Extension Cord and Power Strip Audit Checklist [FREE PDF]

Extension cords and power strips are among the leading causes of electrical fires and workplace injuries when misused or damaged. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.303 and NFPA 70E 2021 Article 130 require that temporary wiring be inspected regularly and used only within their rated capacity. This checklist helps Electrical Safety Officers and Maintenance Supervisors systematically audit extension cords and power strips to prevent overloads, ground faults, and fire hazards.

  • Industry: Facility Management
  • Frequency: Monthly
  • Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
  • Role: Electrical Safety Officer
  • Total Items: 31
  • Compliance: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.303, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.333, NFPA 70E 2021 Article 130, NFPA 70 NEC Article 400, ANSI Z244.1-2016

Physical Condition of Extension Cords

Assess the external physical integrity of all extension cords in the area.

  • Are all extension cord jackets free from cuts, abrasions, or exposed conductors?
  • Are extension cord plugs and connectors free from cracks, burns, or bent prongs?
  • Are all extension cords free from kinks, knots, or tight bends that could damage insulation?
  • Is the ground prong present and intact on all three-prong extension cords?
  • Are any damaged extension cords tagged out and removed from service?
  • Please photograph any damaged cords found during this inspection.

Proper Usage and Application

Verify that extension cords are being used appropriately and within their intended design.

  • Are extension cords used only as temporary wiring and not as permanent installations?
  • Are extension cords rated for the load they are supplying (ampacity not exceeded)?
  • Are extension cords free from being run through walls, ceilings, floors, or doorways?
  • Are extension cords free from being run under rugs, carpets, or floor mats?
  • Are outdoor-rated extension cords used exclusively in outdoor or wet/damp locations?

Power Strip Physical Condition

Inspect all power strips for physical damage and operational integrity.

  • Are all power strip housings free from cracks, melting, discoloration, or burn marks?
  • Are all power strip outlet receptacles undamaged and securely mounted in the housing?
  • Do all power strips with circuit breakers or surge protection show the indicator light as functional?
  • Are power strip cords free from damage, splices, or tape repairs at plug or strip ends?
  • Please photograph any power strips showing signs of damage or overloading.

Power Strip Usage Compliance

Ensure power strips are used within safe operational parameters.

  • Are power strips free from being daisy-chained or plugged into other power strips?
  • Are high-draw appliances (space heaters, refrigerators, microwaves) plugged directly into wall outlets instead of power strips?
  • Is the total load on each power strip calculated and within rated ampacity?
  • Are power strips secured or positioned to prevent being stepped on, rolled over, or creating trip hazards?
  • Are UL-listed or ETL-listed markings visible and legible on all power strips?

Grounding and GFCI Compliance

Verify grounding integrity and GFCI protection in applicable areas.

  • Are GFCI-protected extension cords or outlets used in all wet or damp locations?
  • Have GFCI devices been tested within the last 30 days using the test/reset button?
  • Are all three-to-two prong adapters ('cheater plugs') absent from all circuits?
  • Are extension cords with grounding conductors connected to properly grounded receptacles?

Labeling and Inventory Documentation

Ensure all cords and strips are properly labeled and tracked in the facility inventory.

  • Are all extension cords labeled with an asset tag or color-coded inspection band?
  • Are equipment ratings (voltage, ampacity, AWG) legible on all extension cord labels?
  • Is a current inventory log of all extension cords and power strips maintained for this area?
  • How many extension cords and power strips were inspected during this audit?
  • How many items were removed from service due to defects found during this inspection?
  • Please provide any additional observations, corrective actions taken, or follow-up items needed.

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Why Use This Extension Cord and Power Strip Audit Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This extension cord and power strip audit checklist [free pdf] helps facility management teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for electrical safety officer professionals, this checklist covers 31 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.

Ensures compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.303, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.333, NFPA 70E 2021 Article 130, NFPA 70 NEC Article 400, ANSI Z244.1-2016. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Extension Cord and Power Strip Audit Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 31 inspection items across 6 sections: Physical Condition of Extension Cords, Proper Usage and Application, Power Strip Physical Condition, Power Strip Usage Compliance, Grounding and GFCI Compliance, Labeling and Inventory Documentation. It is designed for facility management operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

Who should use this Extension Cord and Power Strip Audit Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Electrical Safety Officer professionals in the facility management industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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