No matter the size of your home, it often seems like there aren't enough electrical outlets. While extension cords and power strips can provide a quick solution for plugging in your devices, they can pose serious safety risks when used with certain appliances. High-powered devices such as air conditioners and space heaters should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Using anything other than a dedicated outlet for these appliances can lead to overloading the cord, creating a potential fire hazard.
Paul Martinez, owner of Electrified NYC based in Brooklyn, emphasizes the dangers associated with extension cords. "No extension cords whatsoever," he insists, particularly for appliances that operate continuously or depend on heating elements. Knowing which devices require direct wall connections is crucial for ensuring safety in your home. Here, we outline seven essential appliances that must be plugged directly into a wall outlet.
Air fryers have gained popularity for their ability to quickly cook and warm food, but they should never be used with extension cords or power strips. Depending on their size, large air fryers can consume up to 2,000 watts, making them a significant fire risk if connected to an extension cord. If counter space is limited, it’s advisable to only use the air fryer when necessary and connect it to a dedicated wall outlet each time.
While many homes come equipped with built-in microwaves, not all do. If you find yourself needing to plug in a standalone microwave, remember that it is another heavy-duty appliance that requires its own dedicated circuit due to its high wattage demands.
Another critical safety tip is to avoid plugging one extension cord into another, a practice known as daisy chaining. This can lead to overheating and potential fire hazards as the circuit becomes overloaded. Always use a single extension cord for a single device to minimize risks.
Electric space heaters are notorious for being a significant cause of residential fires. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that portable space heaters were involved in approximately 1,700 fires annually between 2017 and 2019. Martinez warns that connecting a space heater to an extension cord can lead to catastrophic results, including fire. Therefore, never use extension cords or power strips for these appliances; they should be used exclusively for electronics.
Despite their smaller size, toasters can consume a considerable amount of energy and may also pose fire risks if plugged into an extension cord. Toaster ovens, which typically require even more power, range from 1,200 to 1,400 watts. Martinez points out that many people lack knowledge about the limitations of extension cords. For instance, a standard 14-gauge extension cord can handle up to 1,800 watts, but any appliance drawing more than 1,500 watts should always be plugged into a dedicated wall outlet.
Although refrigerators generally use between 300 to 800 watts, they should never be connected to extension cords. Since refrigerators operate continuously, using an extension cord can lead to malfunctions or other electrical issues, even if it does not immediately cause a fire.
Air conditioning units are significant power consumers and must also be plugged into wall outlets. Martinez stresses the importance of selecting the correct AC unit based on your space's requirements. Many people mistakenly purchase smaller units thinking they will suffice, leading to inefficiencies and increased electricity costs. If an AC unit is undersized, it will have to work harder, which can lead to overheating and potential fire hazards when combined with an extension cord.
In conclusion, Martinez reiterates that the most important rule regarding extension cords is to avoid using them with any appliances. Home extension cords should not be used for devices requiring more than 15 amps (1,800 watts). Power strips and surge protectors are designed solely for use with electronics, not high-powered appliances. Prioritizing safety in your home will provide peace of mind and reduce the risk of electrical fires.
