Don’t Use the Piggyback Method

Compiled By: Schalk W. Lubbe

As a business owner, you are constantly striving to maintain a safe environment for your employees and customers. One area that often goes unnoticed when it comes to safety is electrical usage, specifically the way power boards are used in your workplace.

A common practice, known as the piggyback method, may seem harmless but could be putting your business at risk. The piggyback method refers to when one power board is plugged into another, or when a double adaptor is used to turn a single outlet into a double outlet. While this may seem like an easy solution for adding more outlets, it can lead to serious fire hazards.

The Risks of Overloading Power Boards

Every power board comes with a maximum current rating—this is the amount of power it’s designed to handle safely. This rating is determined by the design and structure of the board. However, when you use double adaptors or chain multiple power boards together, you’re essentially overloading the circuit, which can cause the power board to exceed its maximum current rating.

When a power board is overloaded, it can begin to overheat, creating the perfect conditions for a fire. The danger is that many businesses aren’t even aware they’re taking this risk. What might seem like a quick and easy fix—plugging one power board into another—could end up causing devastating damage.

Why is This Still Happening?

The reason many businesses continue to use the piggyback method is convenience. It’s easy to grab a double adaptor when you need to plug in a few extra devices. In high-demand environments with multiple computers, machinery, or tools, power outlets can quickly become scarce. But convenience should never come before safety.

In fact, the simple act of using more power boards than necessary can lead to even bigger problems, such as electrical fires. These fires can spread quickly, especially in areas where flammable materials are present, and can result in the loss of valuable equipment, property, and even human lives.

The Importance of Safe Electrical Practices

The best way to prevent overloads is to use power boards exactly as they were intended. Instead of piggybacking, ensure that each power board is used within its specified limits. If you find yourself running out of outlets, consider installing additional sockets or using power boards that are specifically designed for higher loads.

Electrical safety should always be a top priority, especially when the consequences of neglecting it can be so severe. Simple changes, like avoiding the piggyback method, can significantly reduce the likelihood of a fire and protect both your business and your employees.

In the end, it’s not about eliminating the need for extra outlets; it’s about using the right tools for the job in a way that keeps everyone safe. So, while the piggyback method may seem like a quick solution, it's always better to stick to safer, more sustainable electrical practices to protect your business from unnecessary risks.