How to Cover Electrical Cords on the Floor

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Things You'll Need

  • Extension cords

  • Prying tool

  • Flathead screwdriver

  • Staple gun

  • Construction adhesive

  • Electrical tape

  • Carpet nails

  • Carpet glue

Safely tuck electrical cords against the wall and cover.
Image Credit: Creatas Images/Creatas/Getty Images

In an ideal room configuration, electrical cords will run in a short line from the appliance to the wall outlet. Unfortunately, this is often not the case, and electrical cords are left draped stretched across the floor. Electrical cords on the floor are not only unsightly and annoying, but they can be a safety hazard. Pets may chew on them if they are left out in the open, and they can also pose a tripping hazard, especially for young children or the elderly. Cover your electrical cords on the floor to prevent injuries and to make your room more attractive.

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Step 1

Arrange the cords so that they are up against the wall. While it may be tempting to run it diagonally under a rug, this is not safe. Instead, invest in an extension cord that is long enough to allow you to press the electrical cord between the floor and the baseboard.

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Step 2

Remove the baseboard from the wall. To remove the baseboard, insert a prying tool along the top until it is loose, then carefully pull it off in one piece. Note that in some cases, if your baseboard or molding is loose enough, you can use a flat head screwdriver to press the cord into the space under the baseboard instead of having to remove it entirely. If you don't have a baseboard, you can either purchase one or pull up the carpet along the wall and tuck the cord under the carpet.

Step 3

Staple, clip or tape the cord to the floor where it meets the wall. You can use a staple gun to do this, but make sure that the cord is not plugged in. There are also clips you can buy that are nailed into the floor or wall that are made to hold cords in place. Or, you can just use some electrical or masking tape to tape the cord to the floor.

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Step 4

Replace the baseboard or carpet over the cord. Use a construction adhesive or nails to fasten it in place. To keep the carpet in place over the cord, use carpet nails or carpet glue.

Tip

If you can't do this for some reason (perhaps you don't have carpeted floors or baseboards, and you don't want to purchase any) you can buy electrical cord covers to cover your electrical cords on the floor. They are unsightly but much safer than leaving your cords loose on the floor.

Warning

Use caution when stapling the cords in place. If the staples cut or pierce the outer cover of the cord, the cord is no longer safe.

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