Last Updated on October 2, 2023 by Kyle Whitley
Corded lawn mowers are usually one of the safest options for lawnmowers. But what exactly makes them safe? In this article, we’ll explain why corded lawn mowers are safe to use on your lawn.
Are corded lawn mowers safe?
Electric lawnmowers are very safe because they have built-in safety features. They are much safer than most people think. They can be safer than traditional gas-powered mowers.
Electric mowers are safe!
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Outdoor Power Tool Safety Considerations
Everyone should use power tools responsibly. There is an inherent risk of getting injured when using any outdoor power tool. You should always pay attention when using them, and you should always read the instructions manuals provided with your corded lawnmower or any power tool you purchase.
Extension cords are safe when used correctly. However, consumers should know about the dangers of electrical shocks, although very rare, could occur if you mishandle your corded electric lawnmower.
Here are some of the main concerns associated with using a corded mower and what many people think of them when it comes to safety.
Safety issues with corded lawnmowers?
A few issues come to everyone’s mind when using an electric or corded lawnmower.
Possible Electric Shock or Electrocution
This is the biggest concern of people looking to purchase a corded electric lawnmower. This shouldn’t be a concern for most people who will operate the mower responsibly.
Corded lawn mowers are equipped with many built-in safety measures that prevent harming the user. Of course, the manufacturers and designers behind these machines had thought about safety before they were built and designed them as safe as possible.
Modern corded mowers are dually insulated as well. To keep this exact thing from happening to mower operators. If you happen to run over the extension cord, and your cord is attached to the GFCI outlet, as most manuals suggest, the outlet will trip, essentially killing the power to the extension cord. This significantly limits the risk of shock or electrocution.
Overheating the Electric Motor
As with all power equipment, if you attempt to do a job that the equipment isn’t designed for, you could cause an issue with the tool’s power source. This applies to corded lawnmowers as well.
Don’t attempt to use your lawnmower as a brush cutter. Trying to cut down large tall weeds and grass will put a strain on your electric motor, which could cause overheating to occur.
Most modern mowers will shut down before any permanent damage due to thermal protection built into the tool by the manufacturer, but it is something to consider. Make sure to unplug the mower and let it cool down before rerunning the mower.
Also, cutting wet grass can cause issues since the moist grass clumps up underneath the mower deck and causes the mower to work harder to turn the blade or blades. Avoid cutting wet grass if at all possible with any mower.
Operating the Mower in Wet Environment or Rain
You really shouldn’t operate any electric power equipment in the rain, and I am sure if you read your operator’s manual, it will say the same thing. You increase your risk of electric shock by operating your mower in wet conditions. Electricity and water don’t mix.
Cutting damp grass (i.e., morning dew) isn’t acceptable either. Cutting wet grass is bad for the grass and your equipment, so you really shouldn’t do that anyway. The damp grass introduces a chance of slipping and falling, which isn’t a good idea when operating a tool with a spinning blade.
Tripping Over or Cutting the Extension Cord
Proper extension cord management is key to using a corded electric mower successfully. You want to make sure the cord is not in the way of the mower or your cutting path.
Not paying attention to your cord placement can cause you to run over the cord, and nothing ruins a good grass cutting session like a cut extension cord.
Trust me; I have been there.
Tripping is a valid concern for those using a corded electric mower. Since these mowers generally need a pretty long cord, it can become pretty easy to get tangled up and trip over the cord while operating the mower, but a little cord management can save you from face planting into your lush green lawn.
Safety First When Using Electric Lawn Mowers
Read Your Instruction Manuls
Safety manuals should always be kept available when operating any electrical equipment.
Maintain Proper Extension Cords
Never pull power cables out of sockets. Inspect them regularly for damage. Keep the cords away from your body. Don’t yank the cords out of outlets. Use an adaptor if needed.
Scrutinize cords and wires to ensure proper insulation. Be sure to use the correct voltage when powering up your equipment.
Use an extension cord that is easy to see, such as bright orange or yellow. This will decrease your risk of cutting or tripping over the cord during mower operation.
GFCI Outlets
Always plug your extension cord into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt (GFCI) outlet. This will protect you if you happen to run over your extension cord and cut the cord and also save you if your cord happens to have a short in it that you didn’t notice before use.
Wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
Proper safety gear is always necessary when using lawnmowers. Goggles or glasses should be worn while mowing to protect your eyes. Closed-toe shoes and pants should be worn when operating lawnmowers to decrease the risk of an injury to your feet.
Be Careful of Debris on Your Lawn
Mowing debris can cause injury, so operators must clear away debris before mowing. A rock or stick can become a dangerous object when struck by a mower blade.
Always clear away debris before operating the machine.
Maintain Your Corded Lawn Mower
A lawnmower overheating could damage the machine or even start a fire. Owners should always maintain lawnmowers. It would be best to inspect them for any accumulation of debris that could lead to injury. Electric lawnmowers must use sharp blades for easy, resistance-less mowing. Protective guards must be in place to protect the operator.
Don’t Cut Wet Grass
Lawnmowers should be used in dry areas only. Cutting wet grass is bad for the grass and your corded electric mower. Also, the damp grass introduces a falling hazard that you don’t need.
Is it true that cordless lawnmowers are safer than their corded counterparts?
So you might be thinking. Why don’t I get a cordless lawnmower that is battery powered? Well, that is a viable option and is worth considering.
Cordless lawn mowers are also electric, so they have some of the same considerations for using the mower.
You still need to maintain the mower properly to function as designed.
Cordless mowers like corded mowers do not need to be run in wet conditions. Clumped-up grass on the underside of the mower deck will still cause the same issues that it causes with a corded mower. While the chance of mixing electricity and water and getting a shock or your life is minimized in a cordless lawnmower, batteries don’t, especially like being in water either. Water can also ruin lithium-ion batteries, which is an expensive lesson you don’t want to learn.
Overheating the motor is still a concern, as well, so you still can’t use a cordless mower to clean up that 3-foot tall patch of weeds in the back part of your lawn.
The one thing a cordless mower gains you over a corded mower is mobility. Since you lose the tethered connection to a power outlet via an extension cord, you are free to mow anywhere on your lawn. That also removes the extension cord tripping hazard, which is a good thing, but your runtime is limited by your battery capacity.
Cordless mowers are a little safer if you are concerned about tripping over or cutting an extension cord. Still, the mowers all have the same safety features built into them, making them perfect for homeowners’ lawn cutting needs.
Electric Lawn Mower Manufacturers
FAQ: Corded Electric Lawn Mowers
What Happens If You Run Over a Cord?
Because you’re dealing with cords, there’s a chance you’ll run over the cord, cutting it. Running over an extension cord could cause loss of power and possibly damage your mower, though that is not likely. There is a chance of getting a shock if you happen to be on wet ground and not using a GFCI outlet.
Can I Mow Big Lawn?
It is possible to mow your big lawn; however, it’s a hassle. You will need to make a sizeable investment in quality extension cords.
What are the drawbacks of an electric lawn mower?
The common problem of a corded electric lawn mower is the cord itself, which has limitations. They may not be long enough to cover the distance you need to cover while mowing lawns.
Summing it Up: Corded Electric Mowers are Safe?
Cordless lawn mowers are becoming increasingly popular due to their ease of use and portability. They also offer many benefits over traditional corded models. However, because these machines do not contain electrical cords, consumers often consider them unsafe. This is not true. Modern mower manufacturers have taken safety measures to ensure that the machines operate safely.
