A man who said he was a fire investigator warned people not to buy a specific item from Walmart because it was a potential fire hazard in their home.
On Wednesday, TikToker @disastroushistory asked at the beginning of the viral clip:
"So you know how I'm telling you guys not to use extension cords for permanent solutions or if you do get the right sized gauge and wiring for the extension cord”?"
"Well, I do have one extension cord you should never use,” he said and held up a coiled, green extension cord.
“These pieces of sh*t right here. There’s no ground plug on it. They’re super-duper cheap at Walmart. They come in black, brown, and gray. And obviously, green," he said, adding, "Don’t use it."
The account has since been made private.
He explained how people who were using the cord could be endangering themselves.
"If you are using it, unplug it. Throw that sh*t away. I have seen more fires caused by these pieces of sh*t in my career than just about any other electrical source.”
He didn't specify the brand of the item in question but continued describing the flat extension cord as a "piece of sh*t."
The video, which has amassed over 94K views, elicited nervous responses.
@disastroushistory/TikTok
@disastroushistory/TikTok
@disastroushistory/TikTok
@disastroushistory/TikTok
@disastroushistory/TikTok
In a follow-up clip, he demonstrated how the cheap, hazardous cord can start a fire simply by having a bed pushed up against the base of the plug and causing it to bend.
"It will eventually cause these wires in here to separate," he said, adding that it would cause a spark that can ignite the insulation and start a fire that spreads to the bed.
He additionally cautioned people against plugging something behind a bed or a couch that you push up against, as that can start a fire.
@disastroushistory/TikTok
@disastroushistory/TikTok
@disastroushistory/TikTok
In a follow-up clip, he suggested people use “thicker insulation” around the wire and a “ground plug" as safer alternatives.
He also recommended people buy surge protectors.
While we all want to save money, spending a little bit more on high-quality electrical equipment to insure our safety may be a life-saving decision.
Also, jamming furniture up against cords that are plugged in sounds like a major no-no.
So, how's the furniture rearranging coming along?
@cynthiaerivo/Instagram
