Power strips come in use in applications that require multiple AC outlets but lack surge or line noise safeguards. They are portable and can be placed on the ground or mounted on a rack, walls, and workbenches.
While the power strip provides more plugs and surges safety, it is not intended to be used for everything. There are specific electronic devices that one should never plug into a power strip. This includes large and small appliances and standard equipment such as hair styling tools.
Never use a power strip for massive power appliances. Overloading occurs when large devices that produce continuous power are plugged into a power strip. They cause it to be unstable and incapable of keeping up with the machinery. As a result, the electronic device may overheat or burn out and cease functioning properly. It’s not suitable for equipment that you use frequently.
While opting for a good powerstrip, Americord is the best choice for a surge safeguard for your home, office, or leisure setup. They offer a quality extension cord with switch, providing excellent protection against household surges caused by other equipment in your home. Americord also makes it simple to design the ideal power strip for your specific application needs by offering a wide range of molds for NEMA, IEC, and international setups. You can also check nema plug chart pdf for your reference.
Source: Pixabay
Here is a list of items one should never plug into a power strip.
- Refrigerator
Refrigerators and freezers draw too much load for a power strip as they cycle on and off constantly. A power strip will quickly become overloaded as a result of this. Refrigerators and freezers must be plugged straight into a wall outlet designated for that specific appliance. You risk tripping a breaker if you plug other appliances into the same outlet, assuming it’s a duplex.
- Microwave Oven
For most users, a microwave oven is just a small appliance? However, its miraculous features, such as defrosting, warming, cooking, and reheating, necessitate a significant amount of energy— much more than a power strip can provide. Hence, your microwave oven, too, requires its dedicated wall outlet.
- Portable Heaters and Air Coolers
Compact heaters and air conditioners are designed for cycling on and off, drawing a significant amount of current when turned on. This activity can overload a power strip, tripping the circuit breaker or causing dangerous overheating. As a result, these appliances should always be plugged into a specialized outlet.
- Coffee Maker
Heating water appears to be a relatively simple task, isn’t it? However, the process is far more complex. Most coffee makers require more amperage to convert wonderfully roasted coffee beans into a hot drink than a power strip can guarantee. Hence, ensure that the machine is plugged directly into a wall socket.
- Toasters
Suppose you’ve ever looked inside a toaster to remove a particularly stubborn piece of broken crust. In that case, you’ll notice that the inside is essentially a bunch of wires that heat the system up to red-hot temperatures to toast the bread. Unfortunately, the current draw required by those wires can effortlessly cause a power strip to heat up. This problem also affects toaster ovens, waffle irons, and electric skillets.
- Hairdressing Appliances
It would help if you had them hot and ready to go, so a power strip on the shower counter is a godsend when you only have one outlet. The issue is as follows: Hairdryers, curling wands, and flat irons must produce heat, which indicates they must draw a lot of currents to get hot. Plugging them into a power strip is asking for disaster.
- Another Power Strip
Power strips are not compatible. While connecting one power strip to another may seem logical to increase the number of available outlets, it is extremely hazardous. It violates every fire safety protocol in the book.
Few Things to Note While Using a Power Strip
Never connect high-power appliances, such as space heaters, refrigerators, microwaves, and toaster ovens, to power strips or extension cords. These appliances have a higher power capacity and must be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Also, one should always connect power strips to the wall. It is acceptable to temporarily connect an extension cord to a power strip but not to connect a power strip to an extension cord. Make sure to buy power strips with an “n” inbuilt circuit breaker. It is a critical safety measure to prevent property loss and fire hazards.
Conclusion
When you choose a power strip, make sure to select one with plenty of outlets. This way, you’ll be ready if you buy more devices or move them around your house. Some power strips are designed to power specific types of devices. A power strip designed for workbench tools, for example, will be very different from one designed for your home office. There are also power strips explicitly designed for medical and A/V equipment. Hence, choose the correct power cord for proper use.