I Just Stepped Into a Shock-Fest of Epic Proportions!

Nov 23 / STAN
So there I was, minding my own business, strolling through the shop like I owned the place (because, well, I do). It was a typical day; sparks flying, machines humming, and the smell of progress in the air. Then something caught my eye—a crime scene.

Okay, maybe not a real crime scene, but what I saw was criminal. The cords. Oh, the cords.
One was thinner than my patience for bad coffee, clearly designed for a Christmas tree, not a welder. Another had more electrical tape on it than actual cord. A third had exposed wires sticking out like they were trying to shake hands with Death. Can you believe.. Someone had chopped the ground wire off another cord like they were auditioning for a horror movie. "Revenge of the Neglected Shop Equipment."could follow.
I stood there, staring, wondering, How long have we been tempting fate like this? Are we running a shop here or hosting auditions for "Who Wants to Get Electrocuted?"
Now, I get it. Cords aren’t glamorous. Nobody writes odes to extension cords or paints murals of OSHA-approved power strips. They’re just there, quietly doing their job—until they’re not. And that’s when things get... let’s say, shocking.

What the hell? that Christmas-light cord? It’s not beefy enough to handle a toaster, let alone a welder. Those exposed wires? That’s not “character,” it’s a lawsuit waiting to happen. And the missing ground wire? Oh, that’s just saying, “I dare you, electricity!” 

The fact that no one has been zapped yet is less a testament to our ingenuity and more proof that miracles are real.

So, let’s talk solutions. First, if your cord has been "repaired" more times than a pickup truck in a country song, throw it out. Second, use the right cord for the job. No, your welder cannot share a cord with your Christmas tree. Lastly, stop cutting off the ground wire! That thing is your friend. Think of it as the designated driver for your electrical party.

Safety in the shop isn’t about following rules for the sake of rules. It’s about not having to explain to your spouse why your eyebrows are now asymmetrical—or why your crew is short a guy.

So, take a look around your shop. Are you running a tight ship or playing Electric Roulette? If it’s the latter, maybe it’s time to invest in some new cords. Trust me, your life—and your hairline—will thank you.

Stay safe out there, folks. And remember: the only thing that should be shocking in your shop is how awesome your work is.
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