In our homes, electrical appliances of all kinds are multiplying, making our lives easier and easier. However, the number of outlets in a home is not unlimited. In this case, using a power strip or multi-contacts (in Argentina we call it an electric shoe) can save your day, as it can be used to connect several appliances at the same time or as an extension cord when necessary. However, this practical and inexpensive tool has some dangers and may be incompatible with certain appliances that consume too much energy. Find out which appliances should never be plugged into a power strip and why.

What are the dangers of a power strip?

When buying a power strip, it is very important to check the maximum wattage (W) that the product can support. Then, compare this maximum power with the power of each appliance you plan to plug in. If your appliances are too powerful and consume too much power, they can overheat and their voltage increases dangerously. This can damage your appliances, cause a power outage, or even cause a fire.

It is worth remembering that no less than 30% of fires have an electrical origin, and power strips, unfortunately, are not immune to this. Even if it’s supposedly fireproof or has an on/off switch, your power strip can catch fire if used improperly, especially if it’s old. In addition, these objects are often placed in a poorly ventilated and inconspicuous (and therefore difficult to monitor) corner or near curtains, which increases the risk of fire.

Finally, a damaged product can cause electrocution when handled.

Which appliances should never be plugged into a power strip or extension cord?

1) Plugging in another power strip or electric shoe: the mistake not to make!
In this configuration, the maximum power will be exceeded immediately, increasing the risk of fire and electrocution. Cascading should therefore be prohibited without hesitation.

2) The refrigerator: too greedy
With a consumption of about 200 to 500 kWh per year, the refrigerator or refrigerator is one of the appliances that consumes the most energy in the house, along with the freezer (including small and large appliances). As it is permanently connected to the mains, it represents a real danger, so it must have its own power socket for optimal safety. If you connect it to a power strip, you will reach the maximum power of the latter and you will not be able to increase the number of electrical connections without risk. Its use would then be meaningless.

3) Large appliances
Whether it is a washing machine, an oven or a dryer, the average consumption of this type of appliance is very high. For example, a washing machine consumes an average of 191 kWh per year, or more depending on the model. As with the fridge or freezer, it is best to have an individual wall socket to minimise the risk of dangerous overheating.

4) Additional or electric heating

Additional heating and electric heating have no place in a power strip or extension cord. These appliances consume too much energy. In addition, these units are not designed to handle the high current flow necessary for the proper operation of this type of installation. Due to the flow of energy, the risk of overheating and fire is very high.

5) The coffee maker, will also be connected elsewhere
Small appliances can also consume a lot of energy. This is especially true for the coffee maker, which is used several times a day, with the consequent risk of overheating. Remember that this type of appliance has a resistance system so it heats much more.

6) Microwaves
Like coffee makers, microwaves have no place in your power strips, as they also consume a lot of energy. This is especially true for devices with a grill function, which consume a lot of resources.

7) Toasters
Your ally at breakfast and snack also consumes a lot of energy. It can also be dangerous to plug it into one of your power strips and thus multiply the number of connections.

Normally, the use of power strips is temporary. If you can’t do anything else, at least make sure you comply with the feeding rules and turn them off or unplug them when not in use. Also remember to place them in a visible corner and away from the curtains. And above all, replace them when they show signs of wear or are too old (old power strips do not necessarily meet safety standards). And don’t forget to dust them off: it’s not a luxury! Finally, install a smoke detector and make sure you have a fire extinguisher.