There are everyday items in our homes that we use without much thought, but some of them can be surprisingly dangerous. One of these items is the power strip.
While power strips are handy, they can also pose risks like overloading and fire hazards. It’s important to be aware of these dangers and take steps to keep yourself and your home safe.
Before you start plugging everything into a power strip, it’s crucial to understand its power capacity. This information is usually listed on the power cable itself. Overloading a power strip can lead to failure and even fire. So always make sure to check the power strip’s capacity and never exceed it.
Here are some items that you should never plug into a power strip:
- The oven is a power-hungry appliance that should never be plugged into a power strip. It requires its own dedicated wall outlet on its own circuit to handle its high power needs.
- Refrigerators, regardless of their energy efficiency rating, consume a significant amount of power. Plugging them into a power strip is not advisable. Always ensure that your refrigerator is plugged into its own dedicated outlet on its own circuit breaker.
- Did you know that washing machines consume a lot of power? Due to their high power consumption, it is crucial to plug them directly into a receptacle. If possible, it’s best to have a dedicated circuit for your washing machine to avoid overloading.
- Auxiliary heating devices can be useful during winter, but they should never be plugged into a power strip. These devices should have their own dedicated receptacle to ensure safe usage. Be cautious not to overload the circuit as well.
- Microwaves, despite infrequent use, consume a significant amount of energy. It’s always a good idea to have them plugged into their own dedicated receptacle to avoid any power issues.
- Don’t underestimate the power consumption of a coffee maker. These appliances use a lot of energy and should never be plugged into a power strip or extension cord. To ensure safe usage, opt for plugging them directly into a receptacle.
- Toasters can pull a lot of energy, especially when in use. Avoid plugging them into a power strip and instead, plug them directly into a receptacle to ensure safe usage.
- Stacking power strips is a dangerous electrical practice that should be avoided. It might be tempting to plug multiple items into a single area, but this increases the risk of fire hazards. Always refrain from plugging one power strip into another.
- Sensitive electronic devices like computers, TVs, and routers may not consume a lot of power individually. However, they are susceptible to power surges. To prevent damage or burnt-out devices, always plug your electronics directly into a receptacle rather than a power strip.
By following these guidelines and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure the safe and efficient use of power strips in your home. Stay aware and take the necessary steps to protect your home and loved ones from potential dangers.