Most of us have a power strip or two in our home, helping to power our various electronics. After all, they’re convenient, right? And power strips can be a great option for running low-power devices such as lamps, phone chargers, routers and modems, clocks, gaming consoles, and printers. But did you know that not everything belongs in a power strip? Using them incorrectly turns this safe convenience into a hazard that can have serious consequences, from damaged electronics to house fires.
To get the best advice on what shouldn’t be plugged into a power strip, we consulted a master electrician for expert tips on keeping our homes safe. Following these safety tips will help prevent electrical mishaps and keep your home running smoothly.
Small Kitchen Appliances
According to master electrician Josh Luby, your microwave, toaster, coffee maker, mixer, slow cooker, and air fryer need to be plugged directly into the wall. These draw higher amounts of power than most power strips are equipped to handle and cannot be safely plugged into a strip. It’s also best practice to unplug small appliances you are not using and plug them in only during use to avoid potential safety hazards.
I’ve always been guilty of leaving my toaster plugged into a power strip for convenience, but after learning about the risks, I’m rethinking that habit. Kitchen appliances like these can pull anywhere from 800 to 1800 watts, depending on the model, which often exceeds the typical 15-amp rating of a standard power strip. For context, a typical power strip is designed to handle about 1800 watts total, so plugging in a single high-wattage appliance could push it to the limit—or beyond. To stay safe, I now make it a point to plug my coffee maker directly into the wall and unplug it after my morning brew. If you’re wondering whether your appliance is too much for a power strip, check its wattage (usually listed on the bottom or in the manual) and compare it to your power strip’s rating. Better yet, invest in a heavy-duty power strip with a higher amperage rating if you must use one, but even then, direct wall outlets are the safest bet for these power-hungry gadgets.
Medical Equipment
Any kind of medical device should be plugged directly into the wall every single time. Medical devices such as CPAP Machines, nebulizers, and rechargeable mobility aids need the reliability of a direct power source. Many of these devices pull a lot of power that could potentially overload a power strip. Additionally, in the event of a power strip malfunction, these potentially life-saving devices could be interrupted. To avoid power disturbances, never plug a medical device into a power strip. For peace of mind, look for a power strip with a UL safety certification to ensure it meets safety standards.
My uncle relies on a CPAP machine every night, and the thought of it cutting out due to a power strip failure is honestly terrifying. Medical devices often require consistent, uninterrupted power, and even a brief disruption can be risky. For example, a CPAP machine might use around 50-100 watts, which seems low, but the critical nature of these devices means you can’t take chances with a potentially faulty power strip. If you’re using a power strip elsewhere in your home, I’d recommend checking for that UL certification—it’s a small logo, but it means the product has been rigorously tested for safety. Also, consider keeping a backup power source, like a small uninterruptible power supply (UPS), for critical medical equipment. It’s a bit of an investment, but the peace of mind is worth it.
Space Heaters, Air Conditioners, and Dehumidifiers
Modern infrared space heaters carry fewer risks than the space heaters of yore. They are designed to be cool to the touch on the outside, and they don’t release potentially harmful gases. But that doesn’t mean they are totally risk-free. The current flow required to power a space heater, AC unit, or dehumidifier generally exceeds the safe limit of a power strip. That can mean melting, sparking, burning outlets, and potentially dangerous fires. Make sure to plug this kind of appliance directly into the wall.
Last winter, I was tempted to plug my space heater into a power strip to free up an outlet, but I’m glad I didn’t. These appliances can draw upwards of 1500 watts, which is often the entire capacity of a standard power strip. According to the National Fire Protection Association, space heaters are involved in about 1,700 home fires annually in the U.S., and improper use of power strips is a common culprit. To keep things safe, I now make sure my heater is plugged directly into a dedicated outlet, and I double-check that the outlet isn’t loose or worn out, which can also cause issues. If you’re using a space heater, consider setting a timer to remind yourself to turn it off after a few hours—better safe than sorry!
‘Daisy-Chaining’ Power Strips or Extension Cords
It might be tempting to plug a power strip into another power strip (or an extension cord) to create a longer reach or power more devices. According to Luby, though, this practice is a bad idea. “It increases the risk of overload and fire,” he says. Power strips are not designed to be used this way, and it’s not worth the risk. To make power strip usage even safer, look for a heavy-duty model with a thicker internal wire that can safely handle a higher current. Luby recommends looking for a model with #12 AWG wire and a built-in surge protector. This will protect plugged-in devices like computers, TVs, game consoles, modems and routers, and audio equipment against voltage spikes.
I used to daisy-chain power strips in my home office to accommodate all my gadgets, thinking it was a clever fix. Big mistake. Not only does this overload the circuit, but it also increases the chance of a voltage spike frying your expensive electronics. A surge protector with #12 AWG wire, as Luby suggests, is a game-changer because it can handle more current than the standard #14 or #16 wires in cheaper models. If you’re setting up a home office or entertainment center, take a moment to map out your outlets and consider hiring an electrician to add a dedicated circuit if you’re short on plugs. It’s a bit of a hassle upfront, but it’s way cheaper than replacing a melted power strip or, worse, dealing with a fire.
Hair Dryers, Curling Irons, and Flat Irons
Luby says it’s okay to plug one hair tool at a time into a power strip—but since the heating elements in these devices pull significant amperage, using the same strip for multiple hair tools can create a fire risk. Don’t worry: You don’t have to resort to air-drying. Just remember to use one tool at a time, plug it in, stay with it while it heats up, use it, and then unplug it before walking away.
I’ve been guilty of plugging both my hair dryer and flat iron into the same power strip to save time, but after learning how much power these tools draw—sometimes up to 1875 watts for a hair dryer alone—I’ve changed my ways. The heating elements in these devices work hard, and overloading a power strip can cause it to overheat fast. A good habit I’ve picked up is to keep a small timer near my vanity to remind me to unplug my hair tools as soon as I’m done. Also, if you’re using a power strip for a hair tool, make sure it’s not tucked under a rug or covered with clothes—keeping it in the open helps prevent heat buildup. It’s a small change, but it makes a big difference in staying safe.
