When we think of the past, it’s hard to imagine life without electricity. Today, nearly everything we use depends on it. Yet, most homes don’t have enough outlets for all our devices, leading many to rely on power strips.

While convenient for charging phones or powering entertainment setups, power strips aren’t designed for high-wattage appliances. Plugging the wrong devices into them can create serious fire hazards.

Appliances like air conditioners, space heaters, and toasters draw too much power for a strip to handle. Always check the wattage supported by the strip, which is typically printed on the product.

1. Ovens require significant power and should be connected to their own dedicated wall outlet.

2. Refrigerators frequently cycle on and off and need a steady power source, not a shared one.

3. Washing machines use up to 1,400 watts and run for long periods, increasing the risk of overheating.

4. Space heaters often run continuously at 1,500 watts, which is far too much for a strip to handle safely.

5. Microwaves are also energy-intensive and should never be plugged into a power strip.

6. Coffee makers and 7. toasters might seem harmless but draw high amounts of energy when in use.

8. Never plug one power strip into another. This can easily overload circuits and violate safety codes.

9. Sensitive electronics like computers and TVs should only be plugged into surge protectors, not basic strips, to guard against surges.

Share this information to help others use electricity safely at home.