Never Plug Into a Power Strip
8 Common Household Items You Should Never Plug Into a Power Strip, Electricians Warn. Keep your devices running smoothly and protect your home with these expert tips. Power strips are a godsend for managing multiple devices, but theyre not the answer to all your electrical needs. “As a residential electrician, Ive run into a ton of issues caused by the wrong use of power strips and extension cords,” says Bobby Lynn of LiveWire Electrical. “Its important to understand that these devices are not designed for high-power appliances or for devices that need stable power.” So while power strips can handle most household gadgets, some are way too powerful and should be avoided, as this can lead to damage to your devices and even electrical fires. Here, electricians share those eight common household items you should never plug into a power strip Refrigerators and Freezers Since refrigerators and freezers are constantly in use, they need way more power to operate than other devices. Plugging them into power strips may cause the circuit to trip,” warns Daniel Mock, vice president at Mister Sparky. “It is best to have these devices plugged directly into a wall outlet.” Lynn agrees, pointing out that this isn’t just a safety hazard, but there’s also a damage risk. “I always advise, for the sake of your appliances, that these should be plugged directly into a wall outlet,” he urges. “They consume a lot of power, and if subjected to power fluctuations, it could damage their compressors. This isnt just bad for your appliance, its an added cost for you.” Microwaves According to Mock, most power strips cannot handle the 12 to 15 amps needed to power up a microwave. This can increase the chances of a fire and even damage your home’s electrical system. “If your house does not have enough outlets, you can call a professional electrician who can assist with the situation and perhaps make space for a new outlet in the kitchen,” Mock suggests. More Info online at: https://www.realsimple.com/items-you-should-never-plug-into-a-power-strip-8761020
