13 Things You Should Never Plug Into a Multi-Socket Power Bar

Power strips are convenient for connecting multiple devices to a single outlet, but they are not designed to handle high-powered appliances. Using them incorrectly can lead to overheating, electrical malfunctions, and potentially devastating fires. Here’s a list of 13 things you should never plug into a power strip, and why doing so can be dangerous.

13 Things You Should Never Plug Into a Power StripPhoto byRichelleg

1. Refrigerators

Refrigerators are major energy consumers, with compressors that cycle on and off to maintain proper cooling temperatures. Plugging a refrigerator into a power strip can overload it, leading to overheating or electrical failure. Additionally, power surges can damage the compressor, which may lead to expensive repairs or replacement of the appliance.

Fire hazard: The high wattage demands can overheat the strip and start a fire.

13 Things You Should Never Plug Into a Power StripPhoto byRichelleg

2. Microwaves

Microwaves draw a significant amount of power, especially when heating or cooking food. Power strips are not built to handle the wattage required by most microwaves. Overloading the strip can cause it to overheat or short-circuit, leading to potential fires or damage to both the microwave and the electrical system.

Fire hazard: Overloaded strips often melt, spark, or ignite.

13 Things You Should Never Plug Into a Power StripPhoto byRichelleg

3. Coffee Makers

While coffee makers may seem small, they still require a considerable amount of power to heat water quickly. Plugging one into a power strip adds stress to the strip’s circuits, especially if other appliances are also connected. This could lead to electrical shorts or overheating.

Fire hazard: The heat and power consumption of a coffee maker can cause electrical components in the strip to fail.

4. Toasters

Toasters draw intense power in short bursts to heat the coils that toast the bread. These high spikes in electricity can overload a power strip, which is not built for handling such sudden demands. The combination of heat and high energy consumption makes plugging a toaster into a power strip a significant fire risk.

Fire hazard: Melting wires or catching fire as the strip becomes overloaded.

5. Slow Cookers

Slow cookers are designed to run for extended periods at moderate heat, but even this prolonged energy consumption can overwhelm a power strip. The constant energy draw can overheat the strip, and any fluctuations in power can disrupt cooking or cause damage to the cooker.

Fire hazard:The prolonged, steady energy usage can cause the power strip to overheat.

13 Things You Should Never Plug Into a Power StripPhoto byRichelleg

6. Hair Care Appliances (e.g., hair dryers, straighteners, curlers)

Hair care appliances draw large amounts of power in a short period, especially hair dryers, which generate significant heat. Power strips cannot handle the quick surge in electricity required to run these devices.

Fire hazard: The combination of heat and high energy usage makes power strips overheat and melt.

7. Air Conditioners

Air conditioners, whether window-mounted or portable, are notorious energy hogs. They require substantial power to run their motors and compressors. A power strip will not be able to handle the load, increasing the likelihood of a blown fuse or electrical fire.

Fire hazard: Air conditioners cause excessive strain on power strips, leading to overheating and potential electrical fires.

8. Sump Pumps

Sump pumps are vital in keeping basements dry, but they also draw a lot of power, particularly when operating for extended periods during heavy rains. Plugging a sump pump into a power strip can lead to overloading or failure, which could prevent the pump from working when you need it most.

Fire hazard: The prolonged heavy use can cause the strip to overheat or malfunction.

13 Things You Should Never Plug Into a Power StripPhoto byRichelleg

9. Air Compressors

Air compressors require a strong and steady flow of electricity, which most power strips cannot provide. The sudden and high power draw can damage the strip or trip the circuit breaker.

Fire hazard: The compressor's motor can overwhelm the power strip, leading to a risk of fire due to overheating.

10. Another Power Strip

Power strips are not meant to be daisy-chained or plugged into each other. Doing this increases the electrical load beyond what the circuit can handle, leading to overloads, sparks, and potential fires.

Fire hazard: The cumulative wattage of multiple strips significantly increases the risk of overheating and fire.

13 Things You Should Never Plug Into a Power StripPhoto byRichelleg

11. Portable Heaters

Portable heaters consume a great deal of power to generate heat, and many models are designed to plug directly into a wall outlet. Plugging one into a power strip can cause an instant overload, leading to sparks or a fire.

Fire hazard: The high wattage and heat output of a space heater can cause the power strip to overheat or ignite.

13 Things You Should Never Plug Into a Power StripPhoto byRichelleg

12. Gaming Equipment

Gaming consoles, especially modern ones with advanced graphics processors and accessories, can use a lot of power. Plugging these into a power strip, along with other electronics, can overload it.

Fire hazard: Gaming consoles can overheat the strip when used for long periods, causing the plastic and wires to melt.

13. Power Tools

Power tools, such as drills, saws, and sanders, often require a high wattage to operate. These tools can overload a power strip in a matter of seconds, putting both your tool and your safety at risk.

Fire hazard: The sudden and intense energy demands of power tools can quickly exceed the power strip’s limits, leading to overheating or fire.

Understanding Wattage Limits and Safety

When using a power strip, it is crucial to pay attention to its maximum wattage. This information is typically found on the label of the strip. Ensure the devices you plug into the strip do not exceed this wattage limit. Otherwise, the electrical components can overheat, and the plastic casing may melt or catch fire. Additionally, always look for UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certification on your power strip, which ensures it meets safety standards.

Power strips are handy for low-power electronics, but they should never be used for high-wattage appliances like the ones listed above. The risk of overheating, short-circuiting, and fires is real and significant. By plugging appliances that consume large amounts of energy directly into a wall outlet, you reduce the risk of damaging your home or starting a fire. Always prioritize safety and never overload a power strip!

Stay Safe, Friends! ❤️

Attributions:

Schwartz, D. B., & Carrick, T. (2024, January 16). 15 things you should never plug into a power strip. Bob Vila. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/power-strip-safety/

6 things you shouldn’t plug into a power strip. (2023, August 4). https://www.entergynewsroom.com/article/6-things-you-shouldn-t-plug-into-power-strip/

Mike. (2023, January 16). 7 things you should NOT plug into your Power Strip. East West Electric, INC. https://east-westelectric.com/7-things-you-should-not-plug-into-your-power-strip/