If you own an abundance of appliances and tech gadgets, chances are you can’t live without power strips and extension cords. They allow you to power multiple electrical devices at once and can be neatly tucked out of sight.
But magical as they are, power strips and extension cords can hold only so much. If you overload them, you can run the risk of their overheating or even catching fire. Plugging multiple power strips together, or “daisy chaining,” can overload your electrical system. And extension cords can be used safely only with certain appliances.
“It’s generally not advisable to use an extension cord with larger appliances like refrigerators, freezers, and washing machines,” says Jason Metzger, senior vice president and head of risk management at PURE Insurance. “Some appliances explicitly state not to use their products with any type of extension cord.”
To keep your home happy and hazard-free, here are a few high-capacity appliances that should not be used with a power strip or extension cord.
Kitchen appliances: Microwave, coffee maker, refrigerator
The kitchen has the motherlode of appliances that are constantly in use and require a lot of energy—so power strips are never recommended for most of these devices.
“Microwaves can be a safety hazard when plugged into a power strip, causing a fire outbreak or even damaging your electrical system,” says Dan Mock, vice president of operations at Mister Sparky. “Most power strips cannot handle the 12 to 15 amps needed to power up a microwave alone.”
The same goes for coffee makers and toasters. They might appear lightweight, but they use a lot of power that could overload a power strip and possibly cause a fire.
“With toasters, there is a network of exposed wires inside, and much power is required to fire up these wires,” says Mock.
Slow cookers and hot plates should be plugged directly into a wall outlet, too, since power strips are not designed to provide high amounts of electricity for long intervals of time.
Mallory Micetich, a home expert at Angi, says refrigerators and other cooking appliances should be plugged into their own outlets.
“If you don’t have enough outlets in your kitchen, consider talking to an electrician about adding more of them to the space,” says Micetich.
Space heaters, generators, sump pumps, air compressors
When it’s cold outside, many people pull out their space heater to warm up a specific part of their home. Space heaters require electricity to function and need to be plugged directly into the wall to run safely.
Plugging it into a power strip or extension cord would be a mistake. Most power strips and extension cords are not designed to handle the high electrical current that a space heater draws. Worst-case scenario? The space heater can overheat the power strip or extension cord and, potentially, cause a fire.
Along with space heaters, Micetich says, generators, sump pumps, and air compressors should also be plugged directly into outlets.
“These appliances use a lot of energy and are considered fire hazards when plugged into an extension cord or power strip,” says Micetich.
While sump pumps can be helpful in keeping basements dry during flooding, they may stop working if the power strip it is plugged into gets wet due to flooding.
“To avoid such situations, have an electrician install a proper ground-fault circuit interrupter outlet on a wall above the expected flood level,” says Mock.
With air-conditioning systems that require more energy than can be provided by a power strip, Mock suggests using a heavy-duty, properly rated extension cord that can ensure your AC functions properly to avoid overloading.
Hair care appliances
The appliances in the kitchen and living room aren’t the only ones you need to worry about. The same safety criteria apply in the bathroom.
“Hair dryers, curling wands, and straighteners need a lot of heat to function correctly,” says Mock.
If you don’t already have GFCI outlets in your bathroom, hire an electrician to install them so you can avoid accidental water exposure.
Things to keep in mind before you plug in
When using power strips or extension cords, always read the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for safe use.
“When using power strips, invest in one with a circuit breaker, which cuts power once demand overloads a power strip,” says Mock.
Mock also advises replacing worn, old, or damaged extension cords right away.
“It is important to know that extension cords are for temporary purposes only,” he says. “Power strips can function for longer periods of time.”
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