Power strips are convenient for turning a single outlet into a hub for multiple electronic devices, but improper usage can lead to dangerous situations like electrical fires. Firefighters, electricians, and safety experts have repeatedly stressed the risks involved when power strips are overloaded or used incorrectly. This is why understanding which devices are safe to plug into a power strip—and which ones aren’t—can prevent potential disasters.
In this article, we highlight the top 10 things firefighters urge you to never plug into a power strip, along with real-world examples and anecdotes that underscore the consequences of ignoring these warnings.
1. Space Heaters
Space heaters are notorious for consuming large amounts of electricity and producing heat, both of which make them unsafe to plug into a power strip. These devices typically require a dedicated outlet to handle the electrical load they draw.
In December 2021, a space heater plugged into a power strip in a Baltimore home led to a fatal fire, claiming the lives of two children. Investigators later confirmed that the space heater, combined with the overburdened power strip, caused the electrical system to fail, igniting a fire that spread rapidly throughout the home.
2. Refrigerators
Refrigerators are heavy-duty appliances that cycle on and off throughout the day, drawing significant amounts of power. Plugging a refrigerator into a power strip can lead to electrical surges and overheating, increasing the risk of fire.
In 2017, a London high-rise apartment fire that tragically killed 72 people was initially linked to a refrigerator. While this wasn’t related to a power strip, it highlights how powerful appliances, like refrigerators, can pose serious risks when electrical systems fail.
3. Microwaves
Microwaves also draw a large amount of power, especially when heating food. Plugging a microwave into a power strip can overload the strip’s capacity, leading to overheating or short circuits.
Captain Robert Myers of the Chicago Fire Department stated in an interview that “microwaves should never be plugged into power strips, especially in kitchens where many other appliances are already drawing electricity. We’ve seen fires start this way countless times.”
4. Coffee Makers
Coffee makers, especially those with heating elements, require a significant amount of energy to function. Like microwaves, they should be plugged directly into a wall outlet to avoid power strip overload.
A fire in a Seattle office building in 2018 was traced back to a faulty coffee maker plugged into a power strip. The coffee maker’s heating element caused the strip to overheat, leading to a small electrical fire that could have been catastrophic if not quickly contained.
5. Toasters and Toaster Ovens
Toasters and toaster ovens generate heat and use a lot of power, making them hazardous when connected to a power strip. Firefighters warn that these appliances can cause electrical fires if plugged into the same strip as other devices.
In 2019, a house fire in New Jersey started when a toaster oven, plugged into a power strip with several other kitchen appliances, caused the strip to overheat and catch fire. Firefighters were able to respond quickly, but the damage was extensive.
6. Hair Dryers and Hair Straighteners
Hair dryers and straighteners produce heat and draw large amounts of electricity, especially on high settings. Using these appliances with a power strip increases the risk of electrical overload.
Firefighter Tony Alvarez from the Los Angeles County Fire Department recalled a fire in a college dorm where a hairdryer caused a power strip to overheat. “The student thought it was fine to plug everything into one power strip, including her hairdryer. When she used it on full blast, it sparked, causing a small fire.”
7. Portable Air Conditioners
Like space heaters, portable air conditioners use a lot of power to cool a room, making them unsuitable for power strips. These devices should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet to avoid overheating and electrical overload.
In the summer of 2020, a New York City apartment fire was caused by a portable air conditioner plugged into an overloaded power strip. The resulting fire spread quickly, causing significant damage to the building, though fortunately, no one was seriously injured.
8. Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are essential for preventing flooding in basements, but they are high-power appliances that need a direct line to a wall outlet. Using a power strip can interfere with their ability to function properly, leading to both electrical hazards and water damage if they fail.
In flood-prone areas like Louisiana, firefighters often warn homeowners that plugging sump pumps into power strips is a recipe for disaster. One such incident in 2018 involved a sump pump failure during a storm, which led to both an electrical fire and basement flooding.
9. Washers and Dryers
Washers and dryers, whether in-home or portable models, draw an immense amount of power, especially when running at full load. Plugging these machines into a power strip is highly dangerous, as the electrical load can cause overheating, sparking, and even a fire.
In 2016, a dryer plugged into a power strip caused a laundry room fire in a Texas home. Investigators found that the power strip had been overloaded by multiple appliances, with the dryer pushing it past its limits.
10. Electric Grills and Other High-Wattage Cooking Appliances
Electric grills, waffle makers, and other high-wattage cooking devices are meant to be plugged directly into the wall. These appliances generate both heat and require significant electricity, making power strips a dangerous choice.
In 2022, a family in Miami lost their home to a fire started by an electric grill that had been plugged into an overloaded power strip during a backyard barbecue. The power strip overheated and sparked a fire that spread to nearby materials, engulfing the patio and house.
Firefighters and safety experts continuously stress the importance of knowing what not to plug into a power strip. Power strips are only designed to handle low-wattage devices like lamps, computers, and phone chargers. When appliances that draw heavy loads of electricity are plugged into these strips, they can cause overheating, short circuits, and fires.
To avoid these risks, always plug high-wattage appliances like space heaters, refrigerators, and microwaves directly into wall outlets. Invest in power strips with surge protectors and automatic shut-off features for added safety, and never use a strip that feels hot to the touch or shows signs of wear and tear.
Electrical fires can happen in the blink of an eye, but with the right precautions, you can keep your home and family safe from danger. Stay vigilant, know your power strip’s limits, and avoid the mistakes others have learned from—sometimes tragically—so you won’t have to.