In our modern world, where our lives are intertwined with technology and the need for multiple electrical connections, power strips have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. These devices offer convenience and flexibility and act as a hub to connect different appliances and gadgets simultaneously. However, amidst the simplicity they provide, there is a lesser-known side to using power cords – an area fraught with potential risks and dangers.
Actual malfunctions can actually be caused by overloading the extension cord or connecting extremely power-hungry devices. In addition to causing power outages and damage to household appliances, it can cause a fire!
How can I say that?
I only mentioned it because I experienced it. Since then I can assure you that I have been extremely careful in everything I do. Find out which 9 gadgets you should never use an extension cord with.
First, check the maximum power of the extension cord.
Before I give you a list of electrical devices you should never plug in, there’s one thing you need to know. The power cord on each extension bag indicates the maximum power that the extension cord can handle.
Therefore, read this information first before connecting any electrical devices. After that, it’s very easy.
Power must be added to each device plugged into the extension cord.
Can you tell me how to find out what performance this or that device has?
This information is actually printed on every electrical device, as well as on the extension cord. I will give you a specific illustration.
Let’s say the maximum power your extension cord can handle is 3500W. If you plug in an oven that uses 2500W at the same time, the vacuum cleaner uses 800 watts and the kettle uses 250 watts. 2500 + 800 + 250 = 3550 W is greater than 3500 W. There is only one answer in this particular case.
To return the device below the maximum power threshold, disconnect it from the extension cord. If not, it could be extremely dangerous. Now let’s look at every gadget that should not be connected to a hub.
1. Cooking Range
One of the household appliances that consumes the most energy is undoubtedly the oven. You really shouldn’t put it in an extension cord, even if you don’t use it often!
To reduce the possibility of dangerous overheating, it is preferable to provide each person with their own wall outlet.
2. Refrigerator
So I know what you want to say.
Among all household appliances, the refrigerator is not the one that consumes the most energy. Since it doesn’t use much power, we think it’s good.
It has no problem connecting to an extension cord. No, of course not! Remember that the refrigerator requires electrical voltage to be continuously applied to the power strip. Therefore, you forget to disconnect this kind of device from the extension cable. Then there are refrigerators, although they also include freezers.
3. Laundry
An average washing machine consumes 1150 kWh per year. As a result, it consumes a lot of power and is not recommended at all for use with an extension cord.
By plugging the washing machine into a wall outlet, you reduce the possibility of the extension cord shorting out and overheating. The same goes for clothes dryers. They need to be plugged into an extension cord because they use too much electricity.
4. Additional heating
I’m not saying you shouldn’t use it, just make sure you plug it directly into an outlet. Never use an extension cord with this device as the extension cord will quickly become overloaded.
5. Microwave oven
Never assume that this little metal box uses no power at all. An average microwave oven can use 70 kWh per year. It’s nothing, you see.
As a result, you should not use an extension cord with it.
6. Coffee maker
A small appliance like a coffee maker might seem to consume no resources at all.
With an estimated annual electricity consumption of 165 kWh, it is actually quite energy-intensive. So plug this gadget into the outlet.
7. Grid pain
If you toast buns every morning, your annual W consumption ranges from 500 to 1000! Yes, that’s a lot for such a small device. All of this is to warn you against using an extension cord to plug in.
8. Additional Extension
Do you need to connect a lot of electrical appliances? This way you use multiple extension cables that are connected to each other. Very very bad decision! This can easily cause the extension cord to exceed its maximum allowed power.
Such careless actions also start numerous house fires!
9. Television, computer, and internet box
So the computer, internet box and television do not consume a lot of electricity. However, these gadgets are extremely sensitive to any kind of electrical problem (surge, etc.).
Therefore, either arm yourself with a surge protector or do not plug them into an extension cord.
Summary Now that you know, you can avoid plugging certain electrical devices into power strips.
Although the probability of a fire is fortunately very low, prevention is still better than cure! Because there are risks associated with overheating.
In our quest for convenience and efficiency, relying on extension cords to connect multiple electrical devices seems like a practical choice. However, amid this convenience lies a hidden danger – the imminent risk of overload, overheating, and potential hazards.
My first-hand experience confirms the dangers that can result from overlooking the limitations of power strips. The importance of caution cannot be stressed enough, especially when it comes to the kind of appliances we plug into these seemingly innocuous strips.
Before plugging any device into an outlet, it is essential to understand the maximum capacity of the extension cord. The energy consumption of each device, clearly indicated on its label, must be accounted for to ensure that it does not exceed the threshold of the strip.
Some devices with high power consumption should never enter the power strip. Ovens, refrigerators, washing machines, additional heaters, microwave ovens, coffee makers, toasters, and the like require a direct connection to an electrical outlet to avoid overloading and potential hazards.
Additionally, chaining together multiple extension cords or connecting multiple outlets together is dangerous. Not only does it exceed the belt’s maximum capacity, but it also poses a significant fire risk, a mistake best avoided.
Devices such as computers, internet boxes, and televisions, although low power consumption, are sensitive to electrical fluctuations and are best protected by surge protectors or plugged directly into an outlet.
Basically, while extension cords offer convenience, a cautious approach to their use is essential. Although the likelihood of a fire may be slim, taking precautions to prevent overheating and electric shock far outweigh the consequences of neglecting these risks.
The lesson learned from experience is invaluable. Being aware of and following these precautions can avert potential disasters and ensure that our homes remain safe havens rather than hotbeds of electrocution.