Firefighters Warn: These Items Should Never Be Plugged Into a Power Strip

Power strips are incredibly convenient—but they’re also one of the most commonly misused electrical devices in the home. While they’re designed to handle multiple low-power electronics, many people treat them like all-purpose outlets. Firefighters say that this mistake is a major cause of preventable house fires every year.

The truth is simple: not everything belongs in a power strip. In fact, some appliances can overload a strip almost instantly, overheating wires and starting a fire long before anyone notices a problem.

Here are the items experts consistently warn never to plug into a power strip—and safer alternatives you should use instead.

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1. Space Heaters

Space heaters draw a lot of power and need a dedicated wall outlet. Plugging them into a power strip can cause the strip to overheat within minutes. Fire departments report space heaters as one of the top fire starters linked to overloaded outlets.

Use instead:
A grounded wall outlet—never a strip or extension cord.

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2. Refrigerators and Freezers

Even though they run quietly, refrigerators and freezers pull high amounts of power, especially when the compressor kicks on. A power strip can’t handle those sudden surges.

Use instead:
A direct wall outlet with no shared power load.

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3. Microwaves

Microwaves require significant wattage and can quickly overload a strip’s internal wiring.

Use instead:
A single, dedicated outlet on its own circuit if possible.

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4. Coffee Makers and Electric Kettles

Heating elements are power-hungry. These small appliances may look harmless, but they put a heavy load on electrical circuits.

Use instead:
A standard wall outlet or a built-in kitchen power source.

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5. Hair Dryers, Curling Irons, and Straighteners

Bathroom electronics generate heat and pull considerable wattage. Using them with power strips—especially in damp areas—creates both fire and shock hazards.

Use instead:
A properly grounded bathroom outlet with GFCI protection.

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6. Toasters and Toaster Ovens

Like kettles, these devices rely on powerful heating elements. A power strip isn’t built to handle the amperage spike when they’re in use.

Use instead:
A direct outlet, ideally one designed for kitchen appliances.

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7. Portable Air Conditioners

These are among the highest-draw appliances in any home. Plugging an AC unit into a power strip is extremely dangerous.

Use instead:
A dedicated wall outlet on its own circuit.

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8. Power Tools

Drills, saws, sanders, and compressors can all overload a strip—especially when starting up. They also create vibration, which can loosen a strip’s internal components.

Use instead:
A heavy-duty extension cord rated for power tools or a direct outlet.

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Why Power Strips Can’t Handle High-Power Appliances

Power strips are designed for light, steady loads like:

• Computers

• Lamps

• Phone chargers

• Routers

• TVs

They are not designed for:

• Sudden power surges

• High amperage

• Heating elements

• Motor-driven appliances

When overloaded, the strip’s wiring can overheat, melt, or spark—often unnoticed behind furniture or under a desk.

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Safety Tips From Fire Officials

✔ Use surge protectors, not basic strips

If you must plug in sensitive electronics, use a UL-listed surge protector with overload protection.

✔ Don’t daisy-chain

Never plug one strip into another. This is a known fire hazard.

✔ Replace old or damaged strips

Cracks, frayed cords, or discoloration mean it’s time to throw it away.

✔ Keep strips off carpets, rugs, and bedding

These materials can trap heat and accelerate fire spread.

✔ Know your circuit limits

Even if the strip seems fine, the entire circuit can become overloaded.

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Final Thoughts

Firefighters agree: power strips are not a substitute for a wall outlet. They’re meant for small, low-wattage devices—not appliances that heat, cool, or run powerful motors.

By following these simple precautions, you can reduce your risk of electrical fires and keep your home safer for everyone. A little awareness goes a long way—and in this case, it could prevent a very dangerous mistake.