A hot extension cord is a bad extension cord.

You can’t see internal melting without cutting it open, but you don’t need to. Heat, smell, and physical changes are reliable red flags.

If the cord feels warm to the touch while in use (or even after unplugging), that means there’s resistance somewhere — likely from damaged conductors. That damage is almost always from overheating, and internal melting is the next step. Also sniff around the plug and along the cord. Burnt plastic smell means something cooked inside already.

Check for stiffness, discoloration, or a plug that looks deformed or has loose prongs. Any of these? Trash it. Extension