Testing an extension cord with a multimeter is easy. Do it before tossing it.

Yes, and it takes about two minutes.

Set your multimeter to continuity (the beep setting) or the lowest ohms range. Unplug the cord completely — testing a live cord is not recommended.

Touch one probe to the hot prong (smaller slot) and the other probe to the hot end of the outlet on the other side of the cord. You should get a beep (or near-zero ohms). Do the same for neutral (bigger slot) and ground (round prong). If you don’t get continuity on any wire, that wire is broken.

Now check for shorts. Touch one probe to hot and the other to neutral. Should NOT beep — if it does, the wires are touching inside, and the cord is a fire hazard. Repeat for hot-to-ground and neutral-to-ground. Any beep means a short.

If all continuity checks pass and no shorts exist, the cord is fine. If you find a break or a short, recycle it. It’s not worth splicing a damaged extension cord.

Don’t guess — test.