Power strips are one of those household staples that feel like a solution to almost everything too many devices, not enough outlets. But according to professional electricians, leaning on them too heavily can be a costly and even dangerous mistake.
Electricians explain which common household devices can overload a power strip and why plugging them in could cost you more than just a tripped breaker. Residential electricians caution that power strips are simply not built to handle high power appliances or devices that require a stable, uninterrupted power supply. Misusing them can result in damaged equipment, melted cords, tripped circuits and, in more serious cases, electrical fires. Below, experts break down the eight devices that should always stay off a power strip.
Refrigerators and freezers
Because refrigerators and freezers run continuously, they draw significantly more power than most household devices. Plugging them into a power strip risks tripping the circuit and, more seriously, exposing the appliances to power fluctuations that can damage their compressors a repair that doesn’t come cheap. These should always be plugged directly into a dedicated wall outlet.
Microwaves
Most microwaves require between 12 and 15 amps to operate, which far exceeds what the average power strip can safely handle. Running a microwave through a power strip raises the risk of fire and can damage a home’s broader electrical system. If the kitchen lacks enough outlets, a licensed electrician can assess the space and install an appropriate one.
Small kitchen appliances
Coffee makers, toasters and similar countertop appliances may look harmless, but they place a surprising demand on power strips. Toasters, in particular, rely on a network of internal wires that require significant power to heat up. Plugging these appliances into a power strip can cause the cord insulation to melt, a hazard that’s easy to overlook until it becomes a real problem.
Space heaters and air conditioners
Both space heaters and window air conditioners are among the most power hungry devices in any home. Electricians have seen power strips melt and even catch fire when used with these high demand appliances. For air conditioners, a heavy duty extension cord that is properly rated for the unit’s wattage is a safer alternative but a dedicated wall outlet remains the best option.
Hair care appliances
Hair dryers, flat irons and curling wands draw power rapidly and in large amounts. These should always go directly into a wall outlet. In bathrooms especially, electricians recommend having a ground fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, outlet installed to guard against hazards from accidental water contact.
Medical devices
Devices like CPAP machines depend on a consistent, uninterrupted power supply. A power strip introduces the risk of fluctuations and surges that could interrupt or compromise the device’s function making this a health concern, not just an electrical one.
Gaming PCs and high end audio systems
Standard power strips offer no protection against power surges, which can be destructive for high performance electronics like gaming computers and premium audio equipment. For these devices, a quality surge protector from a reputable brand is the minimum requirement to keep them running safely.
Another power strip
Known as daisy-chaining, connecting one power strip to another is a widespread mistake that electricians flag regularly. It rapidly overloads the electrical system and, in many jurisdictions, violates fire safety codes. Instead, look for a single power strip that includes a built in circuit breaker, which automatically cuts power when demand climbs too high.
A simple rule to remember
If a device generates heat, runs on a motor, or consumes more than 1,000 watts, it belongs in a wall outlet not a power strip. When in doubt about your home’s electrical setup, consulting a licensed electrician is always the safest move.
