DON’T plug high-capacity appliances into a power strip. Keep in mind that an appliance does not need to be large in size to draw large amounts of power. Here are some examples of high-capacity appliances that you should not plug into a power strip: Refrigerators. Washing machines and dryers.
Can you use a heavy duty extension cord for a washing machine?
Washing machines draw a large amount of electrical current to operate. Most user manuals will indicate that using an extension cord for a large appliance such as a washing machine is not advisable. Generally speaking, using an extension cord for your washing machine should be avoided.
Can you run a washer off a surge protector?
Washers must be plugged directly into a properly grounded 3-prong wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or plug the unit into a surge protector or multi-outlet adaptor.
Can I put a washer and dryer on a surge protector?
You can plug your washer/dryer into a surge protector without suffering any consequences if you get a sufficiently powerful surge protector and if you fight the temptation to plug additional appliances into the same surge protector.
What is safe to plug into a power strip?
A power strip can safely handle AV equipment or low-power household items like smartphones, tablets, laptops, or lamps. However, if you plug in a device or appliance that needs a lot of electricity to function, you run the risk of overloading the powerstrip and starting an electrical fire.
What kind of extension cord can I use for a washing machine?
Purchase a cord that’s long enough and rated to handle the amperage of the washer. As a rule of thumb, amperage ratings of 10 or below require a 16-gauge cord. For greater draw, use a 14-gauge cord. If you have an unusually long run for the cord, use a 12-gauge cord.
Can you plug a washing machine into a normal socket?
Do not plug your washing machine into an extension socket, only ever plug your washing machine into a mains wall socket.
Can I use power strip for washer and dryer?
The majority of washers and dryers don’t use a standard plug. Surge protectors can trip large appliances, so you don’t want to plug them into power strips or extension cords. A multiple outlet strip would be better.
What appliances need surge protectors?
The devices and appliances you want to make sure you plug in, are the expensive ones with microprocessors into your surge protector. This includes TVs, refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, AC units, PCs, laptops, game systems, and phones.
Can a power surge damage a dryer?
Power surges are sudden voltage increases in a home’s electricity supply that can damage expensive electrical items such as washers, dryers and refrigerators.
How many watts can a power strip handle?
Overloading a Power Strip
In a typical 120V home, a standard power strip can handle up to 1800 watts (the same as the wall outlet).
Are all power strips surge protectors?
Surge protectors often look just like power strips, but not all power strips are surge protectors. Only surge protections actually help protect your gadgets against power surges. Many power strips are just glorified extension cords without any protection.
What is a surge protector vs power strip?
The difference between a power strip and a surge protector is that a power strip adds extra outlet space while a surge protector defends against possible voltage spikes that could damage your electronics, appliances, or equipment.
Are power strips safer than extension cords?
When it comes to plugging your appliances into power strips, a surge protector is safer than an extension cord. Surges can occur for any number of reasons, including lightning strikes and faulty wiring.
How many things can I plug into a power strip?
As a rule of thumb, it’s safest to stick to a maximum load of 1,500 watts per outlet or circuit. The number of things you can plug into one outlet depends on the wattage of each device or appliance you want to plug in.
What is the advantage of a surge protector over a power strip?
A Surge Protector Is More than Just a Power Strip
A Power Strip provides additional sockets for plugging in various devices at a single time. On the other hand, a Surge Protector not only provides multi-socket support like a strip, but also prevents hazardous bursts, spikes, and surges of high voltage.
How can I protect my appliances from power surges?
Here are some steps you can take to keep your home and sensitive electronics safe:
- Inspect your wiring. Faulty or substandard wiring can make power surge problems worse. …
- Unplug electronics during a storm. …
- Use surge protectors. …
- Install a whole-home surge processor. …
- Install high-efficiency AC units.
What causes surge protectors to catch fire?
Surge protectors can become a fire hazard themselves. The most common cause of fires from an extension cord, power strip, power tap, or surge protector is primarily due to improper use and overloading, especially when cords have multiple outlets such as power strip and surge protectors.
Are Cheap surge protectors OK?
As with most things in life, you get what you pay for: cheap surge protectors don’t work well, if at all, and could actually do more harm than good. To be fair, there is no such thing as a bad surge protector — they all have the same basic function, which is to absorb excess voltage so your electronics don’t get fried.
What is the difference between an extension cord and a power strip?
However, the main difference between the two lies in the purpose: If you want to multiply the number of electrical outlets from a single source, use a power strip. If you want to stretch out a power source towards a distant appliance, use an extension cord.
Can surge protectors cause problems?
The answer to the question “can a surge protector go bad?” is yes, especially if it is overloaded. If you have a single surge protector standing between an electricity surge and 25 electrical devices, you could be asking for trouble.
