Don’t Plug These Six Appliances into Extension Cords

When it comes to household appliances, safety should always come first. Larger electrical devices, in particular, can be a significant fire hazard when plugged into extension cords or power strips.

Knowing which appliances will need their own dedicated outlets is crucial to maintaining a safe home or workplace.

Why Are Extension Cords Dangerous for Large Appliances?

During the colder months, space heaters can be a cost-effective way to heat your home or workplace compared to running a furnace or heat pump alone. Using high-wattage appliances into extension cords can create serious fire hazards. Knowing which devices require their own dedicated outlets is crucial for home and workplace safety. However, it’s important to use them—and other high-powered appliances—with caution.

Devices like space heaters, air fryers, and microwaves should never be plugged into extension cords or surge protectors.

Extension cords, to put it simply, are not designed to handle the high electrical current required by these devices. Overloading them can lead to overheating, burns, and even fires if left unchecked. (Author’s note: As a former firefighter, I can’t stress enough the importance of taking these safety precautions seriously.)

If you’re unsure which appliances should not be plugged into extension cords, here’s a list of six common offenders:

1. Air Fryers

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook and reheat meals quickly, but they require a significant amount of power. Depending on the model, they can draw up to 2,000 watts of energy, making them a serious fire risk when plugged into an extension cord. Always plug your air fryer directly into a wall outlet. If you’re short on counter space, store it and bring it out only when necessary.

2. Microwaves

Microwaves are another high-wattage appliance that should never be plugged into an extension cord. While built-in microwaves usually come with dedicated circuits, countertop models can easily overload an extension cord, causing it to overheat. Always plug your microwave directly into a wall outlet for safety.

3. Daisy-Chaining Extension Cords

One of the most dangerous practices is “daisy chaining”—the act of plugging one extension cord into another. This can quickly overload circuits, leading to overheating and an increased risk of fire. Instead of chaining cords together, use a single, appropriately sized extension cord that can handle the electrical load.

4. Space Heaters

Space heaters are notorious for being fire hazards. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, portable heaters, including electric space heaters, were involved in an average of 1,700 fires per year, resulting in an average of 70 deaths and 160 injuries annually from 2017 to 2019. Always plug your space heater directly into a wall outlet, never into an extension cord or power strip, to reduce the risk of fire.

5. Toasters and Toaster Ovens

Although small in size, toasters and toaster ovens consume a significant amount of power—typically between 1,200 and 1,400 watts. Plugging them into extension cords can result in overheating and create a potential fire hazard. For safety, always plug them directly into a wall outlet.

6. Refrigerators

Refrigerators may not use as much power as other appliances—usually between 300 and 800 watts—but they run continuously. Using an extension cord with a refrigerator can increase the risk of overheating and cause malfunction. To ensure proper and safe operation, always plug your refrigerator directly into a wall outlet.

The Bottom Line on Extension Cords

Extension cords are best used temporarily and within their limits to avoid safety hazards. If you need more outlets for high-powered appliances, consider installing additional wall outlets or using a properly rated power strip with surge protection. Always check cords for signs of damage, select the right cord for the job, and, most importantly, prioritize safety when using high-wattage appliances in your home or workplace.

To improve the electrical and fire safety measures in place at your facility, contact Walden’s EHS experts at 860-846-4069.

Photo credits:

Extension cords photo by Justin Wilkens on Unsplash

Kitchen appliances photo by Andrew Valdivia on Unsplash

Space heater photo by Donald Teel on Unsplash