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Image Credit: Ismagilov/Getty ImagesWhile power strips are incredibly useful for organizing multiple electronics, they aren’t suitable for every electrical requirement. “In my experience as a residential electrician, I’ve encountered numerous problems stemming from improper use of power strips and extension cords,” explains Bobby Lynn from LiveWire Electrical. “It’s crucial to recognize that these tools aren’t built to support high-energy appliances or equipment requiring consistent power.”
Although power strips can accommodate many household devices, certain high-power items should never be connected, as doing so risks damaging your electronics and potentially causing electrical fires. Below, electricians reveal the eight common household items you should avoid plugging into power strips.
Refrigerators and Freezers
Refrigerators and freezers require a significant amount of power to function due to their continuous operation. “Connecting them to power strips can lead to circuit tripping,” cautions Daniel Mock, vice president of Mister Sparky. “For optimal safety and performance, these appliances should always be connected directly to a wall outlet.”
Lynn supports this advice, emphasizing that the issue extends beyond safety. “To protect your appliances, I strongly recommend plugging them directly into a wall outlet,” he states. “Their high power consumption makes them vulnerable to damage from power fluctuations, which can harm their compressors. This not only shortens the lifespan of your appliance but also leads to unnecessary repair costs.”
Microwaves
Mock highlights that the majority of power strips are incapable of supporting the 12 to 15 amps required to operate a microwave. This can pose a fire hazard and potentially harm your home’s electrical infrastructure.
“If your home lacks sufficient outlets, consider hiring a professional electrician to evaluate the situation and potentially install additional outlets, especially in the kitchen,” advises Mock.
Small Kitchen Appliances
Small countertop appliances, such as coffee makers and toasters, may seem lightweight and low-powered, but they can place a significant strain on power strips. “Take toasters, for instance—they contain a network of exposed wires that demand substantial power to heat up,” Mock clarifies.
Additionally, connecting these compact devices to power strips can result in issues like melted cord insulation, warns WG Hickman, owner of Tri-County Air Service.
Space Heaters and Air Conditioners
These devices demand a substantial amount of electricity, which power strips are not designed to handle. “Connecting space heaters and air conditioners to power strips is strongly discouraged due to the high risk of overheating,” Lynn emphasizes. “I’ve encountered situations where power strips melted or even caught fire because they were used with such high-power appliances. It’s a serious safety concern.”
Mock recommends using a heavy-duty, appropriately rated extension cord to ensure your air conditioner operates safely without overloading the circuit.
Hair Care Appliances
Hair care tools, such as hair dryers, consume a significant amount of power in a short time, Lynn notes. To prevent electrical issues, always connect them directly to wall outlets.
“For hair care appliances, it’s advisable to have an electrician install a GFCI outlet in your home to mitigate risks like water exposure in bathrooms,” Mock advises.
Medical Devices
Critical medical equipment, such as CPAP machines, requires a reliable and uninterrupted power source, making power strips unsuitable for their use.
Gaming PCs and High-End Audio Systems
Hickman emphasizes that these devices should not be connected to ordinary power strips. “They require protection against power surges, which basic strips cannot offer,” he states. “Opt for a high-quality surge protector from brands like APC or Tripp Lite.”
Another Power Strip
Mock points out that a common error is daisy-chaining power strips, a practice that rapidly overwhelms the electrical system and breaches fire safety regulations.
He also recommends choosing power strips equipped with a circuit breaker, which automatically shuts off power when the strip is overloaded.
“A straightforward guideline I share with people is this: If an appliance produces heat, contains a motor, or consumes over 1,000 watts, avoid power strips and connect it directly to a wall outlet,” Hickman advises.
Limit power strip usage to low-power devices like chargers or lamps. “For higher-powered equipment, always opt for a wall outlet to ensure safety,” Lynn adds. “If you’re uncertain or something seems amiss with your electrical setup, don’t hesitate to consult a professional electrician. That’s why we’re here!”
