The use of power strips is more than common in all homes, and they are especially useful for managing space and organizing the power sources for our devices. According to statements to Kompas by residential electrician and owner of LiveWire Electrical in Charlotte, North Carolina, Bobby Lynn, he has seen many problems at the household level due to not using power strips properly and responsibly. According to Real Simple, appliances that need a constant power source to operate, such as a refrigerator or freezer, should be plugged directly into the outlet. Otherwise, it can cause an electrical overload in the power strips, followed by a fire, as explained by Mister Sparky Vice President Daniel Mock.
Power strip ranger: the risk of overload
If there is something common in all the houses in the world, regardless of region, size, design, color, or shape, it is the use of power strips. Do you know what I mean? That kind of strip full of outlets that makes it possible for the living room lamp, the laptop charger, the phone charger, and the Kindle to be plugged in at the same time.
It is one of the most functional and practical household tools, but you also have to be careful, as improper use of them could cause a house fire. In his statements to Kompas, residential electrical technician and owner of LiveWire Electrical in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, Bobby Lynn said he has seen many household problems arising from the misuse of power strips. “These outlets are not designed for high-power appliances or devices that need a stable power supply. They can handle most appliances, but in some cases the power demand is too high, which can damage the device or even cause a fire,” he stated.
Which appliances can be plugged into a power strip without any problem?
The main consideration to keep in mind is that there are appliances and kitchen devices that require a constant source of electricity to operate, such as refrigerators and freezers. In these cases, Real Simple recommends connecting them directly to a wall outlet rather than a power strip. What is the danger of using a power strip in these situations?
According to Daniel Mock, Vice President of National Residential Electrical Service at Mister Sparky, “Large appliances should always be connected directly to the wall.” The same applies to microwaves, as the constant need for energy can cause the power strip to heat up due to an electrical overload, increasing the likelihood of a fire. That is why if you have more appliances of this type, and depending on the number of outlets in your kitchen, it is recommended to contact a licensed electrician to install more electrical outlets in the kitchen.
The importance of proper use
What at first glance seems to be one of the most practical and useful tools in a home can pose a threat if not used properly. That is why experts also recommend considering appliances such as coffee makers, toasters, and devices that require a considerable amount of energy. Long story short, if an appliance heats up, cools down, or requires a constant power source, it should be plugged directly into a power outlet and not into a power strip.