Firefighters Warn: Do Not Plug These Items into a Power Strip
Power strips are only designed for low‑wattage, low‑current devices such as phone chargers, lamps, TVs, and computers. Plugging high‑power or heavy-load appliances into a power strip can cause overheating, melted wiring, electrical arcing, or even fires.
Devices That Should Never Be Plugged into a Power Strip
Space heaters – continuous high power draw can overload strips.
Refrigerators and freezers – compressors cause power surges.
Microwave ovens – high energy demand can overheat wiring.
Coffee makers, toasters, toaster ovens, electric kettles – heating elements use substantial power.
Portable air conditioners and window AC units – heavy power draw and cycling load.
Hair dryers, curling irons, flat irons – generate heat and draw high current.
Clothes irons and other heating appliances – unsuitable for power strips.
Washing machines, dryers, or other major appliances – require dedicated circuits.
Another power strip or extension cord (daisy chaining) – multiplies overload risk and significantly increases fire hazard.
Why This Matters
Standard power strips are not built to handle devices with fluctuating or high wattage demands. When overloaded, they can heat up internally, melt insulation, and increase the risk of short circuits and electrical fires. Heavy-load appliances should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet or a dedicated circuit to ensure safety.
