hazards Associated with Cheater Cords

Watch

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

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • Apply for ECAO 2026 Scholarships

    Apply for ECAO 2026 Scholarships

    July 31, 2026 It is that time of year again when ECAO are offering scholarships to post-secondary graduates for children or wards of salaried employees of ECAO Member Companies. The scholarship was launched in 2004 and awards 5 successful recipients with a scholarship of $5,000 each. The scholarship will be awarded to outstanding students enrolling… Read More…

  • Toronto Pearson Extends Transformation with $1.5B in Terminal Modernization

    Toronto Pearson Extends Transformation with $1.5B in Terminal Modernization

    July 31, 2026 Toronto Pearson has announced contracts to NORR-DIALOG and PCL Construction, who will design and construct another major infrastructure program. The $1.5-billion investment to launch the Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 Revitalization Program has been awarded to NORR-DIALOG, a joint venture between two firms both Ontario-incorporated, and PCL Construction, a global firm created and headquartered… Read More…

  • D.A.D. Sales Welcomes new Team Member – Tom Graham

    D.A.D. Sales Welcomes new Team Member – Tom Graham

    July 31, 2026 D.A.D. Sales announced the addition of Tom Graham as Construction Sales Representative on the D.A.D. Sales team, supporting Northern Alberta. “Tom brings valuable industry experience, a strong understanding of the construction market, and firsthand insight as a skilled tradesman. He understands our customers’ businesses and the realities they face in the field.… Read More…

  • Franklin Empire Opens New Full-Line Branch in Peterborough

    Franklin Empire Opens New Full-Line Branch in Peterborough

    July 31, 2026 Franklin Empire is pleased to announce the opening of their new Peterborough branch, bringing together electrical, automation, and Process Instrumentation expertise under one roof. This new location expands their ability to better serve contractors, industrial facilities, OEMs, municipalities, and commercial customers throughout the Peterborough region with a complete range of products, technical… Read More…