How to Use a Power Strip Safely

There are several things to know about power strip safety. Buy quality power strips, as cheap ones can be a hazard. Choose UL-listed ones with surge protection and unplug them when not in use. Use wall outlets for heavy-duty appliances, as power strips aren’t built for high-draw devices.

The Dangers of Power Strips

Power strips are convenient but can become dangerous when improperly used. Overloading is one of the biggest risks. A power strip simply distributes power from one source. If you plug in too many high-wattage devices, you risk overheating, melting the strip, or even starting a fire. Cheap, low-quality strips increase the risk.

Using a power strip with a damaged electrical device, or using a damaged power strip itself, can increase the risk of sparks, accidental electrocution, and shocks. Even if you only plug in a couple of items, the power draw can exceed the power strip's limit and cause it to overload. Additionally, power strips in enclosed spaces, stuffed behind furniture, or buried under a pile of junk can easily overheat.

Items That Are Safe to Be Plugged Into a Power Strip

There's a wide range of electronic devices that are safe to plug into a power strip. Low-power items like phone chargers, lamps, TVs, computers, and gaming consoles are generally safe.

Low-wattage items typically won't overload the power strip, though they might continue to draw power from the home if the power strip remains on. For this reason, turn off or unplug the power strip when the connected electronics are not in use. This can help save on monthly energy bills and reduce the risk of exposing the power strip and connected electronics to sudden power surges.

Items That Are Not Safe to Be Plugged Into a Power Strip

Never insert anything that isn't an electrical plug into a power strip outlet. Foreign objects can cause the power strip to spark, overheat, or even melt the item, depending on the material.

High-power household items should not be plugged into a power strip. These include space heaters, air conditioners, microwaves, toasters, refrigerators, freezers, and power tools. If an electronic device is a high-wattage item, it should be plugged directly into a household power outlet instead of using a power strip.

More Tips for Using a Power Strip Safely

• Know the wattage of what you’re plugging in. If it pulls a lot of power, like a space heater, don’t use a power strip.
• Use surge protectors. These are not just power strips—there’s a difference. Surge protectors help prevent damage from electrical spikes.
• Keep power strips in the open. Power strips stuffed behind furniture or buried under a pile of junk can overheat.
• Check the power strip's condition. If the cord is frayed, cracked, or loose, it’s time for a new one.
• Never plug multiple power strips or extension cords into one another.