In an age where our homes are filled with electrical devices, understanding proper appliance usage is crucial for safety. According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical failures or malfunctions were the second leading cause of U.S. home fires from 2015-2019, accounting for 13% of home structure fires.1
Many of these incidents could be prevented by following simple safety guidelines, particularly when it comes to using power strips and extension cords.
Here are 15 common household appliances and devices that should never be plugged into a power strip, helping you safeguard your home and family from potential electrical hazards.
1. Refrigerators
Your trusty fridge is a power-hungry beast. It cycles on and off throughout the day, drawing significant currents each time the compressor kicks in. This constant fluctuation can easily overwhelm a standard power strip, potentially causing overheating or even a fire.
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Refrigerators require a dedicated circuit to operate safely and efficiently. Plugging one into a power strip not only risks damaging your appliance but also violates most electrical safety codes. It’s simply not worth the risk to your food, your home, and your family.
2. Microwave Ovens
Microwaves are marvels of modern convenience, but they’re also energy hogs. These appliances draw a massive amount of power in short bursts, which can quickly overload a power strip’s capacity.
The sudden surge when you start cooking could trip the strip’s circuit breaker or, worse, cause it to overheat.
Microwaves often require their own dedicated circuit to function properly. Using a power strip instead can lead to inconsistent performance, potentially undercooking food or damaging the appliance itself.
Always plug your microwave directly into a wall outlet for safe and efficient operation.
3. Coffee Makers
That morning cup of joe requires more juice than you might think. Coffee makers, especially those with heating elements, draw a significant amount of power to heat water quickly. This high energy demand can easily exceed what a typical power strip is designed to handle.
Many coffee makers have a “keep warm” function that runs for hours. This prolonged use puts additional strain on a power strip, increasing the risk of overheating or electrical failure.
For safety and the best brew, always connect your coffee maker directly to a wall outlet.
4. Toasters
Toasters may seem small, but they pack a powerful punch. These appliances use exposed heating elements that require a substantial electrical current to reach high temperatures quickly.
This sudden surge of power can overwhelm a power strip, potentially causing it to fail or even start a fire.
Toasters generate a lot of heat during operation. When plugged into a power strip, this heat can build up, damaging both the strip and the toaster. To avoid any crispy disasters, always give your toaster its own dedicated outlet.
5. Slow Cookers
Slow cookers are the set-it-and-forget-it champions of the kitchen, but they’re not meant for power strips.
These appliances draw a consistent amount of power over long periods, which can strain a power strip beyond its intended use. The prolonged heat generation also poses a risk to the strip’s components.
Additionally, slow cookers are often left unattended for hours. If a power strip were to fail while you’re away, it could lead to a dangerous situation. Always plug your slow cooker directly into a wall outlet for peace of mind and delicious meals.
6. Space Heaters
Space heaters are notorious energy guzzlers. These devices draw an enormous amount of power to generate heat quickly, often pushing power strips to their limits and beyond.
The high current demand can cause the strip to overheat, potentially melting its plastic housing or even starting a fire.
Space heaters are a leading cause of home fires during winter months. Plugging one into a power strip only compounds this risk. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet, keeping them away from flammable materials.
7. Air Conditioners
Portable air conditioners might seem convenient, but they’re power strip kryptonite.
These units require a massive surge of electricity when the compressor kicks on, which can easily overwhelm a standard power strip. This sudden demand can trip breakers or cause dangerous overheating.
Air conditioners often run for extended periods, putting continuous strain on electrical systems. Using a power strip in this scenario not only risks damaging your AC unit but also creates a significant fire hazard.
Always give your air conditioner its own dedicated outlet for safe and efficient cooling.
8. Hair Dryers
Hair dryers may be small, but they’re electrical powerhouses. These devices use heating elements and high-speed motors that draw a substantial amount of current. This combination can quickly overload a power strip, potentially causing it to fail or even catch fire.
Hair dryers are often used in bathrooms where moisture is present. This creates an added risk of electrical shock if a power strip were to malfunction. For both safety and styling success, always plug your hair dryer directly into a GFCI-protected wall outlet.
9. Curling Irons & Flat Irons
Like their blow-drying cousins, curling irons and flat irons are heat-generating devices that demand significant power.
These styling tools can easily exceed the capacity of a standard power strip, especially when used alongside other bathroom appliances. The risk of overheating or electrical failure is simply too high.
These devices are often left on for extended periods, sometimes accidentally. When plugged into a power strip, this prolonged use increases the chance of overheating or even starting a fire. Always use a dedicated wall outlet for your hot styling tools.
10. Electric Kettles
Electric kettles are quick and convenient, but they’re power-hungry appliances. These devices draw a large amount of current to heat water rapidly, which can easily overwhelm a power strip’s capacity.
The sudden surge when you switch on the kettle could trip the strip’s circuit breaker or cause dangerous overheating.
Electric kettles often have auto-shutoff features that rely on consistent power. Using a power strip might interfere with this safety mechanism, potentially leading to boil-dry situations or appliance damage.
For the safest and most efficient tea time, always plug your electric kettle directly into a wall outlet.
11. Washing Machines
Washing machines are heavy-duty appliances that require a significant and consistent power supply. These devices go through various cycles, each drawing different amounts of electricity.
This fluctuating power demand can easily overload a standard power strip, risking electrical failure or even fire.
Washing machines often operate in damp environments. Using a power strip in this setting increases the risk of electrical shock or short circuits. Always connect your washing machine to a dedicated, properly grounded outlet to ensure safe and efficient operation.
12. Clothes Dryers
Clothes dryers are among the most power-hungry appliances in your home. These machines require a massive amount of electricity to generate heat and tumble your clothes.
Plugging a dryer into a power strip is not only dangerous but also likely impossible given the specialized outlets they require.
Dryers produce a lot of heat during operation. This heat, combined with the high power draw, could cause a power strip to fail catastrophically.
Always use the dedicated 220V outlet installed specifically for your dryer to prevent electrical hazards and ensure optimal performance.
13. Dishwashers
Dishwashers, like their laundry room counterparts, demand a significant and varying amount of power.
These appliances cycle through different stages of washing and drying, each requiring different levels of electricity. A standard power strip simply isn’t designed to handle these fluctuations safely.
Dishwashers operate in a wet environment, increasing the risk of electrical problems if not properly connected. The combination of water and electricity is always dangerous, so it’s crucial to plug your dishwasher directly into a dedicated, grounded outlet as specified by the manufacturer.
14. Electric Grills & Griddles
Electric grills and griddles might seem like convenient cooking tools, but they’re not meant for power strips. These appliances use powerful heating elements that draw a substantial amount of electricity.
The high current demand can quickly overwhelm a power strip, potentially causing it to overheat or fail.
These cooking devices generate significant heat during use. When plugged into a power strip, this heat can build up, damaging both the strip and the appliance.
To avoid any kitchen catastrophes, always give your electric grill or griddle its own dedicated outlet.
15. Power Tools
Power tools, from drills to sanders, require a surge of electricity when starting up. This initial power draw can easily exceed what a typical power strip is designed to handle. The risk of overloading the strip or causing it to fail mid-project is simply too high.
Many power tools operate at high speeds or generate significant heat. Using them with a power strip increases the chance of electrical problems, potentially damaging your tools or creating safety hazards.
For the best performance and safety, always plug power tools directly into a wall outlet, preferably one with GFCI protection.
The safety of your home and family should always be a top priority. By avoiding the use of power strips for these 15 high-energy appliances and devices, you significantly reduce the risk of electrical fires, equipment damage, and potential injuries.
Remember, power strips are designed for low-energy devices and temporary use, not as permanent solutions for major appliances.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.