9 Appliances You Should Never Plug Into a Power Strip
Power strips are a lifesaver when your home doesn’t have enough outlets — but using them incorrectly can turn a convenient solution into a serious fire hazard.
Firefighters report that overloading power strips with high-wattage appliances is one of the leading causes of house fires. Before you plug in that heavy-duty device, it’s important to know which items can push your strip past its limits.
Why Power Strips Can Be Dangerous
Most power strips are designed for low-wattage electronics like phone chargers, lamps, or small gadgets.
They aren’t built to handle high-powered appliances, which can cause overheating, sparks, or even a fire — sometimes while you’re asleep. Always check the power rating on your strip and never exceed it.
9 Appliances You Should Avoid Plugging Into a Power Strip
Ovens – These consume massive amounts of energy and need a dedicated wall outlet on a separate circuit. A strip simply can’t handle the load.
Refrigerators – With constant on-and-off cycling, fridges draw significant power. Plug them directly into a wall outlet to avoid overloading.
Washing Machines – These appliances can pull up to 1400 watts over long cycles. A power strip is no match for that kind of energy draw.
Space Heaters – Portable heaters often use around 1500 watts and run for hours. They can easily overheat a power strip and start a fire.
Microwaves – The quick, high-energy bursts required by microwaves demand a dedicated outlet. Never plug them into a strip.
Coffee Makers – Small but powerful, coffee makers use more electricity than most realize. Direct wall outlets are safest.
Toasters – These appliances generate heat while drawing high current — a recipe for disaster if plugged into a strip.
Another Power Strip – Daisy-chaining strips (plugging one into another) violates electrical codes and greatly increases fire risk.
Sensitive Electronics (Computers, TVs, Routers) – While they may not overload a strip, these devices are vulnerable to surges. Always use a surge-protecting strip or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
Safety Tips
Reserve power strips for low-wattage devices like chargers, lamps, and small gadgets.
Use surge protectors for electronics that need protection against voltage spikes.
Check the amperage and wattage ratings on both your strip and devices.
Never leave high-power appliances unattended while plugged into a strip.
Conclusion
Power strips are convenient, but misusing them can put your home at risk. High-powered or constantly running appliances should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet — ideally on a dedicated circuit.
Treat your power strip as a tool for low-wattage devices, and invest in surge protection for sensitive electronics. Understanding what not to plug in is the first step toward keeping your home safe from preventable fires.