It’s hard to imagine life without electricity, but today we’re so reliant on it that we often overlook safety. High-wattage devices like air conditioners and toasters can easily overload power strips, posing fire hazards. Always check a power strip’s capacity before plugging in any device.
Here are appliances that should never be plugged into a power strip:Oven – Needs a dedicated outlet due to its high power usage.Refrigerator – Requires a separate outlet to handle frequent cycling and energy demand.Heaters – Should be plugged directly into a wall socket due to extended energy use.
- Space Heaters: They draw immense power and generate heat, creating a fire risk.
- Refrigerators/Freezers: They cycle on and off frequently, drawing significant power.
- Microwaves: High-wattage appliances that draw a lot of energy.
- Toasters/Toaster Ovens: Generate intense heat and use too much power.
- Coffee Makers: Heating elements require substantial energy.
- Hair Dryers & Straighteners: High heat and electrical draw make them hazardous on strips.
- Portable Air Conditioners: Use too much power for a power strip.
- Sump Pumps: Critical for flood prevention and need direct wall power.
- Washing Machines/Dryers: Immense power draw, even for smaller or portable units.
- Direct Connection: Plug power strips directly into the wall.
- No Daisy-Chaining: Never plug one power strip into another.
- No Water: Keep power strips out of wet areas like kitchens or bathrooms.
- Check for Damage: Don’t use damaged strips or extension cords.
Microwave – Should be plugged into its own outlet for safety.Coffee Maker – Despite seeming low-energy, it uses a lot of power.Toaster – Needs direct connection to avoid overloading a power strip.Power Strips –
Never connect one power strip to another as it violates safety codes.Electronics (Computer, TV, Router) – Use power strips with surge protection to prevent damage from power surges.
