Absolutely! Power strips are convenient, but not all devices are safe to plug into them. Doing so can be dangerous and even cause fires. Here’s a full guide:
⚡ 9 Things You Should Never Plug Into a Power Strip
1️⃣ Space Heaters
- Draw a lot of current and can easily overload a strip.
- Always plug directly into a wall outlet.
2️⃣ Microwave Ovens
- High-power appliances like microwaves need dedicated circuits.
- Using a power strip can overheat the strip and start a fire.
3️⃣ Refrigerators or Freezers
- These draw surge power when starting up.
- Power strips may not handle it—use wall outlets only.
4️⃣ Air Conditioners
- Window or portable AC units consume a lot of electricity.
- Power strips are not rated for constant high-load appliances.
5️⃣ Toasters, Coffee Makers, or Other Kitchen Appliances
- Appliances with heating elements are high-draw and can trip breakers or overheat.
6️⃣ Large Gaming PCs or Servers
- High-end computers can draw more current than some strips are rated for.
- Use surge-protected outlets designed for high load.
7️⃣ Space Lights or Halogen Lamps
- Halogen bulbs get extremely hot and can melt the plastic of a strip.
8️⃣ Electric Kettles or Rice Cookers
- Fast-heating appliances can overload a standard power strip quickly.
9️⃣ Medical Devices (CPAP, Oxygen Concentrators, etc.)
- Should always be plugged directly into the wall for safety and uninterrupted power.
⚡ Safety Tips for Power Strip Use
- Check the maximum wattage of your power strip and do not exceed it.
- Use surge-protected strips for electronics like TVs, computers, and modems.
- Never daisy-chain strips (plugging one into another).
- Keep strips away from water, heat, and heavy foot traffic.
✅ Bottom line: Power strips are great for small electronics like chargers, lamps, and speakers—but never plug in high-wattage appliances. Doing so is a fire hazard.
If you want, I can make a quick visual “Power Strip Safety Cheat Sheet” showing what to plug in and what to avoid, which is super handy to keep at home.
Do you want me to do that?
