Cords run under rugs or stapled to trim are a sign the circuit layout does not match how the house is used. That is an argument for adding a receptacle, not for a better extension cord.

This is most common in homes built roughly 1940 to 1980. Post-war and mid-century — copper supply, aging cast iron stacks, 60 to 100 amp panels, first-generation central air.

You can handle this one yourself. No call needed.

Related

• Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel
• Two-prong outlets throughout the house
• Cloth-covered cable visible in the attic or basement
• Fuse panel, or a 60 amp service
• Fuse larger than the wire it protects
• Ceiling fan mounted to a standard light box
• Knob-and-tube still energised
• No GFCI protection anywhere in the house

Back to Electrical.

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Written by Jaylan Jones. I Like To Fix earns a referral fee when a call connects to a contractor. See our business-model disclosure.