> Generally (in the USA) if you touch something in your home, you need to bring it up to code. You touch a wall, well now you need to make sure that wall has a socket in it, for example.

Sorry, is there a requirement that every single wall should have a socket? ...that's what extension cords are for.

Yes, there are also requirements for example that kitchens have an outlet every N feet (I forget the exact number) in order that the short cords supplied on toasters, kettles etc can reach every part of the counter surface without an extension.

> that's what extension cords are for.

That's exactly why every wall is required to have an outlet now, to reduce the use of extension cords.

Extension cords are a bad idea. Especially since you can buy 10A rated cords that can be plugged into 15A sockets.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-55-ft-16-3-Green-Outdoor-Ext...

There's a really good explanation in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_q-xnYRugQ

Then the fuse would blow, right?

That extension cord doesn't have a fuse.

The fuse wouldn't blow because you couldn't draw enough amperage through the cord to trigger it. Instead, the cord would melt and start a fire.

Every wall more than 24 inch in size needs an outlet, and for longer walls you need an outlet every 12 feet.

In a kitchen scenario, every counter top more than a foot needs an outlet and for longer counter top runs you need one every 4 feet.

Generally, no, this isn't the case.

This is not correct. I finished my entire basement, and nothing outside the basement needed to be updated to the current NEC.

I said addition, not finishing a basement. But if your basement had a wall that wasn't up to code and it was part of your finishing, you'd have to bring that wall up.