when plugged in or unplugged. Frayed wires are also more likely to overheat in a way that you cannot always see.
For families with grandchildren who visit often, this is especially important to address. Curious little hands have a way of finding exactly the cables they should not be touching.
The simple safety step here is to replace any damaged cable immediately. Toss the old one, even if it still seems to work. A fresh, undamaged cable is one of the most affordable forms of household protection you can buy.
