Power strips are incredibly handy. One wall outlet can suddenly become a charging station for your phone, laptop, lamp, and other small electronics. The problem is that a power strip has limits, and some appliances simply draw too much electricity to be safely connected to one.
High-wattage appliances can put too much load on the strip, causing it to overheat, trip a breaker, or, in the worst cases, contribute to an electrical fire. Electrical Safety First reports that thousands of household fires each year have an electrical cause, including faulty wiring, damaged cords, and improper appliance use.
The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) also warns against using power strips for high-load appliances such as space heaters and refrigerators. If an appliance requires a large amount of electricity, plugging it directly into an appropriate wall outlet is usually the safer choice.
Here are 14 household devices that are better left off your power strip.
Refrigerators
A refrigerator runs throughout the day, with the compressor switching on and off to maintain the temperature inside. That repeated cycling can place a heavy load on a power strip that wasn’t built for it.
A refrigerator should have its own properly rated wall outlet. This gives the appliance a steady source of electricity and removes the power strip as a potential weak point.
Electrical distribution equipment is also one of the leading sources of home electrical fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. If you’re already dealing with an older electrical system, it’s even more important to avoid putting large appliances on a shared strip.
You can also check for other sneaky electrical fire hazards in your home while you’re at it.
Microwaves
Microwaves can draw a surprising amount of electricity while they’re running. Since they heat food quickly, they need a substantial amount of current in a short period.
That’s why a microwave is better connected directly to a wall outlet instead of sharing a power strip with several other devices. A dedicated outlet reduces the chance of overloading the circuit or overheating the strip.
It may seem harmless to plug a microwave into a strip simply because the plug fits, but the physical connection doesn’t mean the setup is electrically suitable.
Toasters
A toaster produces heat, and producing that heat takes a lot of electricity. A quick breakfast might only take a few minutes, but the appliance can still draw a substantial load while it’s running.
Plug your toaster directly into the wall rather than adding it to a power strip with other appliances. This is especially important in kitchens, where it’s easy to have several high-wattage devices competing for the same electrical capacity.
If a breaker trips whenever you use the toaster and another appliance at the same time, that’s a good reason to stop and look at how those devices are connected.
Space Heaters
Space heaters are among the biggest appliances to avoid putting on a power strip. They can draw a large amount of electricity for extended periods, which can cause a strip or extension cord to become dangerously hot.
ESFI specifically warns against plugging portable heaters into power strips or extension cords. The safest setup is to connect the heater directly to a properly rated wall outlet.
Keep the heater away from curtains, bedding, furniture, and other things that can catch fire. And if the plug or outlet becomes hot while the heater is running, stop using it.
Related: 13 Things You’ll Find in Almost Every American Home
Air Conditioners
Window and portable air conditioners can also draw a substantial amount of electricity, particularly when the compressor starts up.
Using a power strip adds another connection between the appliance and the wall outlet, which isn’t ideal for a high-load device. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for connecting your particular air conditioner, and use a properly rated wall outlet.
Air conditioning can already account for a large portion of household electricity use, so the electrical connection deserves some attention.
If you’re looking for other ways to make your home more practical, these DIY mini wall shelf ideas can help with storage without taking up much floor space.
Washing Machines
Washing machines contain motors, heating elements, pumps, and electronic controls, depending on the model. That makes them a poor match for a basic power strip.
A washing machine should be connected according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions, usually to a properly grounded wall outlet. Avoid using an extension cord or power strip unless the manufacturer specifically allows it.
The laundry room is also a place where water and electricity are close together, so keeping electrical connections in good condition matters even more.
Electric Dryers
Electric clothes dryers are among the highest-energy appliances found in many homes. They produce heat for long periods and require a substantial electrical supply.
A standard power strip isn’t made for this kind of load. Electric dryers normally require their own properly rated circuit and outlet, so they should never be connected to a household power strip.
Don’t forget about the lint filter, either. Cleaning it regularly helps the dryer operate properly and reduces one of the common fire hazards associated with clothes dryers.
Related: 15 Things You Should Never Leave Hanging on Your Front Door
Dishwashers
Dishwashers use electricity to run pumps, motors, heating elements, and electronic controls. Because they can draw considerable current during certain parts of a cycle, they’re better connected directly to the electrical supply specified by the manufacturer.
Avoid using a power strip or ordinary extension cord to reach an inconvenient outlet. If the dishwasher isn’t close enough to a suitable electrical connection, having the setup inspected by a qualified electrician is a much safer choice.
Running full loads and using the appropriate cycle can also help keep your dishwasher’s energy and water use under control.
Hair Dryers
A hair dryer might look small enough to plug into anything, but its size is misleading. Many models use a high amount of electricity to produce the heat needed for drying hair.
That’s why it’s best to plug a hair dryer directly into a wall outlet, especially in a bathroom where moisture is already present.
If you’re cleaning up around your home afterward, these 12 quick and effective ways to clean pet hair from furniture can help with the aftermath.
And never leave a hair dryer running unattended. Once you’re finished, switch it off and unplug it.
Curling Irons and Straighteners
Curling irons and hair straighteners use heating elements to reach high temperatures. While they don’t usually consume as much electricity as an air conditioner or dryer, they’re still heat-producing appliances that are better connected directly to a wall outlet.
Electrical Safety First provides guidance on avoiding overloaded sockets, including the risks of connecting too many appliances to one outlet.
There’s also a simple safety habit worth keeping: turn these tools off when you’re finished using them. A hot styling tool left unattended can cause burns or start a fire if it comes into contact with the wrong surface.
Coffee Makers
A basic coffee maker may not seem like a heavy electrical load, but many modern machines use heating elements to bring water up to brewing temperature. Espresso machines and models with built-in grinders or other features can draw even more electricity.
If you’re making coffee every morning, plugging the machine directly into the wall is a better choice than sharing a power strip with several other appliances.
It’s also worth cleaning the machine regularly. Mineral buildup can affect how well it heats water and brews coffee, so routine cleaning can help keep it running properly.
Research into coffee machine energy consumption shows that these appliances can use a noticeable amount of electricity, particularly during heating.
Electric Kettles
Electric kettles heat water very quickly, which is exactly why they can draw a lot of electricity while running.
If you’re using a kettle, plug it directly into a wall outlet rather than adding it to a power strip with several other appliances. A kettle may only run for a few minutes, but that doesn’t mean its electrical demand is small.
Regularly removing mineral buildup can also help a kettle heat water properly and keep it working well. This power strip safety guide also covers why certain high-draw appliances should have a direct connection to the wall.
Slow Cookers
Slow cookers generally use less electricity than many other kitchen appliances, but they can run for several hours at a time. That long operating period makes it a good idea to plug one directly into a wall outlet rather than leaving it on a power strip.
A power strip can become warm when it’s carrying a load for hours, particularly if other appliances are connected to it at the same time.
The slow cooker itself is handy for preparing meals while you’re busy with other things, but it still needs a safe electrical connection. Keep the cord away from hot surfaces and check it for damage before use.
Electric Ovens
Electric ovens require a substantial amount of electricity to heat up and maintain cooking temperatures. They aren’t suitable for a typical household power strip.
Depending on the model and local electrical requirements, an electric oven may need a dedicated circuit and a properly rated outlet or hardwired connection. Always follow the installation instructions for your specific appliance.
Regular maintenance helps, too. Keeping the oven clean, checking the door seal, and making sure the controls and electrical connections are in good condition can help the appliance run properly.
A Power Strip Isn’t a Substitute for More Outlets
Power strips are useful for small electronics and lower-load devices, but they’re not a way to turn one wall outlet into a source for several high-demand appliances.
Before plugging something in, check the appliance’s wattage and the power strip’s rating. If you’re unsure whether an appliance is suitable for a particular outlet or circuit, check the manufacturer’s instructions or ask a qualified electrician.
A few extra seconds spent checking can prevent an overheated cord, a tripped breaker, damaged equipment, or something far more serious.
