Household power strips and extension cords come in handy, but if misused they can overheat or even catch fire. While doing the research for this article, I learned that I shouldn’t use an extension cord to plug in the hot plate for my Christmas Eve buffet. And I shouldn’t “daisy chain” power strips or extension cords. I haven’t burned my place down yet, but as the saying goes, “better safe than sorry.”
Don’t Plug These Into a Power Strip or Extension Cord
- Air conditioners, portable
- Air compressors
- Blenders
- Coffee makers
- Freezers
- Generators
- Hair curling and straightening wands
- Hair dryers
- Hot plates
- Microwave ovens
- Slow cookers
- Refrigerators
- Rice cookers
- Space heaters
- Sump pumps
- Toasters
- Washing machines and dryers
More Power Strip and Extension Cord Safety Tips
Don’t “daisy chain” power strips or extension cords.
Unplug extension cords when they’re not in use.
Hold the plug, not the cord, when disconnecting from the outlet.
Store cords indoors.
For use outdoors, always use a cord marked for outdoor use.
Use cords with polarized or three-prong plugs when possible.
Check extension cords for damage before using and discard if damaged.
Don’t bend or coil cords while in use.
Don’t run extension cords under rugs or furniture.
Don’t attach them with staples, nails or tape.
Reminder: Only 10 days left to download our Emergency Information list free
Last month’s offer to download Habitudes’ Emergency Information template free expires at midnight, January 31. Even if you already have a household emergency information list, why not download ours anyway? It only takes a couple of minutes and you’ll likely discover some info to add to your existing list. Feel free to share the Emergency Information template with friends or family if you think they can use it.
To download simply go to Habitudes, “Shop” for Emergency Information and add the discount code “GetOrganized2024” at checkout. You’ll be able to download it immediately.
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