9 Things You Should Never Plug Into A Power Strip

In our daily routines, we often overlook common household items that, despite their unassuming nature, can pose significant risks and act as potential hazards.

Among these, power strips emerge as both convenient and potentially perilous devices. Despite their utility, they come with inherent dangers, including the risk of overload leading to failure and, in extreme cases, fire.

Before haphazardly plugging various appliances into a power strip, it is essential to consider its power capacity, typically indicated on the power cable. Furthermore, certain appliances should never be connected to a power strip to prevent serious consequences.

Should you discover that your power strips are overloaded, it is imperative to disconnect all devices and carefully reassess what is plugged into each outlet. There are specific appliances that should never be connected to a power strip under any circumstances.

1. Oven: Despite not being in continuous use, ovens are power-hungry appliances that require a dedicated wall outlet on a separate circuit.
2. Refrigerator: Even energy-efficient refrigerators draw too much power to be accommodated by a power strip. It is advisable to plug them into a dedicated outlet on their individual circuit breaker.
3. Washing Machine: Often underestimated, washing machines consume considerable power and should never share a receptacle with other appliances. Ideally, they should be directly plugged into an outlet, preferably on their own circuit.
4. Heating Devices: While useful, auxiliary heating sources carry their own risks. To use them safely, it’s important to plug them into a dedicated receptacle, avoiding power strips to prevent circuit overloads.
5. Microwave: Despite infrequent use, microwaves consume substantial energy. Best practice involves plugging them into a dedicated receptacle rather than a power strip.
6. Coffee Maker: The energy consumption of coffee makers is often underestimated. To prevent potential hazards, they should never be connected to a power strip or extension cord.
7. Toaster: When in use, toasters can draw significant energy. Plugging them directly into a receptacle, bypassing power strips, is the safest approach.
8. Another Power Strip: Stacking power strips is a hazardous electrical practice, ranking high on the list of potential fire starters. Plugging one power strip into another is a risky move and is best avoided.
9. Electronics (Computer, TV, Router): Electronic devices, such as computers, TVs, and routers, should never be connected to power strips. Despite not individually consuming substantial power, their sensitivity to surges makes direct outlet connections essential to prevent quick burnouts.

By adhering to these guidelines, you ensure a safer household environment, minimizing the risks associated with everyday items we often take for granted.