JFo

I had a heavy duty extension cord that I was using with my table saw. It had three receptacles on the end and when using it, I noticed that it was sensitive to how the plug was put in. While I was using the router, it would shut off if I moved it and the cord in random ways. One day when i turned on the table saw i saw a puff of smoke and I turned the saw off.

I couldn't tell where it came from and for some reason, I turned the saw on again. When I did this, smoke and started shooting out of the plug. Turning the saw off had no effect. Before I thought to unplug the cord the sparks stopped and the receptacle lay there smoldering. The blades on my table saw plug were gone, they had just vaporized. The receptacle was a molten mess. This is what I learned:

1. Concrete floors are good. (keep combustible materials contained)
2. Stay away from multiple outlet extension cords. If they become defective, they can short across the jacks.
3. Make sure plugs fit tight and the connection is solid.
4. Make sure your circuit breakers are recent and still work.

Fortunately my table saw worked after replacing the plug. I hope passing on my story will help others. Keep on woodworking!