Never Plug These Devices Into an Extension Cord—It Could Lead to Serious Hazards

Exercise caution if you're low on outlets and relying on extension cords. Not all devices are safe to connect this way, and the wrong combination can lead to overheating or even fire hazards.

Even after renovating the kitchen and adding more outlets, you might find that you still come up short, especially with all the appliances we use today. Extension cords seem like a quick fix, letting you power multiple devices or reach distant outlets, but not all appliances are safe to plug in this way.

The device's wattage is the main factor to consider before using an extension cord. General electrical safety guidelines specify that any device with a wattage above 1500 watts should always be plugged directly into a dedicated power source—never an extension cord, no matter how thick or durable the cord seems. You can find the wattage on the appliance's manual or on the device itself, typically on the back or underside. Here are some common appliances that should never be used with an extension cord:

• Electric Heaters: These consume high amounts of energy, especially over long periods. Plugging one into an extension cord risks overheating and could cause a fire.
• Air Conditioners: Whether portable or stationary, air conditioners should always have a dedicated outlet. Plugging them into an extension cord is unsafe.
• Toasters: Toasters use wires that heat up rapidly to toast bread, which draws a significant current. This can easily overheat an extension cord. The same goes for waffle irons.
• Washing Machines: These appliances require high power, especially during water heating cycles. Connecting a washing machine to an extension cord can cause overloading and damage.
• Microwaves and Mini Ovens: It's best to avoid using an extension cord, especially if you use the appliance frequently.
• Deep Fryers: These also draw a large amount of power and should be plugged directly into a dedicated outlet.
• Extension Cords: Plugging one extension cord into another is a serious safety risk, as it can easily overload circuits and lead to fires.

A final tip: when purchasing an extension cord, choose one with a cable cross-section of at least 1.5 mm², rated for a minimum of 3.6 kW. This provides a safer option when using lower-wattage devices.