This is what the manufacturer says: "This product is flat to allow the cord to be used under carpets and is safer for foot traffic than standard round extension cords."

It's not safer firewise. Extension cords are not designed to be covered up in this fashion. It's the primary reason for that "no point further than 6 feet" rule in the code.

What about cord covers like these?https://www.cabletiesandmore.com/cable-covers-protectors

You should run it over your carpet with a heavy channel that has wide sloped sides. The channel should go from the outlet to the destination. That way you do not trip over the exposed cord. Never under a carpet, very dangerous.

It says it's made to go under carpet, I may order one.

Run it along the edge of the rug, tape it down.. problem solved

Stax, not sure why you think this is an "in your face."

Here's why I posted this:

1) Search on Houzz about extension cords under rugs and you'll find a TON of posts. Lots of people ask about it.

2) People put extension cords under rugs all the time. I've done it for years and until I found Houzz I had no idea it was a fire hazard. I'm sure others unwittingly do to the same.

3) This product is advertised by the manufacturer as being made to use under a rug and seems like a safer alternative since many people appear to be seeking a product for such needs.

I posted the initial question about this specific product and then I followed-up with a post quoting what the manufacturer says. At no time did I say, "folks, ignore the experts." Sorry if you thought that was ignoring advice.

I think this is an important issue to talk about because the trend of moving furniture away from walls creates a need for extension cords and people use them under rugs all the time. I wouldn't now that I know the risk but I think a lot of people wouldn't think twice about it simply because they don't know any better.

Dcrz88 i had no idea until reading all of this

mtvhike, I've seen covers like that and they seem like a good solution. What's hard for me as a layperson to understand is how a cover like that is safe but running under a rug isn't; wouldn't a cover still have friction and contain heat from the extension cord?

I think the moral of the story is that the experts don't advise using extension cords for long periods of time, but in real life I know a lot of people do. I think my Grandma has had a lamp plugged into the same extension cord since the 70s. Something I need to take care of next time I visit!

In the trade show business, a union worker at a union run convention center will only run electrical cords under the carpet if they are the heavy duty "convention center" cords. If you show up with a flat cord that you got at Home Depot for $9.99 they will not use it. The fire marshal will only allow good 12 guage wires running low amps under the carpet. They usually cost $25 and up for a 15 foot cord. Remember, conventions are only set to run for a week at most. They are not permanent installations.

At first I thought that there was no way that this product was UL Listed, but according to the HD Website, it is! BUT, the details on the website state, “for temporary power at events and tradeshows.” So that is the intended use and it is probably not approved for any other use, including semi-permanent installation under a rug in a home. The new code requires Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter Circuit Breakers for many circuits including living rooms and bedrooms. This is because people do stupid things with extension cords, such as run them under rugs. The friction eventually can cause an arc fault and a fire. Most existing homes do NOT have these circuit breakers in the electrical panel. I would not recommend placing any electrical cord under a rug in a home. Have you considered trying to power your lamps with batteries? A quick internet search turned up this website:

https://www.pneumaticaddict.com/2021/10/how-to-make-almost-any-lamp-cordless.html?m=1