Although using power strips to connect electrical gadgets is incredibly convenient and cost-effective, are you aware that there are specific hazards involved?
True malfunctions can occur if you plug in extremely power-hungry gadgets or if you overload the power strip. It has the potential to start fires, damage appliances, and knock out electricity. I don’t know how to put that into words.
The only reason I stated it was because that was my experience. Since then, I have been very cautious about my actions… Here are nine things you should never use a power strip for.
- Check the power strip’s maximum output first.
- One thing must be known before providing you with the list of electrical gadgets that should not be plugged in. You can always tell how much electricity a power strip can handle by looking at the cord.
- Accordingly, peruse this data before you even think about connecting any electrical gadgets. After then, it’s easy. The total power of all devices connected to the power strip has to be added.
Will you teach me how to determine the power of this or that device?
This data is printed on every single electrical appliance, just like it is on the power strip. I’ll illustrate this with a specific case. Just pretend that the highest current that your power strip can handle is 3500 W. The simultaneous operation of your oven, which uses 2500 W, requires that you connect it in. Take, for example, your 800 W vacuum cleaner and 250 W kettle. With 3550 W (2500 + 800 + 250), you’re beyond the 3500 W limit. With this particular situation, there is just one way out.
For the power strip to go back below its maximum power limit, unplug one of the electrical gadgets from it. If not handled properly, it poses serious risks. The following is a list of everything that has no business being connected to a power strip.
1. The oven
It would be hard to find a more energy-hungry home equipment than the oven. No matter how infrequent its usage, you must never, ever connect it to a power strip!
To prevent the potential of harmful overheating, it is preferable to supply a separate wall outlet.
2. The cold room
So now I’m prepared for what you’re going to say. When it comes to energy use, the fridge isn’t even close to the top dog. In our minds, it must be beneficial as it doesn’t drain the power grid too much.
An extension cable will work just fine with it. No way! Keep in mind that the power strip is always receiving voltage from a refrigerator. The takeaway here is that you need an extension cable to power this kind of gadget. Next, I’ll get into refrigerators, although this is relevant to freezers as well.
3. The washer
The annual energy consumption of a washing machine is around 1,150 kWh. Consequently, it is not a good choice for a power strip as it consumes a lot of electricity.
To prevent the extension cable from overheating or short circuiting, plug the washing machine into an electrical outlet. Tumble dryers are no different. You shouldn’t leave them connected to a power strip because of how much power they need.
4. Supplemental heating
I’m not saying you shouldn’t use it, but make sure you connect it into an outlet. Never using an extension cable; using one will cause the power strip to overflow extremely fast.
5. A microwave oven
The claim that this small metal box uses zero energy is completely false. On a yearly basis, a microwave may use around 70 kWh. Look, it’s not insignificant. Which is why using an extension cable is not a good idea.
6. The brewer
A coffee maker, on the surface, may not seem like it uses much power. With an estimated annual use of 165 kWh, it is actually fairly power-hungry. Connect it to an electrical outlet.
7. The half-moon
Toasting bread first thing in the morning uses 500 to 1000 W annually! Indeed, it’s quite a bit for such a little gadget. That being said, it is not recommended to connect it to a power strip.
8. Still another expansion
How many electrical devices do you have? As a result, you’ll need a network of interconnected extension cables. That was a terrible choice! Doing so will rapidly cause the power strip’s permissible maximum power to be exceeded.
Many home fires are started by this kind of careless behavior!
9. The set-top box, desktop, and television
This means that the TV, computer, and internet box do not use a lot of power. However, any electrical issue (overvoltage, etc.) might cause these devices to malfunction.
Therefore, unless you have a surge protector, you should not connect them to a power strip.
Now you know better than to connect any electrical item into a power strip.
Even if the likelihood of a fire is minimal, it is always wise to take precautions. Because there is a real danger of overheating