9 things you should never plug into a power strip

9 Things You Should Never Plug into a Power Strip (And Why It’s Dangerous)

Power strips are incredibly convenient, allowing us to plug multiple devices into a single wall outlet. But not all electronics or appliances are safe to use with them. Overloading a power strip can lead to overheating, fire hazards, and even permanent damage to your devices.

Let’s break down 9 things you should never plug into a power strip, along with the step-by-step reasoning for each. This guide will help you stay safe while still keeping your home and devices powered efficiently.

⚠️ Before We Begin: What Is a Power Strip?

A power strip is a block of electrical sockets attached to a flexible cable. It allows you to connect multiple low-power devices to a single outlet. Most power strips offer surge protection, but they are not designed to handle high-wattage appliances or devices that require consistent, heavy power loads.

🔌 1. Refrigerators and Freezers

❌ Why Not?

Refrigerators and freezers cycle on and off, drawing a large amount of current suddenly. This surge can overwhelm a power strip and potentially cause a fire or trip the circuit.

✅ What to Do Instead:

Plug your refrigerator directly into a wall outlet with proper grounding. Avoid using extension cords as well.

🔌 2. Microwaves

❌ Why Not?

Microwaves can draw up to 1500 watts of power, more than a standard power strip is designed to handle. This overload can damage the power strip or create a fire hazard.

✅ What to Do Instead:

Always plug your microwave directly into a dedicated outlet, preferably one rated for heavy kitchen appliances.

🔌 3. Coffee Makers or Electric Kettles

❌ Why Not?

Like microwaves, these appliances consume a high amount of electricity and often draw quick bursts of energy. They can easily cause the power strip to overheat.

✅ What to Do Instead:

Use a grounded wall outlet near your kitchen counter that’s built to handle small appliances.

🔌 4. Space Heaters

❌ Why Not?

Space heaters are notorious for causing fires when misused. They pull a significant amount of power and can overload a power strip within minutes, especially older or low-quality ones.

✅ What to Do Instead:

Plug directly into a wall outlet and keep the heater on a non-flammable surface, far from curtains or furniture.

🔌 5. Hair Dryers or Curling Irons

❌ Why Not?

These beauty tools heat up quickly, using a large power draw to generate that heat. Power strips can’t handle the wattage and may short out or overheat.

✅ What to Do Instead:

Plug these devices directly into a bathroom wall outlet with a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) for safety.

🔌 6. Toasters or Toaster Ovens

❌ Why Not?

Toasters require sudden bursts of energy, and their heating elements can cause voltage spikes. This creates a risk of fire when used with a power strip.

✅ What to Do Instead:

Use a kitchen outlet designed for high-heat appliances. Avoid daisy-chaining (linking multiple power strips together).

Please Head On keep  on Reading  (>)