What type of extension cords should be used in the theater shop?

• A. Approved heavy-duty, three-wire extension cords.
• B. Any two-wire extension cords.
• C. Light-duty cords: acceptable for short runs.
• D. Extension cords are not required.

Answer: (A)

In a theater shop, safety when distributing power comes from using grounded, capable cords that are built for shop use. Approved heavy-duty, three-wire extension cords provide a dedicated grounding path that protects people and equipment if there’s a fault, and they’re designed to handle the workload of tools and lighting without overheating. The “approved” part means they meet safety standards, so you’re not relying on makeshift or damaged cords. This combination—grounding, durability, and certified safety—minimizes shock risk and equipment damage in a busy, loads-heavy environment.

Using cords without grounding is risky because there’s no safe path for fault current, which can lead to electric shock or fires. Light-duty cords aren’t meant for the higher currents of shop tools or longer runs, so they can overheat or fail. Saying cords aren’t required ignores a basic safety practice: you still need proper, rated extension cords to reach power sources safely across the workspace.