Why does hooking multiple extension cords up to another cause a fire hazard?

Question

Why does hooking multiple extension cords up to another cause a fire hazard?

In: 10

Answer 1

When you connect multiple extension cords together, you are essentially placing two resistors in series. This means that once you plug something in, more of the electricity gets burned by the resistance of the extension cords than if you only had 1. This generates more heat in those extension cords than they were originally designed for, which could melt the insulation and cause a fire.