“Electrical fires account for an estimated 51,000 fires each year in the U.S., causing $1.3 billion in property damage.” Many of these incidents stem from improper use of power strips. While these handy devices are essential for expanding access to outlets, they have limits. Knowing what to avoid plugging into a power strip is crucial for safety and protecting your equipment.
1. Air Conditioners
Air conditioners consume large amounts of power and should always be connected to a dedicated wall outlet. Using a power strip for such devices risks tripped circuits, overheating, or even fires. Avoid shortcuts—your home’s safety depends on it.
2. Aquariums
The combination of water and electricity is already risky. Plugging aquariums into a power strip increases the likelihood of circuit overloads, which could disrupt heating and filtration systems. Connect them directly to a wall outlet for peace of mind.
3. Electric Grills and Cookers
Heat-producing appliances like grills and cookers demand significant energy. Power strips aren’t designed to handle their requirements, leading to potential overheating or electrical fires. Always plug these appliances directly into a wall outlet.
4. High-Wattage Devices
Kitchen appliances and power tools fall into this category. These high-energy devices can overload a power strip, causing overheating or even damaging other connected devices. Check the wattage before plugging in.
5. Laser Printers and Photocopiers
These office essentials draw bursts of energy during use. Power strips meant for smaller loads can’t handle the demand, reducing their lifespan and increasing fire risks. Direct wall outlet connections are a must.
6. Major Appliances
Refrigerators, washing machines, and other major appliances require dedicated circuits. Plugging them into power strips risks overloading circuits, overheating, and fire hazards. Stick to wall outlets to protect both your appliances and home.
7. Medical Equipment
Medical devices like CPAP machines or oxygen concentrators are life-critical. Power interruptions from overloaded strips could endanger lives. Prioritize direct connections to stable power sources.
8. Multiple Power Strips in Series
Daisy-chaining power strips is a recipe for disaster. Each connection adds resistance and increases the risk of overheating. Invest in a power strip with enough outlets to meet your needs instead.
9. Space Heaters
Space heaters draw substantial energy. Using them with a power strip not designed for high loads poses a serious fire risk. Always connect them directly to a wall outlet to avoid potential hazards.
Safety should always come first when managing your home’s electrical setup. For more advice on setting up a safe and functional home, check out this guide to essential home shopping tips. If you’re planning to buy a home, explore our insights on what to do first when buying a house.
For further reading on electrical safety, visit NFPA’s Electrical Safety in the Home. To find a high-quality surge protector designed for heavier loads, check out Wirecutter’s top surge protector recommendations.
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