Power strips are a common solution in situations where the number of outlets in a standard wall socket is insufficient to power all our electrical and electronic devices. While these devices can charge smartphones or power an entertainment system, there are some that consume too much energy and should never be plugged into a power strip.

Overloaded power strips pose a fire risk when used with high-power devices such as toasters, space heaters, and air conditioners. Additionally, you should not use an indoor power strip in a humid environment, such as a kitchen or laundry room, due to the risk of damage. Make sure the devices you plug into a power strip do not exceed its maximum power, which can be found on the device label. This rule applies wherever you use a power strip. Most power strips have a rating of 15 amps, which means they can handle 1,800 watts.

Refrigerators A power strip can quickly be overloaded by energy-hungry appliances, often cycling like refrigerators. It is recommended to connect these gadgets to an outlet specifically designed to power them. You risk tripping the circuit if you try to use the same outlet for more than one device.

Microwaves The microwave is a culinary wonder as it cooks, defrosts, and reheats food much faster than a conventional oven. However, a power strip cannot provide enough power for all these fantastic activities. A separate electrical outlet is needed for the microwave, just like for a standard electric oven.