So, power strips are great for computers, TVs, lamps, phone chargers and other low-wattage devices. However, they are not designed for large appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes dryers and clothes washers. To stay safe, here are six other devices you should never plug into a power strip.
A fridge draws between 10 and 20 amps. That's a lot of currents! If you plug your fridge into a power strip, you're increasing the number of amps going through that power strip. If it's overloaded, then it can overheat, catch on fire, and cause serious damage.
We strongly recommend that an extension cord not be used with any Refrigeration appliances (Refrigerator, Freezer, Compact Refrigerator, Ice Machine, Beverage Center, etcetera) due to the potential safety hazards under certain conditions.
You can use a surge protector on a refrigerator, but you can not use a GFCI outlet. The surge protector won't have any negative affects, but do make sure it can handle up to 15 amps. This is always a good item to use to prevent the electronics in the refrigerator from shorting out.
Yes, it is generally against electrical codes to plug a power strip into another power strip. This practice, known as "daisy chaining," can lead to overloading and overheating, which are major fire hazards.
In other words, to find out how many things you can plug into a power strip that's plugged into a single outlet, look at the power rating for each device and add them up. If the total is equal to or less than 1,500 watts, it should be OK to plug in all those devices.
This surge generates an excessive amount of heat, which can damage multiple parts of the refrigerator. Three components in particular that we often see damaged by a high voltage surge are the control board, the compressor, and the ice maker. The control board is the most sensitive component in the refrigerator.
Never plug large appliances into a power strip. Plugging large devices that put out continuous power into a powerstrip leads to overloading. They make it unstable and unable to keep up with the equipment. As a result, the appliance can overheat or burn out and will not work correctly.
Refrigerator amps are the amount of electrical current it's compressor uses to cool it's compartment. Amperage for most household refrigerators, is anywhere from 3 to 5 if the voltage is 120. A 15 to 20 amp dedicated circuit is required because the in-rush amperage is much higher.
If you are talking about a regular domestic refrigerator, you can plug it into the regular 110 to 120 volts outlet. However, do not plug your refrigerator into a wall socket that has two terminals. Ony use your fridge in a three-pronged socket.
For larger appliances that draw up to 15 amps like a refrigerator or a portable heater, a 14-gauge cord would be safer. Tools or appliances that require up to 20 amps like a shop vacuum or a circular saw should go with a 12-gauge or 10-gauge extension cord.
A 115-volt or 120-volt, individual, properly grounded branch circuit with a 3-prong grounding type receptacle, protected by a 15 or 20 amp circuit breaker or time-delay fuse. Should be on a dedicated circuit.
Big kitchen appliances such as refrigerators or dishwashers are high-powered appliances that will overload a little power strip very easily. Plug these types of appliances directly into a wall outlet.
Extension cords are generally not designed to handle the high-power demands of refrigerators and can pose fire hazards or cause appliance malfunctions. Whenever possible, connect your refrigerator directly to a properly grounded outlet or consider having an electrician install a new outlet closer to the appliance.
A power strip gives you the ability to plug multiple devices into a single wall outlet. A surge protector is a type of power strip which is specifically designed to withstand a power surge and keep your electronics safe.
So, power strips are great for computers, TVs, lamps, phone chargers and other low-wattage devices. However, they are not designed for large appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes dryers and clothes washers.
Avoid leaving them plugged in when not in use. It's good to turn the power switch off when you're done with a power strip, but it doesn't stop there. If it's plugged into the wall, it's drawing power and running through the wiring inside.
While many refrigerators can operate on regular outlets, there are instances where a special outlet might be recommended. Larger or more advanced refrigerators (such as commercial units, or those with additional features like ice makers or water dispensers) might have higher power requirements.
We do not recommend connecting a Refrigerator to a surge protector.
Another common cause of compressor failure is a build-up of dirt and dust. This can happen if the fridge isn't cleaned regularly or if there's a lot of dust in the air. Over time, the dirt and dust can clog up the compressor, causing it to overheat and break down.
The refrigerator may not turn on after the power is restored. It is possible that the power of the electric appliances was restored all at once, so the compressor was overloaded and the refrigerator protective device was activated due to excess power.
When can you plug two power strips into one outlet without it being a safety hazard? As long as you stay mindful of the wattage capacity and connect small devices, you should be fine. For example, you could fill power strips with plugs for the following small devices: Phone chargers.
It is not recommended to connect a refrigerator to a multi-outlet. If it is unavoidable, please use one with a power rating of 15 ampere or higher.
Power strips are designed for durability and multiple device connections, offering superior protection against electrical surges and overloads. Extension cords, while flexible and convenient for temporary use, lack the advanced safety mechanisms of power strips and are more susceptible to wear and tear.