Eight Common Home Objects to Avoid Connecting to a Power Multiplier
Eight Common Home Objects to Avoid Connecting to a Power Multiplier
Power strip solutions are great for managing multiple devices, yet they're not the magic bullet for all your electrical problems. As a residential electrician, I've encountered countless issues due to incorrect power strip and extension cord usage, says Bobby Lynn of LiveWire Electrical in Charlotte, NC. It's crucial to grasp that these devices are not engineered for high-power appliances or devices requiring stable power.
Even though power strips can accommodate most household gadgets, some are excessively powerful and should be avoided to avoid damaging your devices and even potential electrical explosions. Here, electricians share the eight common household items not suitable for power strips:
- Residential electrician and LiveWire Electrical owner in Charlotte, NC - Bobby Lynn
- Daniel Mock, vice president at Mister Sparky, a nationwide network of residential electricians
- WG Hickman, owner of Tri-County Air Service in Mississippi
Refrigerators and Freezers
Due to continuous use, refrigerators and freezers require more power to operate than other devices. "Plugging them into power strips may trigger a circuit breaker," warns Daniel Mock, vice president at Mister Sparky. It's best to connect these devices directly to a wall outlet.
Lynn concurs, emphasizing not just safety concerns but damage risks as well. "I always recommend, 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 subjecting them to power fluctuations could damage their compressors. This negatively impacts your appliance and adds to your expenses."
Microwaves
According to Mock, most power strips cannot handle the 12 to 15 amps required for microwave operation, increasing the chances of a fire and potentially damaging your home's electrical system.
If your home lacks sufficient outlets, consider consulting a professional electrician for help, suggests Mock.
Small Kitchen Appliances
Despite being lightweight, small countertop appliances like coffee makers and toasters can put a significant strain on power strips. As per Mock, toasters have a dense network of exposed wires that require considerable power to heat up, causing potential cord melting.
Plugging these small machines into a power strip can also result in wire insulation damage.
Space Heaters and Air Conditioners
These appliances consume a lot of electricity and are beyond the capabilities of power strips. "It's strictly off-limits to connect space heaters and air conditioners to power strips due to the high risk of overheating," says Lynn. "I've witnessed instances where power strips have actually melted and, in the worst-case scenario, ignited due to their use with high-demand devices. It's a looming safety hazard."
Mock recommends using a heavy-duty, properly rated extension cord to ensure your AC functions properly and avoids overloading.
Hair Care Appliances
Hair care appliances, such as hair dryers, utilize a substantial amount of power swiftly. Lynn advises connecting these devices directly to wall outlets to avoid electrical mishaps.
"With hair care appliances, it is best to have an electrician install a GFCI outlet in your home to avoid bathroom hazards like accidental water exposure," says Mock.
Medical Devices
Medical devices, like CPAP machines, require consistent, stable power, making them unsuitable for power strips.
Gaming PCs and High-End Audio Systems
Hickman suggests avoiding plugging these devices into basic power strips as they offer no protection against power surges. Instead, use a quality surge protector like APC or Tripp Lite.
Another Power Strip
Mock cautions against using multiple power strips in sequence, often referred to as "daisy-chaining." This quickly overloads the electrical system and violates fire safety codes.
He advises investing in a power strip with a circuit breaker, which cuts power once the power strip is overloaded.
"Here's a simple guideline: If a device generates heat, has a motor, or uses more than 1,000 watts, avoid power strips and head straight for a wall outlet," Hickman suggests.
Use power strips only for low-power items, such as chargers or lamps. For more substantial devices, simply plug them into a wall outlet, advises Lynn. Unsure or concerned about your electrical setup? Don't hesitate to contact a professional electrician. We're here to help!
In light of the potential risks, residential electrician Bobby Lynn suggests avoiding plugging in high-power appliances like refrigerators and freezers into power strips, as it could lead to circuit breaker tripping and cause damage to the appliances. He emphasizes the importance of directly connecting such devices to a wall outlet for their longevity and effective operation.
Furthermore, Daniel Mock, vice president at Mister Sparky, warns against using power strips for appliances like microwaves, as they require 12 to 15 amps, which is beyond the capacity of most power strips, increasing the risk of fire and damaging the electrical system. He advises considering a professional electrician's help if insufficient outlets are a problem.