Home Fire Risk: Five Appliances Not Suited for Power Strips

Mammoth Lakes and Mono County residents are urged to review their home electrical practices, particularly regarding power strip use, to mitigate fire risks. Safety experts warn that while power strips offer convenient additional outlets, they are not designed to safely handle all household appliances, especially those that draw significant power. Plugging certain high-demand devices into a power strip can lead to overloading, overheating, and an increased risk of electrical fires.

Bonnie Lee, vice president of property claims at Mercury Insurance, cautioned that while power strips are common, it is a misconception that anything with a plug can safely be connected to one. Lee emphasized that "that’s not the case" for all appliances. She further stated that appliances drawing substantial power can generate more heat than a power strip is designed to manage. A simple adjustment in where an appliance is plugged in can help eliminate an unnecessary fire risk, according to Lee. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also warns that overloaded power strips can pose a significant fire hazard.

Home safety experts at Mercury Insurance recommend special attention to five specific household items, advising against plugging them into power strips:

**Portable Electric Space Heaters:** These devices draw substantial power and should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet, not into a power strip or extension cord. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) further recommends keeping space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn and turning them off when leaving a room or going to bed.

**Air Fryers:** Featuring powerful heating elements, air fryers can represent a significant electrical load during operation. Manufacturers' instructions should be followed, which often direct users to plug the appliance directly into an appropriate wall outlet rather than into a power strip already occupied by other kitchen devices.

**Microwaves:** Microwaves require considerable power when in use and generally need a dedicated or properly rated outlet as per manufacturer instructions. Residents should avoid using a spot on a countertop power strip as an additional kitchen outlet for a microwave. If there are insufficient outlets to safely accommodate kitchen appliances, consulting a qualified electrician to evaluate the setup is advisable.

**Refrigerators and Freezers:** These essential appliances operate continuously, and their compressors can create additional electrical demand when cycling on. Refrigerators and freezers should be connected according to their manufacturer’s instructions and applicable electrical requirements, rather than relying on a power strip as a permanent wiring solution.

**Portable Air Conditioners:** Similar to space heaters, portable air conditioners can place a heavy load on an electrical circuit. NFPA guidance indicates that extension cords may be too small for the electrical loads presented by air conditioners. Users should follow manufacturer’s instructions and utilize an appropriate wall outlet, rather than assuming a power strip can safely manage the appliance.

Beyond the specific appliances, the condition and proper use of the power strip itself are critical safety considerations. Homeowners should never connect one power strip to another, a practice known as “daisy chaining.” Power strips are not intended to be a substitute for permanent household wiring. Any power strips that appear damaged, discolored, or unusually warm should be immediately taken out of service. It is also important to ensure that power strips are appropriate for their intended use and that all manufacturer’s instructions and electrical ratings are strictly followed.

Lee noted that if a room requires multiple power strips just to operate everyday appliances, it may signal a larger issue with the home’s electrical system not meeting current needs. She advised that adding outlets or having an electrician evaluate the circuit, while requiring more effort, is a far safer and more effective solution than inadvertently creating a potential fire hazard.

Homeowners should also be vigilant for common warning signs of electrical problems. These include frequently tripped circuit breakers, outlets or plugs that feel unusually warm to the touch, flickering lights, burning odors, buzzing or crackling sounds emanating from electrical points, and any discoloration observed around outlets. When such signs appear, a qualified electrician should be consulted to address the underlying electrical issues, rather than attempting to bypass them with additional power strips or extension cords.