It’s fascinating to consider how people managed to survive in times gone by without the luxury of electricity. These days, the idea of getting through a day without it is nearly unimaginable, as our whole arsenal of gadgets and appliances depend on electric power.

However, despite all this reliance on electricity, plenty of homes don’t have the necessary outlets to keep everything running as nicely as we’d like. Therefore, many of us turn to power strips to help. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to bear in mind that some energy-hungry appliances should steer clear of these devices, as they pose a serious risk of turning into fire hazards.

Sure, power strips are handy when you want to charge your phone or set up a home entertainment system. But it’s important to know which appliances should never, ever be chanced with a power strip.

Appliances with high energy demand, such as air conditioners, space heaters, or toasters, can cause power strips to overheat, creating a significant fire hazard.

Before you even think about plugging anything into a power strip, check its power capacity. This typically appears on the product itself, and it’s essential knowledge.

Appliances with a high energy demand need to pull in quite a lot of electricity through the circuit they are connected to. And don’t be fooled; these appliances don’t have to be physically large to consume significant power amounts.

Here’s a rundown of which appliances you should avoid using with a power strip:

1. Ovens: Even though you might not use your oven all day, it’s a power-demanding appliance that should have its own wall outlet dedicated to its operation.

2. Refrigerators: With their frequent cycles of turning on and off, refrigerators consume a lot of power. It’s best to use a wall outlet solely for this appliance to avoid straining a power strip.

3. Washing Machines: These appliances demand a high amount of electrical power, especially when they’re running. They often pull upwards of 1400 watts, almost at the limit of what most power strips can handle.

Moreover, washing machines tend to operate for extended periods, often left unattended to run for about an hour. That’s more than enough time for a power strip to become a dangerous fire risk.

4. Heaters: Whether portable or stationary, space heaters can use as much as 1,500 watts, especially when operating on their highest setting for lengthy durations.

5. Microwaves: Given the energy consumption of microwave ovens, they should each have a dedicated receptacle to plug into, reducing the strain on any other circuit.

6. Coffee Makers: Surprisingly, these appliances demand significant power, making them ill-suited for power strips or extension cords that can’t handle such loads.

7. Toasters: It might seem like they won’t need much power for such a small job, but toasters actually draw plenty of electricity and should go directly into the wall outlet.

8. Additional Power Strips: It’s a common misconception that power strips can be daisy-chained. This practice contravenes most safety regulations, as it can severely overload an electrical system.

9. Electronics Including Computers, TVs, and Routers: Although not notorious energy consumers, these devices are delicate and vulnerable to power surges that can cause serious damage. Use a surge protector-enhanced power strip for their safety.

Consider this advice and please share with your loved ones to ensure everyone’s safety at home.

Stay safe and enjoy the convenience of your electronic devices wisely!