Which statement about extension cords is true?

Which statement about extension cords is true?

• A. Two-wire extension cords are fine for theater use.
• B. Any extension cord with a plug can be used.
• C. Standard home extension cords are acceptable in the theater shop.
• D. Approved heavy-duty, three-wire extension cords must be used.

Answer: (D)

In a theater shop, electrical safety hinges on using extension cords that provide a grounded path and can carry the load you’re drawing. A three-wire cord includes a grounding conductor, which gives fault current somewhere safe to go and helps prevent shock if a conductor or metal surface becomes energized. In a busy shop with lights, motors, and power tools, faults can occur, so that grounding path is a crucial protection. Heavy-duty means the cord has thicker conductors and tougher insulation, designed for longer runs and sustained use without overheating. This matters in the theater setting where cords may run across floors, under tables, or through high-traffic areas and still need to stay reliable under load. Two-wire extensions lack grounding, which makes them a higher shock hazard in a workshop with metal equipment and potential faults, so they’re not suitable. Not every cord with a plug is appropriate—some are light-duty and not rated for the demands of shop equipment. Likewise, standard home extension cords may be fine for light domestic use but aren’t guaranteed to handle the current, abrasion, or environmental conditions of a theater shop. Therefore, the safest and most appropriate choice is to use approved heavy-duty, three-wire extension cords that are rated for the expected load and environment.

In a theater shop, electrical safety hinges on using extension cords that provide a grounded path and can carry the load you’re drawing. A three-wire cord includes a grounding conductor, which gives fault current somewhere safe to go and helps prevent shock if a conductor or metal surface becomes energized. In a busy shop with lights, motors, and power tools, faults can occur, so that grounding path is a crucial protection.

Heavy-duty means the cord has thicker conductors and tougher insulation, designed for longer runs and sustained use without overheating. This matters in the theater setting where cords may run across floors, under tables, or through high-traffic areas and still need to stay reliable under load.

Two-wire extensions lack grounding, which makes them a higher shock hazard in a workshop with metal equipment and potential faults, so they’re not suitable. Not every cord with a plug is appropriate—some are light-duty and not rated for the demands of shop equipment. Likewise, standard home extension cords may be fine for light domestic use but aren’t guaranteed to handle the current, abrasion, or environmental conditions of a theater shop.

Therefore, the safest and most appropriate choice is to use approved heavy-duty, three-wire extension cords that are rated for the expected load and environment.