Power strips are highly useful to have on hand. But be sure you never, under any circumstances, plug these 10 electronics into one, or else face some dangerous and costly consequences!
Power Strip Safety 101
Power strips certainly solve the problem of the ever-needed power outlet, but they are not a universal tool. There are plenty of electronics, appliances, devices, and more that should never be used with a power strip. Here are the top 10 things you should never plug into a power strip:
➀ Air Compressors
Air compressors use too much energy, so they are not safe for power strips. They can overload the power strip just by starting it up.
➁ Coffee Machines
Regardless of which kind of coffee maker you own, it should never be plugged into a power strip. Not only can the strip overload, the actual coffee machine can overheat, smoke, or catch fire.
➂ Hair Tools
Everything from flat irons and curling irons, to crimpers, wands, blow dryers, and more, electronic hair devices are not meant to be plugged into a power cord. They will trip the circuit breaker before you can finish your style.
➃ Microwaves
When it comes to microwaves, it is extremely dangerous to operate one via a power strip. Microwaves use an enormous amount of energy, which will quickly burn out the power strip, and potentially cause a fire.
➄ Portable Heaters and Air Conditioners
Because these portable units are designs to turn on and off on a programed cycle, they tend to use a lot of energy to start up and stay on. For this reason, they are not suitable for power strips.
➅ Power Strips!
Yes, it is true. You should never plug a power strip into another power strip! Known as “daisy chaining”, this bad practice can start a fire, or quickly overload your electrical system. Furthermore, it breaks most building and fire safety codes.
➆ Refrigerators/Freezers
Like microwaves, refrigerators and freezers are not designed to work on a power strip. They use way too much energy to safely operate on a power strip. Such appliances should always be plugged into a GFCI outlet.
➇ Slow Cookers/Hot Plates
Slow cookers like crockpots, instant pots, and rice cookers are meant to use a lot of heat and energy to cook food. For this reason, they cannot be plugged into a power strip. The same rule applies for hot plates and similar kitchen and catering electronic devices.
➈ Sump Pumps
Sump pumps cannot be plugged into a power strip under any circumstances. They should always be plugged directly into a GFCI outlet. In fact, the GFCI outlet should be positioned slightly above the floor in case of a flood.
➉ Toasters
Like coffee makers, you wouldn’t think a toaster would be incompatible with a power strip, but they are! Toasters are designed to make a lot of heat in a short amount of time; a feat that requires a lot of energy. By now, you know that too much energy will overload a power strip.
Professional Home Remodeling and Handyman Service in Indianapolis
Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for affordable home remodeling services in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. Our experienced general contractors provide a wide range of services for both commercial and residential properties, from general handyman services and home remodels, to full-on renovations, additions, conversions, and more. Request an estimate, today!
