Six dangers of plugging in your appliances into power cords and surge protectors

While portable home appliances such as room heaters, portable ACs, microwaves, and dehumidifiers are convenient to use, there is one requirement that should not be overlooked while installing these appliances. That is not to plug in these appliances into power cords and surge protectors. Doing so can pose several dangers, depending on the type of appliance and the power requirements. It is common to miss the warnings in product user manuals that state not to plug in PAC or dehumidifiers into a power cord or power wall tap, however, here are some reasons why this is not a good idea:

1. Overloading the Power Cord or Surge Protector

• Power Draw: Some appliances can draw significant power, especially when starting up. Surge protectors and power strips often have a limit to how much power they can handle. Exceeding this limit can lead to overheating, damage to the appliance, or even fire hazards.
• Voltage Drops: When power demand exceeds the capacity of the power cord or surge protector, it may cause voltage drops, which can affect the performance of the appliance or even damage its internal components.

Tip: Always follow actual power specifications of the unit and ensure the power outlet and circuit has enough capacity to handle the added appliance.

2. Fire Hazard

• Overheating: Surge protectors and power cords that are not rated for high power loads can overheat, potentially causing a fire.
• Electrical Short Circuit: If a surge protector or power cord is faulty or overloaded, this could also cause a short circuit, resulting in sparks, fire, or appliance damage.

Tip: Ensure that your appliance is certified by national safety authorities for the country and region the appliance is being operated in, like UL for USA.

3. Reduced Appliance Lifespan

• Inconsistent Power Supply: Appliances designed to run on a stable, direct connection to a wall outlet may suffer from inconsistent power delivery when plugged into power strips. This can stress the appliance's internal components and shorten its lifespan.
• Surge Protection Failure: Surge protectors may wear out over time, reducing their ability to protect the appliance from power surges. If an appliance is left plugged into a failing surge protector, it could be exposed to electrical surges that damage internal circuits.

4. Circuit Breaker Tripping

• Frequent Overloads: If too many devices are plugged into the same circuit through a surge protector or power cord, it can overload the circuit, causing the circuit breaker to trip. This may leave the appliance without power and can be a hassle to reset.

Tip: Read and follow manufacturers user manual and warnings and make sure to plug into an outlet that has enough electrical capacity and rated for the appliance specifications.

5. Grounding Issues

• Grounding Failures: Appliances like portable ACs and dehumidifiers typically require proper grounding for safety. Using a power strip or surge protector that does not have a proper ground or fails to establish a reliable connection can pose a risk of electric shock or electrocution, especially if there's a malfunction or surge.

6. Potential for Damage During Power Surges

• Inadequate Surge Protection: Not all surge protectors are created equal. Some are not rated to handle large surges, and if a large surge occurs (e.g., due to lightning or power grid fluctuations), the appliance may be damaged despite being plugged into a surge protector.
• Unprotected Outlets: Surge protectors should be rated for the type of appliance you're using. A cheap surge protector may only offer minimal protection, which may not be sufficient for high-power devices.

Tip: Always plug high-power appliances directly into a grounded wall outlet. If a surge protector is necessary, check the product user manual to ensure its rated for the appliance’s power needs.

Some more recommendations:

·       Avoid Daisy-Chaining: Never plug multiple power strips or surge protectors into each other (known as daisy-chaining), as this significantly increases the risk of overloading.

• Consider Dedicated Circuits: For high-power appliances, it’s safer to have a dedicated circuit installed to handle the load without overloading the standard circuit.

By following these precautions, you can help ensure the safety of both your appliances and your home’s electrical system.