9 Things You Should Never Plug Into a Power Strip

Power strips have limits, and overloading one can be a serious fire hazard. Just because something has a plug doesn’t mean it belongs in a power strip. In fact, there are quite a few appliances and devices that should never be plugged into one.

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Whether you're trying to power your entire kitchen or just charge a bunch of gadgets at once, it's worth knowing what can safely go into a power strip. The following items should not.

1. Space Heaters

Space heaters top the list for a reason. These little appliances draw a ton of power and heat up quickly—two things that make them especially risky when plugged into a power strip. Even high-end surge protectors aren’t built to handle that kind of sustained load.

Plugging a space heater into a strip can lead to overheating, melting plastic or even sparking a fire. If you use a space heater, always plug it directly into a wall outlet—and never leave it unattended.

2. Microwaves

Microwaves may seem like small kitchen appliances, but under the hood, they’re heavy-duty. Most models draw between 1,000 and 1,500 watts of electricity, which is more than a typical power strip is rated to handle for a single device.

A power strip won’t just struggle with the load—it can also shorten the life of your microwave or cause voltage fluctuations. For something that powerful, a wall outlet is the only safe option.

3. Refrigerators and Freezers

Refrigerators run constantly, and every time the compressor kicks on, there’s a spike in electricity usage. That kind of cycling load can easily overwhelm a power strip, especially if other things are plugged in alongside it.

And the real danger here isn’t just fire—it’s the risk that your fridge gets cut off mid-cycle, which could lead to spoiled food, water leaks or a burned-out motor.

4. Air Conditioners

Window and portable AC units are some of the most power-hungry devices in your home. Like space heaters, they need a stable, high-wattage current to function properly. Plugging one into a strip or even a standard extension cord is a recipe for overheating and, potentially, an electrical fire.

Many manufacturers actually void the warranty if you use a power strip with an AC unit—so stick to direct-to-wall use only.

5. Coffee Makers and Toasters

It might feel harmless to plug in your coffee maker, toaster or electric kettle into a power strip—after all, they’re kitchen staples. But these appliances heat up metal components quickly, which requires a large, rapid draw of electricity.

Using them in a power strip can overload the circuit almost instantly.

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6. Hair Dryers and Curling Irons

Bathroom outlets are often overloaded with styling tools, and it’s tempting to run a strip across the counter to keep everything within reach. But hair dryers, curling irons and flat irons all pull major wattage.

Not only can they overheat a power strip in minutes, but many also stay hot long after you turn them off—so if there’s a malfunction or surge, they can spark while still sitting on your countertop.

7. Crockpots, Instant Pots and Air Fryers

Modern countertop cookers might be energy-efficient in the long run, but they still need a solid current to run safely. Many people use them on kitchen islands or side tables where wall outlets aren’t nearby—so they turn to a power strip.

Unfortunately, a power strip may not be able to handle the slow but steady power draw of a cooking appliance. And if the strip fails during cooking, you may not know until your dinner’s ruined—or worse, your countertop is scorched.

8. More Power Strips

This one’s easy: never plug one power strip into another. It’s called “daisy chaining,” and it’s one of the leading causes of home electrical fires. Every strip has a wattage rating, and when you stack them, you’re not just increasing the number of outlets—you’re overloading a single electrical source.

If you need more outlets, it’s safer to hire an electrician to install them than to chain multiple strips together.

9. Dishwashers or Washing Machines (in Unusual Cases)

Most of us don’t have our large appliances on power strips, but in garages, basements or makeshift laundry setups, it happens. These machines use both water and electricity—always a risky combo—and they draw enough power to require a grounded, dedicated outlet.

If you're running a portable washer or plug-in dishwasher in a nonstandard setup, don’t use a power strip. Use a grounded wall outlet with GFCI protection instead.

Play It Safe Plugging Into Power Strips

When in doubt, check the label on your power strip. Many are rated for 1,800 watts or less, and some come with surge protection while others do not.

As a general rule, power strips are best used for low-draw electronics: lamps, phone chargers, game consoles, Wi-Fi routers and similar devices. Anything that heats up, moves or cycles on and off automatically should go straight into the wall.