5 devices you should never plug into a power strip — the fire risk is massive
Power strips (extension leads) are common in many homes, providing extra sockets. They can, however, create hazards: some devices plugged into these strips can cause electrical surges and household fires. Understanding the risks of misusing extension leads is important for home safety.
Big appliances and electrical safety: take care
Large household appliances are common, but they need careful treatment when it comes to electricity. Washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers, freezers and tumble dryers all require a steady, substantial supply that a standard extension lead cannot provide safely. Plugging these machines into an extension lead has been likened to putting a “time bomb in the circuit”.
These appliances must be plugged directly into wall sockets, which provide the stable, robust supply they need. The rule is simple: however handy an extension lead might seem, never use one for large appliances. Even installations that meet recent standards should follow this rule. Choosing a fixed wall socket over an extension lead reduces the risk.
How extension leads are built, and what they can’t take
Extension leads are intended for temporary, low-power use, not for heavy, continuous loads. They are not designed for powering “colossi” or large appliances. When overloaded, the lead’s cable can heat up quickly and without warning, and a fire can start in minutes. Avoid relying on extension leads for appliances that need heavy, sustained power.
Small kitchen gadgets that draw a lot of power
Small kitchen appliances can look harmless but often draw large amounts of power in short bursts. Toasters, electric coffee makers and waffle irons are examples. A toaster can reach 1,000 watts within seconds, while a coffee maker can consume up to 165 kWh per year. These devices put a heavy strain on extension leads, causing them to weaken, overheat and possibly fail, leading to short circuits or fires.
Because of this “illusion of innocence”, it is safer to plug power-hungry small appliances straight into the wall. Rearranging kitchen layouts to make that easier can improve safety and avoid risks that convenience or aesthetics might otherwise ignore.
Heaters and air conditioners: be extra careful
Portable heaters and air conditioners are particularly risky when used with extension leads. These devices draw large amounts of electricity, often more than an extension lead can handle safely. An oil-filled radiator, for example, can run at full power for long periods, which can lead to dangerous overheating. Likewise, an air conditioner runs continuously and places a steady load on the circuit, creating sudden overloads and potentially serious outcomes such as fires.
Avoiding these risks through cautious electrical habits helps prevent the incidents that safety guidance warns about.
Everyday checks, maintenance and getting a pro to look
Maintaining electrical safety involves more than following simple rules. Regularly check extension leads for cracks, replace damaged cables as soon as you spot wear, and switch off appliances when not in use. Routine professional electrical inspections are also recommended, especially in older homes where hidden wiring might not meet modern power demands.
Remembering past accidents and spreading the word
There have been past accidents caused by improper use of extension leads. Prevention is within everyone’s reach. By knowing which appliances should never be plugged into an extension lead and sticking to that rule, households can protect people and property.
Electrical safety is about sensible everyday choices. Those decisions affect the safety and comfort of our homes and are worth sharing with others.