Vacuum Cleaner Electrical Cord Safety Tips

The following are tips for keeping your cords tangle-free, and plugs safe for daily use:

• Before plugging in the vacuum, stretch out the cord completely so there are no loops or kinks in the cord. This will keep the cord from becoming tangled while vacuuming.
  
  
• Do not tie knots in the cord, as this can cause tension on the cord, kinks, and cuts in the cord.
  
  
• Do not over-extend the cord, as it can result in bent prongs on the plug. Bent prongs will eventually loosen and fall out of the plug, or they will remain in the wall outlet after pulling out the plug.
  
  
• Never stretch the cord around sharp corners or partitions or it will result in cuts in the cord. Stretching the cord around corners can also cause damage to the corner of the wall or baseboard.
  
  
• Never run over vacuum cords -- you could cut the cord. If this happens, change the cord right away because exposed wires are a safety hazard.
  
  
• If you ever feel a shock when operating a vacuum, turn it off immediately and inspect the cord for loose wires or cuts. Do not use the vacuum until the problem has been repaired.
  
  
• Never unplug the vacuum by yanking on the cord. Always grasp the plug and pull it out carefully.
  
  
• Do not use a vacuum with any cuts in the cord, loose wires or missing prongs, as this is a fire and safety hazard. Replace either the plug or the cord immediately.
  
  
• When finished vacuuming, coil up the cord by starting at the machine end. Form a lasso-type loop approximately the length of your arm.

By following these tips, your vacuum cleaner cords and plugs should last a long time without need for costly repair or replacement.