How bad is it to plug a power strip into a power strip?

Author: Mr. Fritz Kuhic  |  Last update: Saturday, May 31, 2025

Never plug extension cords or power strips into one another. This is called “daisy-chaining” and can overload the circuit creating a potential fire hazard. Contact EHSO if you have any questions or need assistance in determining a safe layout for your equipment.

Is it safe to plug a power strip into a power strip?

To keep your home and family safe, follow these power strip safety tips: Make sure any power strip you use is UL-certified for safe operation. Never plug a power strip into another power strip. Doing so violates most safety codes and can quickly overload a circuit.

Is it safe to plug a power board into another power board?

Do not string power boards or extension cords. Stringing is when you power one power board by plugging it into another to increase the number of outlets available and/or increase the reach as shown in the image below. This practice is unsafe and could overload one or more of the power boards.

Can you plug a powerline adapter into a power strip?

Your Powerline Adapters will only work properly if you plug them directly into a wall socket, and not into extension leads. Most models of Powerline Adapters have a plug socket, which means you won't lose a mains socket after it's been plugged in.

Why can't I plug a surge protector into a surge protector?

Overload Risk: Each surge protector has a maximum load capacity (measured in watts or amps). Connecting multiple surge protectors can lead to exceeding this limit, which can cause overheating and potentially start a fire.

A Power Strip Has Limitations, Overload Could Cause a Fire

What should you never plug into a surge protector?

You should avoid causing an electrical fire by not plugging any of the following items in your power strip.
  • #1 Big Kitchen Appliances. ...
  • #2 Small Kitchen Appliances. ...
  • #3 Hairstyling Tools. ...
  • #4 Other Power Strips. ...
  • #5 Portable Heaters and Air Conditioners. ...
  • #6 Sump Pumps. ...
  • #7 Air Compressors.

What happens if you plug too much into a surge protector?

Fire Hazards: One of the most severe risks of overloading a power strip is the potential for causing a fire. Exceeding the power capacity of a power strip can lead to overheating, which may ignite a fire, especially in units that lack adequate surge protection.

Can you piggyback power strips?

Do not piggyback or plug a power strip of any type into another. Do not overload electrical sockets. Never use an extension cord with an appliance — plug them directly into wall sockets. Never place anything that can burn over a lamp.

Is it safe to plug an extension into an adapter?

Yes, it is generally safe to plug an extension lead into a multi-plug or power strip. However, safety should always be a top priority. Ensure that the combined load of devices connected to the extension lead and the multi-plug doesn't exceed the capacity of the power strip.

Can I plug my WiFi extender into a surge protector?

Yes. You can plug a WiFi Pod into a power strip, adapter, extension cord or surge protector. Unlike Power Line Communication (PLC) based devices, data is not transmitted via the AC lines. WiFi Pods connect via WiFi or Ethernet and work as long as they receive power from the outlet.

Is it okay to plug a fan into a power strip?

Do not use extension cords or power strips with fans, pumps or appliances with heating elements or compressors. Plug this type of equipment directly into a wall outlet. Extension cords may supply less power, which can cause the equipment to overheat or malfunction.

Can a power surge damage a circuit board?

Electrical surges can instantly overload and short out the circuit board of home/work electronics and anything else plugged into the wall, or they can damage them over time.

Can you run a fridge off a power board?

Your fridge and a power strip are a singularly bad combo. Simply put: refrigerators require, nay demand, a dedicated electrical circuit. A standard refrigerator draws less than 8 amps while running. But the starting or in-rush amperage is much higher.

Do power strips get hot?

We also strongly advise against using them within basements. Refrain from using a power strip if it feels hot. Power strips can overheat when they are overloaded, when they are within enclosed spaces, or when there isn't sufficient ventilation within the room.

Is daisy chaining bad?

Because electrical resistance increases with increased power cord length, interconnecting cords increases the total resistance and resultant heat generation. This creates an additional risk of equipment failure and fire, particularly when paper and other combustible materials are in contact with the wires.

Should I unplug power strip when not in use?

Note that this is not mandatory, especially if it has devices that must be turned on for extended periods. But in general, one should unplug power strips in times of storms or if one will not be at home for an extended period.

Can you safely plug a surge protector into an extension cord?

Plug surge protectors directly into wall outlets. Do not “daisy chain,” that is, plug surge protectors into extension cords or other surge protectors. This practice voids the NRTL listing and the manufacturer's warranty. If additional wall outlets are required, contact Physical Plant-Campus Services (642-1032).

How many things can you safely plug into an outlet?

A single outlet usually limits you to plugging in two to three devices which may not always be convenient. Power strips, also known as surge protectors, contain multiple outlets so you can power several more devices all from the same source.

Is plugging an extension lead into another bad?

No – you should never run two extension cords together. Connecting two or more extension leads together (sometimes known as 'daisy-chaining) is unsafe for several reasons. Only use one extension lead per socket and never plug an extension lead into another extension lead.

Do power strips raise electric bill?

Using smart power strips can help lower your utility bill by preventing “phantom” or standby power consumption. Many devices continue to draw power even when turned off, contributing to energy waste and higher bills.

Is it OK to have 2 power strips on one outlet?

Using two power strips in a single outlet is considered safe, as long as the total amount of electricity being used does not exceed what the outlet can handle.

What does "daisy chained" mean?

daisy-chained; daisy-chaining; daisy-chains. transitive verb. : to link (things, such as computer components) together in series.

Is it okay to plug a power strip into another power strip?

Overloading of a single power strip creates a potential fire hazard, but connecting one power strip to another or a third or fourth referred to as “Daisy- Chaining” is an invitation to almost certain disaster!

How do you know if a power strip is overloaded?

If you feel that your outlets are unusually warm or hot to the touch, it may suggest that too much electricity is flowing through them, causing them to overheat. Frequently tripped breakers are also indicative of an overloaded circuit. Breakers trip as a safety measure when excessive current flows through the circuit.

Can I plug a hair dryer into an extension cord?

It would be best if you never used an extension cord with an appliance that produces heat, such as a hair dryer, curling iron, or space heater. These appliances can overheat the extension cord and pose a fire hazard. Extension cords are handy around the house, but using them safely and correctly is vital.

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