Electrical Safety Expert Warns Against Using Extension Cords for High-Power Appliances
Electrical safety expert Paul Martinez, owner of Electrified NYC, warns against using extension cords and power strips for certain high-powered appliances due to fire risks. He advises plugging seven key appliances directly into the wall.
Between 2017 and 2019, portable space heaters were involved in around 1,700 fires per year in the US, highlighting the danger of using extension cords with high-wattage appliances. Martinez cautions against daisy-chaining (plugging extension cords into other extension cords), as it can lead to overheating and fire.
He recommends avoiding extension cords and power strips for appliances that run constantly or rely on a heating element, such as air fryers, space heaters, and microwaves. Even toaster ovens, which use 1,200 to 1,400 watts, should be plugged directly into the wall. Refrigerators, despite using less power, also pose a risk when connected to extension cords or power strips. Martinez suggests using extension cords only temporarily, ensuring they are heavy-duty, grounded, and kept away from high-traffic or damp areas. For electronics, power strips and surge protectors can be used, but they are not suitable for appliances.
To ensure electrical safety, Martinez advises plugging seven key appliances directly into the wall: air fryers, microwaves, space heaters, toasters and toaster ovens, refrigerators, and air conditioning units. He warns against using extension cords and power strips for high-wattage appliances and encourages careful use of extension cords for temporary purposes only.
