Emily Flores
These items are convenient for expanding outlets and organizing cords, but using them safely and responsibly is crucial. Certain heavy-duty appliances and devices draw massive amounts of electricity, posing a risk of overheating, fires, or damage to the equipment and the extension cable. Let’s explore 15 items that should never be plugged into a reel to ensure a safer and more reliable electrical setup in your home or workspace.
Large Appliances
Plugging large devices like refrigerators, washers, or dryers into a relay unit overloads the circuit and poses a fire hazard. Connecting your large appliances directly to a dedicated wall outlet is best to ensure safe operation.
Space Heaters
An extension cable can easily overheat, which can result in a fire hazard since space heaters draw large amounts of energy. Direct connection to the wall is advisable as it greatly reduces the chances of leakage, fire, or electrocution.
Microwaves
Microwaves require a high wattage to operate, making relay units obsolete when operating these appliances. Connecting one to a power cord can cause voltage drop and damage both the appliance and the strip.
Air Conditioners
Our favorite summer items draw a substantial current during startup and use, making them unsuitable for secondary channels. To avoid overload, use the main socket instead, lest you have a disaster.
Refrigerators
Refrigerators have a compressor that requires a steady and uninterrupted current. Using an extension cord is risky because they are notorious for fluctuating current, which will inevitably ruin the compressor and some of the fridge’s components.
Hair Dryers
Hair dryers are power-hungry; most strips need extra muscle to handle the demand. That’s why it’s recommended to use the wall outlet while in use. Additionally, using a secondary unit increases the chances of electrocution.
Ironing Stations
Iron Boxes require high wattage to run, and our nifty apparatus can barely keep up. A relay unit can lead to an overload and pose a fire hazard, especially if the iron is left unattended. Some cases of electrocution have also been documented when applying secondary channels.
Electric Grills or Fryers
Barbeques are fun, but it’s important to be very careful when using the necessary devices. In most cases, a dedicated circuit is recommended while working the units, mainly because of the heavy wattage required to keep them running properly.
Medical Equipment
Medical equipment such as CPAP machines or oxygen concentrators should never be attached to an extension lead. These items require a consistent current for proper operation and must be plugged directly into a wall outlet.
Power Tools
Power tools draw a high wattage during use, and connecting them to a wall outlet will prevent overheating and combustion. Working an extension cable can also pose a risk of electrical shock if the strip gets wet.
Desktop Computers
Desktop computers and gaming consoles consume considerable amounts of electricity and have very fragile components. In case of a surge or undercurrent, the components might get fried, ruining your experience. The short circuit might also damage other items connected to the same strip.
Rechargeable Devices
Appliances such as electric scooters, hoverboards, or electric bicycles should be charged by their respective chargers drawing from the mains. When charged by a cord, these things are susceptible to overheating and battery damage.
High-Powered Audio Systems
High-powered audio systems with amplifiers and subwoofers draw significant currents and must be plugged directly into the mains. Working a reel with these systems can lead to fluctuations and affect sound quality.
Electric Blankets
Electric blankets draw substantial electricity, and connecting them to a wall outlet prevents overheating and potential fire hazards. Using an extension lead with an electric blanket also poses the risk of electrical shock if the strip gets wet.
Hot Tubs or Jacuzzis
Hot tubs or jacuzzis require a dedicated channel with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter for safety. Plugging a hot tub or jacuzzi into a secondary channel can cause an overload and pose a significant risk of electrical shock.
Heating Pads
They are handy for providing warmth and comfort. Still, due to their high power consumption, they should be plugged right into a wall outlet to avoid overloading power strips and potential fire hazards.
High-Wattage Lamps
With their bright glow, high-wattage lamps add ambiance to any room. However, their energy demands make them unsuitable for power strips, requiring a direct connection to a wall outlet for safe operation.
Vacuum Cleaners
These household essentials work wonders for keeping floors clean, but their powerful motors draw significant electricity. Plugging them into power strips, particularly ones not rated for high power usage, risks overheating; connecting them directly to a wall outlet is safer.
Blow Dryers
Essential for hair styling, blow dryers consume considerable power. Prevent power strips from overloading and potential fire risks by plugging them straight into a wall outlet.
Electric Skillets
These versatile kitchen gadgets are great for cooking. Still, their high power consumption means they should go right into a wall outlet to prevent power strips from overloading and causing safety issues.
I disagree.
There is a lot wrong with this article. Your computer and Stereo/Home theater equipment should never be plugged directly into the wall socket. It should always be plugged into a good quality surge protector.