this post was submitted on 15 Aug 2026
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[–] marcos@lemmy.world 1 points 16 hours ago* (last edited 16 hours ago) (1 children)

If both outlets are wired correctly, as I’m envisioning it, the extension cord is parallel to the existing branch.

You can't just branch and reconnect AC power lines at random points.

Or rather, you can, maybe only once though.

[–] balsoft@lemmy.ml 2 points 9 hours ago* (last edited 9 hours ago)

In a residential setting with reasonable extension cable length & gauge, and reasonable loads you actually kinda can. Impedance and phase mismatches won't matter on those scales. In fact, that's basically what a ring circuit is.

Anecdote: my grandparents basically had an "accidental ring circuit" in their old house for like 40 years. It was only noticed when they hired an electrician to upgrade the wiring for an electric stove