Key Takeaways
Mosthousehold outletscan handle up to two electrical items.
This low capacity helps users avoid overloading the circuit but can leave the connected items vulnerable to electrical surges.
The main purpose of power strips is to increase the number of available outlets.
Credit: Paul Dyer
However, there are limits to what a power strip can handle.
Cheap power strips are a hazard.
Get UL-listed ones with surge protection and unplug them when not in use.
If you dont need it on, kill the power.
Use wall outlets for heavy-duty appliances.
“Overloadingthats the biggest reason they can be dangerous.
A power strip isnt some magical unit with countless outlets; it’s simply distributing power from one source.
Cheap, low-quality strips increase the risk,” explains Gregor.
To start, never insert anything that isn’t an electrical plug into a power strip outlet.
There is also a range of electrical devices that should not be plugged into a power strip.
