In our homes, electrical appliances of all kinds are multiplying, making our lives easier and easier. However, the number of outlets in a home is not unlimited. In this case, using a power strip or multi-contacts (in Argentina we call it an electric shoe) can save your day, as it can be used to connect several appliances at the same time or as an extension cord when necessary. However, this practical and inexpensive tool has some dangers and may be incompatible with certain appliances that consume too much energy. Find out which appliances should never be plugged into a power strip and why.
What are the dangers of a power strip?
When buying a power strip, it is very important to check the maximum wattage (W) that the product can support. Then, compare this maximum power with the power of each appliance you plan to plug in. If your appliances are too powerful and consume too much power, they can overheat and their voltage increases dangerously. This can damage your appliances, cause a power outage, or even cause a fire.
It is worth remembering that no less than 30% of fires have an electrical origin, and power strips, unfortunately, are not immune to this. Even if it’s supposedly fireproof or has an on/off switch, your power strip can catch fire if used improperly, especially if it’s old. In addition, these objects are often placed in a poorly ventilated and inconspicuous (and therefore difficult to monitor) corner or near curtains, which increases the risk of fire.
Finally, a damaged product can cause electrocution when handled.
Which appliances should never be plugged into a power strip or extension cord?
1) Plugging in another power strip or electric shoe: the mistake not to make!
In this configuration, the maximum power will be exceeded immediately, increasing the risk of fire and electrocution. Cascading should therefore be prohibited without hesitation.
2) The refrigerator: too greedy
With a consumption of about 200 to 500 kWh per year, the refrigerator or refrigerator is one of the appliances that consumes the most energy in the house, along with the freezer (including small and large appliances). As it is permanently connected to the mains, it represents a real danger, so it must have its own power socket for optimal safety. If you connect it to a power strip, you will reach the maximum power of the latter and you will not be able to increase the number of electrical connections without risk. Its use would then be meaningless.
