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Power strips are handy. You can turn one wall outlet into several and keep your electronics in one place. The trouble starts when a high-wattage appliance gets plugged into one.
Most power strips are better suited to smaller electronics, such as lamps, chargers, computers, and other low-draw devices. Appliances that produce heat, contain motors, or use a lot of electricity can put too much demand on the strip. That can lead to overheating, a tripped breaker, damaged equipment, or an electrical fire.
A good rule is to check the appliance and power strip ratings before connecting anything. For many large household appliances, plugging directly into a properly rated wall outlet is the safer choice.
Refrigerators
A refrigerator runs throughout the day, cycling its compressor on and off as it maintains the temperature inside. The compressor can also draw extra electricity when it starts.
A power strip is usually a poor choice for this type of appliance. Plug the refrigerator directly into an appropriate wall outlet so it has a steady supply of electricity.
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Microwaves
Microwaves can draw a lot of electricity while heating food. That high demand can put considerable stress on a power strip, particularly if other devices are connected to it at the same time.
Give your microwave its own wall outlet rather than sharing a power strip with other appliances.
Toasters
A toaster may sit quietly on the counter when it isn’t being used, but its heating elements require a large amount of electricity once it is turned on.
That makes a toaster a poor match for a power strip. Plug it directly into a wall outlet and unplug it when you’re finished using it.
Space Heaters
Space heaters deserve extra caution because they produce heat while drawing a large amount of electricity for extended periods.
Never connect a space heater to a power strip or extension cord unless the manufacturer specifically permits that setup and the equipment is rated for the load. A direct wall connection is the safer choice.
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Air Conditioners
Window and portable air conditioners can use a substantial amount of electricity, especially while the compressor is running.
A standard power strip may not be rated for the appliance’s electrical demand. Check the manufacturer’s instructions and connect the unit to the type of outlet and circuit specified for it.
Washing Machines
Washing machines use motors, pumps, heating components, and electronic controls. The electrical demand can change throughout a cycle, depending on what the machine is doing.
For that reason, a washing machine is better connected directly to a properly rated wall outlet rather than a general-purpose power strip.
Electric Dryers
Electric dryers are among the highest-wattage appliances in a home. Most require a dedicated circuit and a specially rated outlet.
A standard power strip has no place in this setup. Follow the dryer’s installation instructions and use the proper dedicated connection.
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Dishwashers
Dishwashers combine electricity, water, heating elements, pumps, and long operating cycles. They need a properly installed electrical connection that can handle the appliance’s requirements.
Don’t try to extend that connection with a household power strip.
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Hair Dryers
Hair dryers use a surprising amount of electricity because they have to generate both heat and strong airflow. The electrical demand can be especially concerning in a bathroom, where water is also present.
Plug a hair dryer directly into an appropriate wall outlet. Never use a damaged cord, overloaded outlet, or questionable power strip with one.
Curling Irons and Straighteners
Curling irons and straighteners rely on heating elements that can reach high temperatures. They may also remain hot for several minutes after being switched off.
Plug these styling tools directly into a wall outlet. Keep them away from water, and never leave them unattended while they’re heating.
Coffee Makers
Coffee makers use heating elements to bring water to brewing temperature, which means they can draw more electricity than their compact size suggests.
If you’re running a coffee maker alongside several other appliances from the same power strip, the total load can add up quickly. A direct wall connection is a safer setup.
Electric Kettles
Electric kettles are built to heat water quickly, so they can draw a large amount of electricity in a short period.
That makes them a poor choice for a typical power strip. Plug the kettle directly into a suitable wall outlet, especially if other high-wattage appliances are being used nearby.
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Slow Cookers
Slow cookers usually use less electricity than appliances such as dryers or space heaters, but they can remain switched on for several hours.
Check the wattage of your slow cooker and the rating of any power strip before using them together. If there is any doubt, plug the slow cooker directly into the wall. It’s a safer choice for an appliance that will be running for a long period.
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Electric Ovens and Countertop Ovens
Countertop ovens, toaster ovens, and other small cooking appliances can draw a lot of electricity while their heating elements are running.
A regular power strip may not be rated for that kind of load. Plug these appliances directly into the appropriate wall outlet and avoid running several high-wattage cooking appliances from the same circuit at once.
A Quick Power Strip Rule
Power strips are useful, but they’re not a substitute for additional household circuits. Before plugging in an appliance, check its wattage and compare it with the rating printed on the power strip. Also pay attention to the total load if several devices share the same strip.
If an appliance produces substantial heat, has a powerful motor, or carries a high wattage rating, plugging it directly into the wall is usually the safer option. When the manufacturer’s instructions call for a dedicated circuit or outlet, follow those instructions rather than trying to make a power strip work.
