As winter arrives, using a space heater instead of your central heating system can help save on your energy bills. It’s important to use these powerful gadgets carefully. A key safety tip is to not put big appliances, such as space heaters, air fryers, and microwaves, into extension cords or surge protectors.
Paul Martinez, a professional electrician and owner of Electrified NYC, highlights that appliances using 1,500 watts or more should be plugged straight into a wall outlet. He highly advises against using any extension cords with these high-powered appliances.
Why Choosing the Right Extension Cords Matters
“Many people don’t know much about extension cords,” says Martinez. Using a 14-gauge extension cord for machines that create heat, like a toaster oven, microwave, or dishwasher, can cause the cord to overheat and even start a fire because it can’t handle the electrical load. This is a usual reason for fires in New York City.
Always check the gauge of the extension line. A 14-gauge cord is usually not strong enough for machines that use a lot of electricity. Don’t use extension cords for permanent appliances; use them only for temporary links. Check lines often for any damage or wear to avoid safety risks.
It’s important to know how to use AC units and extension cords safely and effectively. Pick the right tools to prevent extra costs and risks.
5 Appliances You Should Avoid Connecting to an Extension Cord
Extension cords aren’t meant to support the electrical needs of very powerful gadgets. Using them can cause warming, which might result in burning or even fires in the worst case. It’s important to know which tools you should never plug into extension cords. Here are seven items to remember: space heaters, air fryers, microwaves, refrigerators, freezers, portable air conditioners, and washing machines.
The Versatility of Air Fryers
Air fryers are now a common kitchen appliance because they can quickly cook and heat different types of food, including main dishes and sides. It’s important to pay attention to how much power they need. Larger types can use up to 2,000 watts, but their power use changes depending on their size. Their high energy use can create a serious fire risk when plugged into extension cords or power strips.
Always plug your air fryer into a wall source by itself. Here’s a tip to save room: If you don’t have much counter space, put your air fryer away when you’re not using it and take it out when you need it. Our experts make it easy to understand modern technology, like smart fridges and iPhones. They give tips on how to use these gadgets safely and effectively.
Microwaves: A Must-Have for Your Kitchen
Microwaves are essential in almost every home. Some homes have microwaves already installed, while others need to find a good place for them. Microwaves use a lot of energy, so they should always be plugged into their own outlet. Our team of experts is here to help you understand technology better, making your life simpler and safer.
It’s important to know the dangers of using extension cords incorrectly for electricity safety. A common mistake people make is daisy chaining, which means connecting extension cords. This unsafe technique can make circuits too hot, which could cause a fire. Always use extension cords carefully, and never connect one extension cord to another.
Space Heaters: A Major Fire Risk
Electric space heaters are well-known for being a common cause of fires. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that from 2017 to 2019, about 1,700 fires each year were caused by portable space heaters, and some of these fires led to deaths. It’s very important to be careful with these gadgets.
According to electrical expert Martinez, using an extension cord with a floor heater can cause the plug to melt and start a fire. So, it’s important not to use extension cords or power strips with things like space heaters. You should plug these straight into wall outlets to keep them safe. Don’t plug extension cords into one another.
Don’t use extension cords with high-power devices like space heaters. Always connect space heaters straight to a wall outlet. Check ropes often for any damage or signs of wear. By following these tips and being careful, you can make your home safer when using electric tools and extension cords.
Toasters and Toaster Ovens
Even though toasters are small, they use a lot of power and can be a fire hazard if put into an extension cord. This risk is higher with toaster ovens because they use more energy, usually between 1,200 and 1,400 watts. Make sure these appliances are plugged straight into a wall outlet to avoid any dangers.
Refrigerators
Refrigerators usually use less electricity, between 300 and 800 watts, than other cooking appliances, but they are always on. So, using an extra cord might still cause problems. Even if it doesn’t start a fire, it could still cause the fridge to break down and spoil your food.
Bonus: Air Conditioners
Air cooling units use too much electricity to be safely connected to an extension cord or power strip. It’s important to connect them straight to a wall outlet. Experts, like Martinez, stress the need to pick the right AC unit for your area. Use an online BTU tool to find the right unit for cooling your space effectively.
Many people are tempted to buy a 5,000 BTU air conditioner just because it’s on sale for $99. They wrongly think this deal will cool their home, but it usually doesn’t work for them. Martinez says that air conditioning units turn on and off to save energy. If you pick a unit that is too small, the compressor will have to put in a lot more effort.
This mistake can cause a few problems: your home might not get cool enough, your power bill could go up a lot, and if your AC is plugged into an extension cord, there is a fire risk.
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