Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 6 rules for power strip safety

Power strips have many benefits. They allow you to plug in more items and make it easier to organize a space without tangled cords. They can be turned off, as opposed to a wall outlet, which saves energy costs. We install them in our homes to protect items vulnerable to power surges, and often don’t give them a second thought beyond that. 

But, they can be dangerous too!

There are limits to what a power strip can handle safely. So, it’s always a good idea to know the correct way to use and store these appliances. Here are some tips:

Always buy high quality strips that are UL listed with surge protection. Cheap ones can be a serious hazard, even if not overused. Surge protectors help keep devices safe from electrical spikes.

Never plug multiple power strips or extension cord into one another. Overloading is the biggest reason strips become dangerous. If you plug in too many high-wattage devices or connect extensions, you will eventually overheat and melt the strip. 

Don’t plug in damaged electronics. Overloading is not the only danger. If you plug in a damaged electrical device there is a risk of sparks, shocks and accidental electrocution. Make sure the strip itself is not damaged either! Regularly check for frayed, cracked or loose cords, which can cause a fire and need to be replaced immediately. 

Make sure the power strip has space. Strips also need to be kept where they can get plenty of air flow. Stuffing them behind furniture, under a lot of junk or in small, enclosed spaces can cause overheating and even fire. 

Know what electronics are safe and the wattage of what you’re plugging in. There is a wide range of devices that are safe to use with a power strip. Low power items like phone chargers, TVs, gaming consoles, and lamps do well with strips. They won’t overload the power strip. 

There are just as many that should never be plugged into a strip and need to always be plugged directly into a household power outlet. Any device that cools or heats is always a high-power drawing item and should never be in a strip. Space heaters, microwaves, toasters, fridges, freezers or power tools need to be plugged into an outlet. Only one high-power appliance per outlet!

Turn off your power strip if you aren’t using it. Power strips with surge control are generally safe to leave the power on with low-wattage items, but it’s recommended to unplug or turn off the power strip when not in use. This will keep electronics completely safe from any power surges and save you money on your energy bills. 

So, if you remember these 6 rules for power strips, you can save on energy, preserve your electronics, and most importantly, keep your home safe. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago