Usb extension safety?

Using a usb extension, after connection done the connector metal are exposed, if I on the power and accidentally touch the metal area, will I be electrocuted or any burn of skin or danger to health?

If objects (e.g. other cable rubber or metal areas) are accidentally touching the metal area would there be any problem?

Is there a need to wrap, or can I wrap the metal area with masking/duct tape?

(add info: USB extension one end is connected to power socket charger adapter head, the other end is connected to USB cable to a clip-on fan)

Plus the "Business" ends of the cables are inside the metal casing.

comcom said:

Does the sliver shiny exposed metal (seen in photo) carry any electrical current? Or only the interior four gold parallel strips have electrical current?

Only the interior pins carry voltage and/or signal.
The silver outer pieces are ground.

At worst if you built up a static charge (shoes on carpet, certain types of clothing, very dry) and you pointed to it you might experience a static discharge.

Of course, if there were sharp corners (hopefully not) you might cut yourself.....

The exposed metal represents the same danger as, say, the outside of a metal kettle/microwave/toaster etc...

Don't forget the possible trip hazard... depending on where it is.. oh, and a child might strangle itself with a long cable ...and...

No way to get hurt (electrically). The exposed parts are grounded.

Depending on the length of the extension the device attached to it may not work properly, specially high frequency s like USB 3.x.

And if concerned by the bare metal on the male and female junction just wrap with a good electrical tape which will also serve to keep them connected. I recall reading somewhere the length limit of USB is 16 feet unless using an 'active' cable [haven't seen one of those yet].

Berton said:

And if concerned by the bare metal on the male and female junction just wrap with a good electrical tape which will also serve to keep them connected. I recall reading somewhere the length limit of USB is 16 feet unless using an 'active' cable [haven't seen one of those yet].

That was for USB 1.1.
3 foots for USB 2.0
Most USB3.x cables are about 1 feet long. You have to consider they work at 5 to 10 G b/s on a twisted pair cable.

A decent reference:

Max Lengths of Every Type of USB Cable and How to Extend