Plugging electrical appliances into power strips may seem convenient, but did you know it can be risky? Overloading the power strip or connecting energy-consuming devices can lead to failures, damage appliances, cause power outages, and even start fires.
Trust me, I learned this the hard way. Since then, I’ve been extra cautious. Let’s explore nine devices you should never plug into a power strip. But before that, let’s first understand how to determine the maximum power of a power strip.
Checking the Maximum Power of a Power Strip
Before connecting any device, take a look at the power cable of the power strip. It will indicate the maximum power the strip can handle. To ensure safety, you need to calculate the total power consumption of the devices you plan to connect.
This information is usually mentioned on each electrical device as well. Let’s consider an example where the power strip can handle a maximum power of 3500 W. If you connect an oven that consumes 2500 W, a vacuum cleaner that consumes 800 W, and a kettle that consumes 250 W, the total power consumption exceeds the limit at 3550 W (2500 + 800 + 250). In such cases, you must unplug one of the devices to avoid dangers. Now, let’s proceed to the list of devices you must avoid connecting to a power strip.
1. The Oven
Ovens are one of the most energy-intensive household appliances. To prevent dangerous overheating, it’s best to connect them directly to an individual wall outlet instead of a power strip.
2. The Refrigerator
Although refrigerators do not consume excessive energy compared to other appliances, they require a continuous electrical supply. Plugging them into an extension cord or a power strip is not recommended. It’s important to provide them with a dedicated outlet.
3. The Washing Machine and Tumble Dryer
Washing machines and tumble dryers consume a significant amount of energy. To avoid the risk of short circuits and overheating, always connect them to a wall outlet. Using a power strip is not a safe option.
4. Auxiliary Heating Devices
If you use auxiliary heating devices, remember to plug them directly into a wall outlet. These devices can overload a power strip quickly, posing a safety hazard.
5. The Microwave
Despite its small size, a microwave consumes a considerable amount of energy, approximately 70 kWh per year. It’s important to avoid connecting it to an extension cord and instead plug it directly into a wall outlet.
6. The Coffee Maker
Don’t be fooled by the size of a coffee maker. It actually consumes a significant amount of electricity, estimated at 165 kWh per year. For safety reasons, always connect it to a wall outlet instead of a power strip.
It’s essential to prioritize safety when dealing with electricity. By avoiding connecting these devices to power strips and following the recommended guidelines, you can minimize the risk of accidents and ensure the smooth functioning of your household appliances. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
7. High Power Tools
High power tools such as table saws, drills, and air compressors demand a lot of energy. These tools should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet to prevent power strip overload and reduce the risk of accidents.
8. Space Heaters
While space heaters are effective for keeping us warm, they are not suitable for power strips. Space heaters draw a significant amount of power and can easily overheat a power strip. To avoid fires and electrical hazards, always plug them directly into a wall outlet.
9. Air Conditioners
Air conditioners have high power requirements, especially central air conditioning units. Plugging them into a power strip can overload the strip and lead to malfunctions or even electrical fires. Connect air conditioners directly to a wall outlet to ensure safe operation.
By being aware of which devices should not be plugged into a power strip, you can protect your appliances, avoid accidents, and maintain a safe environment in your home. Always check the maximum power capacity of the power strip and read the power consumption labels on your devices. Remember, safety should never be compromised when it comes to electricity!
