What to Consider When Using A Power Strip

Every household has several appliances and devices that run on electricity. One common problem that homeowners face is the shortage of power outlets to keep everything charged and functional. It also gets tough when multiple devices require the same outlet at one time. Homeowners rely heavily on power strips as an effective solution to the above issues. Power strips, also known as power boards or extension blocks, help expand the home's electrical capacity by simultaneously supplying power to multiple devices. 

Despite being commonplace in most households, the hazards a power strip presents are often undermined. More than four thousand residential fires in the country are yearly attributed to the overuse or malfunctioning of power strips. These fires not only cause extensive property damage but also lead to severe injuries and fatalities. 

There are several factors that professional electricians want homeowners to consider when using a power strip to protect their family and property from devastating house fires:

Avoid plugging one power strip into another

Stringing multiple power strips together is called daisy-chaining. It overloads the circuit quickly and drastically increases the chances of an electric fire. Using power strips in conjunction with one another is dangerous and violates fire safety codes. 

Know the voltage capacity

A power strip comes with a load capacity. It is essential to ensure that the voltage requirement of the devices plugged into the power strip does not exceed its circuit capacity. An overloaded power strip is a fire hazard.

Only plug in light-load appliances

Power strips are meant for handling multiple small electrical loads from devices like lamps, phones, laptops, and tablets. They are not designed to run several high-power capacity appliances, including refrigerators, space heaters, microwaves, toasters, hairdryers, sump pumps, and portable air conditioners. 

Never use it for an extended period 

Power strips are not a substitute for electrical outlets. Their wires cannot handle long-term use. Its extended use can lead to overheating or electrical failure.

Don't cover the power strip

Covering the power strip with a cloth or placing it under a rug or blanket will keep the generated heat from dispersing. Trapped heat increases the chances of fire. 

Avoid moist areas

Never use a power strip in moist areas like a bathroom, kitchen countertop, or basement.

Never use a damaged power strip

Don't use a power strip if any of its outlets are burned-out or it feels hot to touch. 

Don't use indoor power strips outdoors

The home's outdoor and indoor environments differ significantly. Not all power strips can handle varying weather conditions. When using a power strip outdoors, get one suited for outdoor use, and mount it on a wall. 

Homeowners should use only Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) or Electrical Testing Laboratory (ETL) certified power strips with an internal circuit breaker and surge protection. 

Power strips should be used judiciously and sparingly. Contact an electrician to install more electrical outlets instead of using multiple power strips in different areas of the home. Additional outlets will reduce the dependency on power strips and offer a safe, reliable, and long-term solution for all electricity needs.

If you need a highly-reviewed, licensed electrician in the Phoenix Valley area, call Efficient Electric at 623-900-1461. We would love to hear from you!