When contemplating the past, it’s natural to ponder how people lived without electricity. In today’s world, we can’t fathom a day without it, as our devices and electronics rely on this essential energy source.

Despite the prevalence of power strips in most homes, not many power outlets are available to accommodate the ever-increasing demand for electricity. While power strips are convenient for charging phones and operating entertainment setups, it’s crucial to recognize that plugging high-energy appliances into them can transform these strips into potential fire hazards.

Certain items, such as air conditioners, space heaters, toasters, and other high-wattage devices, can cause power strips to overheat, posing a serious fire risk.

Before connecting any device to a power strip, it’s important to assess its power-handling capacity, usually indicated on the product itself. High-capacity appliances draw significant electricity through electrical circuits, and it’s worth noting that an appliance doesn’t have to be large to consume substantial power.

Here’s a list of appliances that should never be plugged into a power strip:

Oven: Due to its power-hungry nature, the oven should have its dedicated wall outlet on a separate circuit.
Refrigerator: Refrigerators, being power-intensive and cycling on and off, require a dedicated wall outlet to prevent overloading power strips.
Washing Machine: These appliances, drawing a substantial amount of power, should not share an outlet with other devices.
Heating: Portable heaters, consuming 1,500 watts on their high setting, are not suitable for power strips due to their extended usage periods.
Microwave: Microwaves, being energy-intensive, should be plugged into their dedicated receptacle.

Coffee Maker: Unaware of their power consumption, coffee makers should not be connected to power strips.

Toaster: Despite seeming low-energy, toasters draw significant power and should be directly plugged into a receptacle.
Another Power Strip: Using power strips in conjunction violates safety codes and risks overloading the electrical system.
Electronics (Computer, TV, Router): While not power-intensive on their own, these sensitive devices are prone to surges. Consider using a power strip with surge protection to safeguard them.
Understanding the limitations and safety precautions associated with power strips is essential to prevent potential hazards and ensure the reliable functioning of appliances and electronics.