Thank goodness for power strips that provide us with additional outlets so we can plug in the multitude of gadgets and electronics we use daily.

However, there are several items that, if plugged into a power strip, could overload the circuit, cause overheating, and even start an electrical fire. Here are 8 of them.

Large Appliances – Refrigerators, freezers, washers, and dryers require a lot of power which can easily overload a power strip. Only plug them into dedicated wall outlets and avoid plugging anything else into that same outlet to avoid tripping the circuit.

Microwaves – Like a conventional electric oven, a microwave should have its own dedicated outlet as it requires more power than a power strip can handle.

Small Appliances – While they don’t require as much power as a refrigerator, the current draw that toasters, electric skillets, waffle irons, and coffee makers require can easily cause a power strip to overheat.

Slow Cookers – One of the benefits of a slow cooker is having dinner cook while you go about your day. But if you plug yours into a power strip, you could be setting yourself up for a disastrous outcome.

Hair-Care Accessories – They may be small, but they are mighty and require a lot of electricity to get your locks just so. To prevent the circuit breaker from tripping, plug hair-care appliances like blow-dryers and curling wands directly into a wall outlet (preferably a GFCI outlet if you’re using it near a sink).

Portable Air Conditioners and Space Heaters – Portable ACs and space heaters are designed to cycle on and off as they reach a desired temperature. As such, they draw a large amount of current which can overload a power strip, resulting in a tripped circuit breaker or worse.

Sump Pumps – Most power strips are not designed for wet or damp conditions, making them unsuitable for sump pumps. Plug a sump pump into a dedicated GFCI outlet that is installed several inches above the floor.

Other Power Strips – The quickest way to overload an electrical system is to plug multiple power strips together. They simply aren’t made to be used in conjunction with one another.

With so many potential causes of a fire, the smart move is to install high quality smoke detectors throughout your home. Even better, engage Now Security Systems for the task so we can monitor fire activity from our own dedicated monitoring station. That way, the fire department will be contacted whether you’re home or not, and you’ll be notified via our Smart Phone app. Contact us today for more information and a free home security proposal.