9 Things You Should Never Plug Into a Power Strip (And Why It Matters)
Power strips are a convenient solution when outlets are scarce. But while they can handle a lot, they’re not meant for everything. Plugging the wrong items into a power strip isn’t just bad for your electronics—it can be a serious fire hazard.
Here are 9 things you should never plug into a power strip, no matter how tempting it may be.
⚡ 1. Refrigerators and Freezers
These appliances cycle on and off throughout the day, requiring high power surges. Power strips can’t handle those fluctuations—and if the strip fails, your food could spoil without warning.
Plug directly into a wall outlet for safety and reliability.
🔥 2. Space Heaters
These small devices draw a huge amount of electricity, especially when running on high. Power strips are not built to handle that load and can overheat quickly, causing fires.
💨 3. Microwaves
Even compact microwaves use a lot more power than you’d expect. Plugging them into a strip risks overloading the circuit, potentially tripping breakers or starting a fire.
🧺 4. Washing Machines and Dryers
These heavy-duty appliances require a grounded, dedicated outlet due to the sheer amount of electricity they pull. Power strips simply aren’t rated for them.
🔌 5. Coffee Makers or Toasters
Kitchen appliances with heating elements (like toasters, toaster ovens, and coffee makers) demand a quick burst of power, which can easily exceed a strip’s capacity.
🖥️ 6. High-End Computers or Gaming Systems
It may seem safe, but if you’re plugging an expensive PC or gaming console into a cheap power strip, you’re taking a risk. A surge or short could fry your hardware.
Instead, use a surge protector or a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) designed for electronics.
🌡️ 7. Air Conditioners
AC units draw a huge amount of current, especially during startup. Plugging them into a power strip is one of the fastest ways to cause an overload or blow the fuse.
🔧 8. Power Tools
Drills, saws, sanders, and other tools should always be plugged directly into a wall. The rapid changes in current while running these tools can cause overheating in a power strip.
🛏️ 9. Hair Dryers and Curling Irons
These bathroom essentials get hot fast—which means they use a lot of energy fast. A standard strip isn’t equipped to deal with the wattage and could melt the casing or worse.
⚠️ Bonus Tip: Don’t Daisy-Chain Power Strips
Plugging one power strip into another? That’s called daisy-chaining, and it’s a big no-no. It greatly increases the risk of overload, sparks, or electrical fires—and it’s actually against fire code in many areas.
🔍 Final Thoughts
Power strips are convenient, but they’re not all-powerful. Overloading them with high-draw appliances or electronics is one of the most common causes of household fires.
When in doubt, plug directly into the wall—and if you need more outlets for heavy-duty items, consult an electrician about adding properly rated circuits.
Your safety (and your devices) are worth the extra effort.
