Life without electricity is difficult to envision in contemporary society, as a majority of our devices depend on electrical power. Nevertheless, the scarcity of outlets in numerous households compels us to rely on power strips, often without realizing that connecting high-energy appliances to them can pose fire risks. While power strips serve a purpose for devices such as phones and televisions, certain appliances should never be connected to them.
High-wattage devices, including air conditioners, space heaters, toasters, and microwaves, can lead to overheating and potential fires. Appliances like ovens, refrigerators, and washing machines require more power than a standard power strip can provide and should be connected to dedicated wall outlets. Similarly, portable heaters and coffee makers, which can consume up to 1,500 watts, present risks when used with power strips.
Toasters, despite their compact size, consume a considerable amount of energy and should be plugged directly into wall outlets. Connecting multiple power strips together contravenes safety regulations and can overload electrical circuits. For sensitive devices such as computers and televisions, it is advisable to use power strips equipped with surge protection to prevent damage. Always verify the power strip’s capacity prior to use to ensure safety.
