Discover the 10 devices you should never plug into a Power Strip to prevent overload, overheating, and fire hazards in your home.
Power strips help expand electrical outlets, but not all devices are safe to plug in.
In today’s technology-driven world, electricity demand is higher than ever. When two wall outlets aren’t enough, many people turn to power strips. They’re great for charging phones, laptops, or powering small devices. However, some appliances consume too much energy or frequently turn on and off. Plugging them into a power strip can cause overheating, overload, and even fire hazards.
Location also matters. Power strips aren’t designed to handle moisture unless they’re GFCI-certified. Using them in wet areas like kitchens or laundry rooms increases the risk of electrical short circuits or fires.
Before using a power strip, check its maximum wattage (listed on the label). Most power strips support 15 amps, handling up to 1,800W. If you need more power, choose a 20-amp power strip, which can handle up to 2,400W.
Refrigerators
Refrigerators consume a lot of electricity and frequently cycle on and off to maintain temperature. This can easily overload a power strip. Always plug refrigerators directly into a wall outlet and avoid sharing the circuit with other appliances.
Microwaves
Microwaves heat food quickly, but they require just as much power as a conventional oven. To ensure safety, always plug them directly into a dedicated wall outlet instead of an extension device.
Coffee Makers
Brewing coffee may seem simple, but coffee makers require significant power, especially when performing additional kitchen tasks. If plugged into a power strip, there’s a high risk of overload and damage. Always plug it directly into a wall outlet.
Slow Cookers
Slow cookers operate at low temperatures, but they still need constant power for long periods. This can overheat a power strip, increasing the risk of fire. To ensure safety, always plug slow cookers into a wall outlet.
Hair Styling Tools
Hair dryers, curling wands, and flat irons require a lot of power to heat up quickly and maintain high temperatures. They also cycle on and off, which can overload a power strip and trip a circuit breaker. Always plug them directly into a wall outlet, preferably a GFCI outlet for added safety in bathrooms.
Air Conditioners
Air conditioners, whether portable or window units, use large amounts of electricity and cycle on and off frequently. Even standard wall outlets can struggle to handle them, so a power strip is definitely not an option. Always plug air conditioners into a dedicated wall outlet.
Another Power Strip
Never plug one power strip into another. This practice, known as “daisy-chaining,” violates most fire safety codes and can overload your home’s electrical system, leading to power failures or fire hazards. If you need more outlets, consider installing additional wall outlets instead.
Blenders
Small doesn’t always mean low power consumption. High-performance blenders, such as those from Ninja or Vitamix, have powerful motors that can use up to 1,500W—comparable to space heaters and air conditioners. Additionally, since blenders involve liquids, there’s a risk of spills that could short-circuit a power strip. Always plug blenders into a kitchen GFCI outlet.
Washing Machines
Even the most energy-efficient washing machines can use up to 1,400W, which is dangerously close to the limit of most power strips. Since washing machines run for long periods without supervision, a power strip can overheat unnoticed. To avoid risks, plug your washing machine directly into a dedicated wall outlet.
Gaming Equipment
Gaming PCs alone may consume around 500W, but when you add monitors, speakers, and accessories, the total wattage can exceed safe limits for a power strip. Always check the wattage ratings of your devices and ensure they don’t surpass the power strip’s limit. If using a power strip, choose one with surge protection to safeguard sensitive electronics.
Conclusion
Power strips are convenient but not a substitute for permanent wall outlets for high-energy-consuming devices. Always check the wattage requirements and choose the safest solution. If you frequently run out of outlets, consider installing additional wall sockets instead of overloading your home’s electrical system.