CORDS. A proper regard for your servant, electricity, demands also that attention be paid to cords. Repair shops often find that their major job is the repair or replacement of cords that have been damaged, though it is really easy to keep them in good condition. Jerking on a cord to disconnect it invites trouble, because such treatment loosens the wires from the plug. The proper way to disconnect a cord equipped with a switch is to cut off the switch first and then reach down and pull out the plug. If there is no switch, pull the plug from the wall outlet first, then from the appliance. Take hold of the plug firmly (not the cord) and pull straight. If it sticks, rock it gently back and forth as you pull, to loosen one connection at a time. Even if a cord has a switch it is a good idea to disconnect the cord from the outlet too, when you have finished using a heating appliance.

CORDS COVERED WITH RUBBER INSULATION should be kept clean of accumulations of grease that sometimes collect on them in the kitchen. Grease permanently damages rubber. Disconnect the cords now and then and clean them with a soapy cloth, then rinse and dry them. Other cords should be kept clean too, and free of dust.

WATER IS A CONDUCTOR OF ELECTRICITY. Do not replace electric cords that have been washed until they are thoroughly dry; you are likely to get a shock if you handle live cords when they are damp, or with wet hands. Guard also against water spilled around electric appliances.

CORDS SHOULD BE KEPT FREE OF KNOTS, bends, and kinks which might break the fine wires inside or damage their insulation.

STORE YOUR CORDS, when not in use, coiled loosely in a drawer or on a shelf, or hang them round wooden pegs or on two or more hooks, in a cool dry place. Cords permanently attached to appliances can be wrapped loosely around them after the appliances have cooled. Heat is damaging to cords too.

DON'T SWITCH CORDS indiscriminately from one appliance to another; they may not be designed to carry the same load.

DEFECTIVE OR DAMAGED CORDS should be repaired immediately or else replaced.

EXTENSION CORDS SHOULD BE USED WITH CAUTION. Do not run them underneath rugs, or around radiators, pipes, or nails.

CORDS IN OUT-OF-THE-WAY PLACES can accumulate a heavy coating of dust which is sometimes touched off by a stray spark to a minor explosion. This is frightening, so try to keep the dust from collecting behind your electric washer or refrigerator.

FAULTY PLUGS, as well as cords, are a source of trouble. If the prongs are broken you will have to get a new plug. If they are merely loose, make sure that the wires have not been pulled out of place, then tighten the two small screws that secure them.

THE PROPER VOLTAGE and type of current (usually indicated on the appliance) and its own cord, must be used on all electrical equipment. For safety in buying equipment look for the UL stamp, the Underwriters Laboratories seal of approval. File all instruction tags, leaflets, and booklets in a safe place for consultation when needed; don't just read them and throw them away.

We must not forget to disconnect cord equipment using the switch first before pulling out the plug not the cord. Disconnect the cords before cleaning them with soapy cloth to remove the grease. Avoid replacing electric cords after washed until they are fully dry. Keep the cord free of knots and keep them in a cool dry place. Most people like to keep the extension cord under the rugs; it has to be used with caution. Replace defective cords immediately or replace them. Make sure the wires are tightened.