Plug lights or decorations directly into an outlet whenever possible. Typically, it’s safe to use a power strip or extension cord but not both together.
Can you plug Christmas lights into a surge protector?
The lights on your Christmas tree should be plugged into a surge protector to help avoid a voltage spike, causing all of the lights on your tree to burn out.
What should you never plug into a surge protector?
Here are some examples of high-capacity appliances that you should not plug into a power strip:
- Refrigerators.
- Washing machines and dryers.
- Sump pumps.
- Space heaters.
- Portable air conditioners.
- Microwave ovens.
- Toasters.
- Coffee makers.
Can power strips cause fires?
Only use power strips for low-voltage electronics. Overloading a power strip can create a fire hazard. Keep all power strips and surge protectors uncovered so that air around it may circulate freely. If a power strip is hot to the touch, unplug and remove it immediately.
Can surge protectors 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.
Do you need a surge protector for outdoor Christmas lights?
Always plug your lights into an outdoor rated surge protector – especially if you are using LED lights in any part of your Christmas lights display. Surges on the line are your LED light string’s nemesis.
Do you need an extension cord for Christmas lights?
For running Christmas lights, you want to make sure that any cord you use is rated for outdoor use. Pick a 16-gauge extension cord for light runs of 25 feet or less and go with a heavier duty 14-gauge cord for runs over 25 feet. Devices that generate heat, such as space heaters, should not be used with extension cords.
Can I plug a power strip into a power strip?
Never Plug a Power Strip Into Another Power Strip
In a word—don’t. Not only is it against half a dozen OSHA regulations in a professional setting, but it can also cause one or more of the strips to fail or even catch fire.
Can I plug power strip into surge protector?
Yes, you can plug a power strip into a surge protector. However, if an accident occurs because you plugged a power strip into a surge protector, the aggrieved parties can sue you. Additionally, daisy-chaining power strips and surge protectors will void the warranties of your devices.
Is it OK to plug an extension cord into a power strip?
It is o.k. temporarily to plug an extension cord to a power strip, but never a power strip to an extension cord. Also, do not connect multiple extension cords together. And rule number four: don’t use indoor power strips outdoors. If the power strip gets damaged by rain or snow, it can damage anything plugged into it.
Are surge protectors safer than power strips?
For that reason, it’s hard to say one is way better than the other. If you have sensitive devices that you want to protect from power spikes, a surge protector is the best option. If you’re looking for a low-cost way to add devices to a single outlet and easily turn them on and off, a power strip will get the job done.
What can you plug into a surge protector?
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 power strips are safe?
The Safest Power Strips of 2020
- Belkin’s Safest Power Strip. Belkin 12 Outlet. CHECK PRICE ONLINE. …
- Safest Heavy Duty Power Strip. Tripp Lite Isobar 4. …
- Safest Multi-Protection Power Strip. Bestten Heavy Duty 10 Outlet. …
- Safest Outdoor Power Strip. Bestten Outdoor Power Strip. …
- Safest Travel Power Strip. Ceptics Travel Power Strip.
What is safest power strip surge protector?
The best surge protector or best power strip in our opinion is the APC Performance SurgeArrest 12, model P12U2. The unit offers 4,320 joules of protection, along with 12 electrical plugs and two USB ports. The surge protector is relatively slim and compact, making it an easy fit behind media consoles or televisions.
Is it safe to use a surge protector?
DON’T Overload It
A surge protector can only safely protect the devices plugged directly into it. If you “expand” the outlets by plugging another surge protector or power strip into your first protector, you risk overloading the device.
Do power strips need airflow?
When using power strips, it’s important to allow basic airflow to keep them cool. Covering strips or even their cords with cloth, fabric or even tape could lead to them overheating, another electrical fire risk you do not want to mess with.
Can you plug a humidifier into a power strip?
Never use power strips or surge protectors for high-power capacity items such as, space heaters, dehumidifiers, or other high capacity appliances. Plug them directly into a wall outlet.
Should I plug my PC into a power strip?
If you want to protect your gaming PC and equipment from power fluctuations, you have to plug them in the right way. Put down the dollar store power strip and slowly back away. The short answer is no, power strips do not protect your PC from any sort of electrical fluctuations.
