Power strips are a godsend for managing multiple devices, but they’re not the answer to all your electrical needs. “As a residential electrician, I have encountered a large number of problems caused by the incorrect use of power strips and extension cords,” says Bobby Lin of LiveWire Electrical. “It is important to understand that these devices are not designed for high-power devices or for devices that need stable power.”
So, although power strips can handle most household appliances, some are very powerful and should be avoided, as this could lead to damage to your appliances and even electrical fires. Here, electricians share these eight common household items you shouldn’t plug into a power strip.
Bobby Lin is a residential electrician and owner of LiveWire Electrical in Charlotte, North Carolina. Daniel Mock, vice president at Mister Sparky, a franchise company with a nationwide network of residential electricians. W. G. Hickman, owner of Tri-County Air Service in Mississippi.
Refrigerators and freezers
Because refrigerators and freezers are constantly in use, they require much more energy to operate than other appliances. “Plugging them into power outlets may cause the circuit to fail. It’s best to plug these devices directly into a wall outlet,” warns Daniel Mock, vice president of Mister Sparky.
Lin agrees, noting that not only does this pose a safety risk, but there is also a risk of harm. “I always recommend, for the sake of your devices, plugging them directly into a wall outlet,” he urges. “They consume a lot of power, and if they are exposed to power fluctuations, it can damage their compressors. Not only is this bad for your machine, it is an additional cost for you.”
Microwave ovens
According to Mock, most power strips cannot handle the 12 to 15 amps needed to power a microwave. This could increase the chances of a fire and even damage your home’s electrical system.
“If your home doesn’t have enough outlets, you can call a professional electrician who can help with the situation and possibly make room for a new outlet in the kitchen,” Mock suggests.
Small kitchen appliances
Small countertop appliances, like coffee makers and toasters, may seem lightweight and not too heavy-duty, but they can actually be quite cumbersome for a power strip. “For example, in the case of toasters, there is a network of exposed wires inside, and it takes a lot of power to run those wires,” Mock explains.
To boot, plugging these small machines into a power strip often leads to things like melted insulation on cords, warns W.G. Hickman, owner of Tri-County Air Service.
Space heaters and air conditioners
These units require a lot of electricity, and the power strips are not cut for heavy lifting. “It’s a strong no-no to connecting space heaters and air conditioners to power strips because of the high risk of overheating,” Lin says. “I’ve seen cases where power strips have actually melted, or worse, caught fire, because they were being used with these high-demand devices. It’s a safety hazard waiting to happen.”
Mock suggests that a properly rated, heavy-duty extension cord can ensure that the AC power is working properly to avoid overloading.
Hair care devices
Lin explains that hair care devices like hair dryers draw a large amount of power very quickly, so always plug them directly into wall outlets to avoid the risk of electrical accidents.
“With hair care appliances, it’s best to have an electrician install a GFCI outlet in your home to avoid common bathroom hazards like accidental exposure to water,” says Mock.
Medical devices
Medical devices such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are very important and need a constant and stable power supply, so they should never be plugged into a power strip.
Gaming computers and advanced audio systems
They shouldn’t be plugged into primary power strips, either, Hickman says. “They need protection from power surges, which standard tape doesn’t provide,” he explains. “Use a high-quality surge protector like APC or Tripp Lite instead.”
Another energy sector
According to Mok, many make the mistake of using power strips side by side, the so-called “daisy chaining”, which quickly overloads the electrical system and violates fire safety rules.
He adds that in general, when using power strips, invest in one that has a circuit breaker, which cuts off the power as soon as demand overloads the power strip.
“Here’s a simple rule I tell people: If an appliance generates heat, has a motor, or uses more than 1,000 watts, skip the power strip and go straight to the wall outlet,” Hickman says.
So stick to power strips for things that consume a small amount of power, like chargers or lamps. “For anything heavier, plugging into a wall outlet is your safest,” Lin says. “If you’re not sure or feel something weird about your electrical setup, don’t hesitate to call a professional electrician. That’s what we’re here for!”
