Firefighters Want Everyone To Know What They Should Never Plug Into A Power Strip

Tips

To avoid risks. You should know this sooner.

Power strips are convenient, but they’re not made for everything. Plugging the wrong devices into a power strip can lead to overheating, electrical fires, and serious damage to your home. Firefighters regularly respond to fires that started this way — and here’s what you absolutely need to know.


⚠️ Devices You Should NEVER Plug into a Power Strip (And Why)


1. Space Heaters

  • Why: Space heaters draw a large amount of current and generate intense heat. Power strips aren’t designed to handle that load.
  • Risk: Can overheat the strip, melt the plastic casing, and start fires.

2. Refrigerators and Freezers

  • Why: These appliances have compressors that cycle on and off, causing power surges.
  • Risk: Can cause overheating or electrical failure in the strip. They should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet.

3. Microwaves

  • Why: Microwaves require high wattage to function and may overload a standard power strip.
  • Risk: Can cause the power strip to overheat, short-circuit, or even trip your circuit breaker.

4. Toasters and Toaster Ovens

  • Why: They use heating elements that draw lots of power quickly.
  • Risk: Plugging them into a strip can melt wiring or start electrical fires.

5. Coffee Makers

  • Why: Similar to toasters, coffee makers use a heating coil to boil water and draw significant power.
  • Risk: Can easily overload low-quality strips, especially when combined with other appliances.

6. Hair Dryers and Curling Irons

  • Why: These are high-wattage devices that often exceed the safe power limit for power strips.
  • Risk: Fire hazard if used with overloaded or cheap strips.

7. Air Conditioners

  • Why: AC units consume a large amount of electricity and are not meant for extension cords or strips.
  • Risk: Can trip breakers or melt cords, especially if the unit is powerful.

❌ Why Power Strips Are Not Made for High-Power Devices

  • They are not surge protectors: Many power strips do not have surge protection, meaning high-draw devices can damage the strip or your appliances.
  • Limited amperage: Most power strips support only 10-15 amps, which heavy-duty appliances can easily exceed.
  • Poor-quality manufacturing: Cheap power strips are poorly insulated, have thin wires, and low heat resistance.

✅ What You SHOULD Use Power Strips For

  • Low-wattage electronics like:
    • Computers
    • Phone chargers
    • Lamps
    • Routers/modems
    • TV sets and gaming consoles

🔥 Firefighter’s Advice: When in Doubt, Plug It Out

If you’re not sure whether something should go into a power strip, don’t risk it. Always plug large appliances directly into a wall outlet with proper grounding. Also:

  • Use UL-listed (certified) power strips
  • Never daisy-chain power strips (plugging one into another)
  • Inspect regularly for signs of wear, overheating, or frayed cords

 

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