Power strips are everywhere.
Under desks.
Behind entertainment centers.
In dorm rooms and home offices.
They help us charge phones, power laptops, and run lamps with ease.
But here’s what most people don’t realize:
👉 Not everything belongs on a power strip.
While they’re great for low-power electronics, power strips are not designed to handle high-wattage appliances. Overloading them can cause overheating, melting, or even electrical fires.
In fact, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:
Over 3,300 home fires each year are linked to power strips and surge protectors — many due to misuse.
Let’s explore the 9 common household items you should never plug into a power strip — so you can protect your home, your devices, and your family.
Because real convenience isn’t about plugging everything in.
It’s about knowing what shouldn’t go in.
⚠️ Why Power Strips Have Limits
Power strips are not magic.
They’re extensions of your wall outlet — with the same circuit limits.
Key Facts
✅ Most power strips handle up to 15 amps (about 1,800 watts)
❗ Plugging in multiple high-draw devices can exceed this limit
🚫 Daisychaining (plugging one strip into another) multiplies risk
🔥 Overloaded strips overheat → insulation melts → fire starts
💡 Rule of thumb: Use power strips only for low-power electronics, never as a permanent fix for lack of outlets.
Now, let’s look at what never belongs on one.
❌ 1. Refrigerator
Why It’s Dangerous:
Draws 600–800+ watts, especially during compressor startup
Runs 24/7 — constant load stresses the strip
If the strip fails, food spoils — fast
✅ Fix: Always plug refrigerators directly into a dedicated wall outlet.
❌ 2. Air Conditioner (Window or Portable)
Why It’s Dangerous:
Can draw 1,000–1,500 watts — near or above strip capacity
Heat + high current = melted plastic, sparks, or fire
🔥 One overloaded power strip caused a 2019 NYC apartment fire that killed 7 people — sparked by a window AC unit.
✅ Fix: Plug AC units directly into a wall outlet on a dedicated circuit.
❌ 3. Washing Machine & Dryer
Why It’s Dangerous:
High water exposure increases shock risk
Washer motors draw surges; dryers use 1,800–5,000 watts
Vibration can loosen plugs over time
✅ Fix: These require 240-volt outlets (dryer) or dedicated circuits (washer) — never use an extension or power strip.
❌ 4. Microwave
Why It’s Dangerous:
Uses 800–1,500 watts depending on size
Often used alongside other kitchen devices (kettle, toaster) — easy to overload
🚫 Even if it fits, it doesn’t mean it’s safe.
✅ Fix: Plug directly into a wall outlet — ideally on its own circuit.
❌ 5. Space Heater
Why It’s Dangerous:
One of the top causes of winter fires
Draws 1,500 watts — maxes out most strips instantly
Generates heat that can ignite nearby materials
🛑 The NFPA warns: Never use a power strip or extension cord with a space heater.
✅ Fix: Plug directly into a wall outlet — and keep it clear of rugs and curtains.
❌ 6. Coffee Maker / Electric Kettle
Why It’s Dangerous:
Rapid heating requires high wattage (800–1,500W)
Often grouped with other kitchen gadgets on one strip → overload
☕ A single coffee maker might be okay — but never pair it with a toaster, blender, or kettle.
✅ Fix: Use separate wall outlets — or stagger usage.
❌ 7. Toaster or Toaster Oven
Why It’s Dangerous:
Draws 800–1,800 watts
Generates heat and crumbs — fire hazard if near plastic strip
Commonly used with other breakfast appliances
🔥 Crumbs falling into a warm power strip can smolder and ignite.
✅ Fix: Plug directly into the wall — and clean under it regularly.
❌ 8. Iron or Hair Styling Tools
Why It’s Dangerous:
Flat irons and curling wands get extremely hot
Sudden surges when heating up
Risk of melting the strip or igniting nearby items
🧍♀️ Many salon fires start from styling tools plugged into overloaded strips.
✅ Fix: Use a wall outlet — unplug immediately after use.
❌ 9. Dishwasher or Other Built-In Appliances
Why It’s Dangerous:
Hardwired or outlet-connected for safety
Requires stable, grounded power
Moisture exposure increases electrical risks
🔌 Never plug any permanently installed appliance into a power strip.
✅ Fix: These should be hardwired or connected via direct outlet — no exceptions.
✅ Safe Devices for Power Strips
Use power strips only for:
Device
Wattage Range
✅ Laptop
30–90W
✅ Phone/Tablet Charger
5–25W
✅ LED Lamp
5–15W
✅ Router/Modem
10–30W
✅ TV (small to medium)
50–200W
✅ Gaming Console
70–200W
💡 Tip: Add up total wattage — stay under 80% of the strip’s capacity (e.g., under 1,440W for a 15A strip).
❌ Debunking the Myths
Myth
Truth
❌ “Surge protectors can handle anything”
No — even surge protectors have load limits
❌ “If it works, it’s safe”
Dangerous myth — damage builds silently
❌ “Daisy-chaining doubles my outlets”
False — it triples fire risk
❌ “All power strips are the same”
Not true — look for UL certification and joule rating
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to unplug everything to stay safe.
But you do deserve peace of mind.
So next time you're plugging in a device…
pause.
Ask:
Is this meant for a wall outlet instead?
Then act — wisely, calmly, and without clutter.
Because real safety isn’t loud.
It’s quiet.
And sometimes,
it starts with one empty socket — and one decision to care.
And that kind of awareness?
It protects more than just wires.
It protects your home.