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