Power strips have become essential elements in our modern homes. They allow us to connect several electronic devices at the same time and thus optimize the space around wall sockets. However, there are precautions we can take to avoid power surges that can cause dangers to our safety.
Why can a power surge be dangerous?
A power strip surge occurs when electrical power suddenly increases in electrical cables. This phenomenon can cause the wires to overheat and damage the devices plugged into the power strip. When this happens, there is a risk of fire or electric shock.
Which devices should not be plugged into a power strip?
- Large household appliances: Washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, ovens, etc., consume a lot of energy and their simultaneous use on a single power strip can cause a fire risk.
- Heating appliances: Radiators, fan heaters and electric convectors must be individually plugged into a wall outlet to avoid overloading the electrical circuit.
- Chargers and transformers: These devices can generate an overvoltage when they are all plugged into the same power strip, especially if they are used to charge very energy-hungry devices such as smartphones or tablets.
Tips for using a power strip safely
To avoid taking unnecessary risks with your electrical power strips, here are some tips to follow:
- Check the capacity of the power strip: Make sure to use a power strip suitable for the combined power of the devices connected to it. Do not exceed the maximum power indicated on your power strip.
- Choose a protected power strip: Opt for a power strip with protection against overvoltages and short circuits. This feature can prevent any risk of fire or electrocution.
- Have a sufficient number of wall sockets: If you need to plug in several devices at the same time, it is better to have a sufficient number of wall sockets to avoid overloading the electrical circuits.
- Avoid chaining several power strips together: This can cause an overload of the electrical network and thus increase the risk of fire. In this case, opt for a power strip with a sufficient number of sockets available.
- Do not cover electrical cables: Cables must remain accessible and well ventilated to avoid overheating. Do not cover the wires with carpet or furniture, which may cause overheating and subsequent fire.
Power strips and style of your interior
Power strips are not always aesthetically pleasing and can detract from the decoration of your interior. To get around this problem, you can use several tricks to hide electrical wires:
- Use cable covers to group wires and route them along baseboards.
- Opt for sockets recessed into furniture or partitions.
- Choose furniture designed to hide cables: TV cabinets, columns, etc.
In conclusion, although power strips are very practical and almost essential in our homes, they should be used responsibly and safely. Follow the connection instructions and do not neglect aesthetics to prevent any risk of domestic accident related to their misuse.
I am a student and I am part of the editorial staff of joehovasmf.com. I have the chance to enjoy writing, however, I also like to discuss all subjects and especially anything related to Science.