Dangers of Overloading Power Strips: "Items You Should Never Plug In"

Power strips are handy devices that allow us to power multiple appliances and devices using a single outlet.

However, not all appliances and devices are suitable for plugging into power strips. In fact, plugging certain
appliances and devices into power strips can pose serious risks, including fire hazards and damage to the devices
themselves.

In this article, we'll go over some of the items that should never be plugged into power strips and why.

1. Refrigerators Refrigerators are among the most common appliances that people try to plug into power strips.
   However, refrigerators draw a lot of power, and plugging them into a power strip can overload it, causing it to overheat and potentially catch fire. Refrigerators should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet that is dedicated to them.

2. Microwaves Microwaves are another appliance that should never be plugged into power strips. Like refrigerators, microwaves draw a lot of power and can overload power strips, which can lead to a fire. Microwaves should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet.

3. Air Conditioners Air conditioners are another high-power appliance that should not be plugged into power strips. Air conditioners draw a lot of current, and plugging them into a power strip can cause the strip to overheat and potentially catch fire. Air conditioners should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet.

4. Coffee Makers and Toasters Coffee makers and toasters may seem like innocuous appliances, but they can also cause power strips to overheat and potentially catch fire. These appliances should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet.

5. Hair Appliances Hair appliances such as hair dryers, curling irons, and flat irons draw a lot of power and can overload power strips, leading to a potential fire. Hair appliances should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet.

6. Slow Cookers: Slow cookers are another appliance that should not be plugged into power strips. Slow cookers draw a lot of power over a long period of time, and plugging them into a power strip can cause the strip to overheat and potentially catch fire. Slow cookers should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet.

7. Sump Pumps: Sump pumps are critical for preventing flooding in basements and other areas of the home. However, they draw a lot of power and should never be plugged into power strips. Sump pumps should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet that is dedicated to them.

8. Blenders Blenders: draw a lot of power and should not be plugged into power strips. Blenders should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet.

9. Another Power Strip: One of the biggest mistakes people make with power strips is daisy-chaining them, or plugging one power strip into another. This is a fire hazard and should never be done.

10. Air Compressors, Portable Heaters, Washing Machines, Gaming Equipment, Power Tools:  Finally, high-power devices such as air compressors, portable heaters, washing machines, gaming  and power tools should never be plugged into power strips. These devices draw a lot of current and can cause portable heaters, washing machines, power strips, equipment overheat and potentially catch fire. They should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet.

In conclusion, power strips are a great way to power multiple devices from a single outlet, but they are not suitable for all appliances and devices. To avoid fire hazards and damage to your devices, make sure to only plug appropriate items into power strips, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

WNCtimes by Marjorie Farrington