Is It Safe to Use an Extension Cord Permanently in an Older Home With Few Outlets?

Short answer

Why people ask this

In older homes without many outlets, it’s tempting to leave an extension cord in place to bridge long distances or run multiple devices. The house may have two-prong or ungrounded receptacles, making permanent cords feel like a practical workaround. People often hope it’s acceptable if they choose a heavy-duty cord or if the load seems small. Others are worried about stressing aging circuits, brittle insulation, or fuse panels that predate modern safety standards.

When it might be safe

There are no commonly accepted situations where this is considered safe.

When it is not safe

• Using an extension cord as a substitute for fixed wiring violates most electrical codes and is not designed for continuous use.
• Older homes may have ungrounded (two-prong) outlets, making permanent cord use riskier due to lack of a proper equipment ground.
• Knob-and-tube or cloth-insulated wiring can be heat-sensitive; added continuous loads from cords and power strips increase overheating risk.
• Running cords under rugs, through doorways, or behind radiators/baseboards—common in older layouts—traps heat and damages insulation.
• Fuse panels or outdated breakers may not trip as predictably under prolonged overloads caused by multiple devices on one cord.

Possible risks

• Fire from overheated cord insulation, especially where cords are pinched, coiled, or covered in tight older spaces.
• Shock hazard on ungrounded circuits or worn two-prong outlets common in pre-1960s homes.
• Overloading a single aging branch circuit that already serves multiple rooms and fixed lighting.
• Hidden damage to historic plaster or wood trim when cords are stapled or routed improperly.
• Trip hazards and mechanical damage to cords in narrow hallways or under doors typical of older layouts.

Safer alternatives

• Have a licensed electrician add properly grounded outlets on dedicated circuits in the rooms you use most.
• Install a few new circuits with AFCI/GFCI protection where appropriate (kitchen, bath, laundry, living areas) to modernize safety.
• Use a listed power strip with integrated overcurrent protection temporarily and only on a lightly loaded, three-prong grounded outlet.
• Add surface-mounted raceway (listed wiremold) for code-compliant new receptacles without opening walls in historic spaces.
• If panel is outdated or over-fused, plan a service and panel upgrade to support additional receptacles safely.

Bottom line

Permanent use of extension cords is not safe, and the risk is higher in older homes with ungrounded outlets, aging wiring, and limited circuits. Upgrade the wiring and add properly installed receptacles to handle your everyday loads safely.

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