Think about this situation: You are excited to start unpacking now that you have moved into your new home. As you enter the kitchen, you look for the best place to put the oven but find yourself in a tough spot. There is only one wall outlet in the kitchen, and it’s not even close to where you want to put your appliance.

You might be tempted to use an extension cord to fix this, but you should really think twice about it. Because of these things, you should never do that.

Extension cords and safety

According to professionals, a lot of people don’t know how to safely use extension cords. Remember that extension cords are 14-gauge, and you may want to use one to power a heater, such as an oven, dishwasher, or microwave. Then, a 14-gauge won’t be able to handle the amps, and the extension cord could get burned. That’s what makes a lot of house fires in the US.

Some of the most common types of extension cords are 14-gauge and 12-gauge. About 1,800 watts (15 amps) is how much power a 14-gauge cord can handle, which is the same as a standard wall outlet in the US. But experts stress that appliances that use more than 1,500 watts should always be plugged into a separate circuit.

• 14-gauge extension cords: Can handle up to 1,800 watts or 15 amps.
• 12-gauge extension cords: Offer greater capacity, suitable for heavier loads.

Being informed about the limitations of extension cords can help prevent potential fire hazards in your home. Always ensure that your high-wattage appliances are connected safely and appropriately.

High-Risk Appliances to Avoid Connecting to Extension Cords

“No extension cords at all” is very important to follow when it comes to powering some home appliances. This directive is not only meant to keep things running smoothly, but also to keep everyone safe. Let’s look at some appliances that are very dangerous when they are plugged into an extension cord.

Air Fryers

As we try to make our lives easier, new technologies like talking fridges and iPhones are being developed. Our experts are here to help you find your way around these modern conveniences. Air fryers are a must-have in every kitchen because they make it easy to cook and reheat meals quickly, from full dinners to simple side dishes.

But it can be dangerous to use an extension cord with your air fryer. Because they have a lot of wattage—up to 2,000 watts for bigger models—they can start fires if they are not plugged directly into a wall outlet. If you don’t have a lot of counter space, you might want to hide your air fryer and only plug it directly into a wall outlet when you need to.

Expert Advice for a Safer Home

Our team of experts is committed to giving you the information you need to make smart choices that will keep your home safe and efficient. Whether you’re dealing with cool kitchen gadgets or the newest smart tech, it’s important to know the risks that come with not powering your devices correctly. For safety reasons, you should always use direct wall outlets for high-wattage appliances.

Microwave

For many people, moving into a house with a built-in microwave is the dream. But not everyone is that lucky. This is a heavy-duty appliance that you should keep in mind as you look for a place for it in the kitchen. Because it has a lot of power, it should really be hooked up to its own separate circuit.

Refrigerator

Even though refrigerators use less electricity than some other kitchen appliances, they are always on. Because of this, you can’t use them with an extension cord. Even though using an extension cord might not immediately pose a fire risk, it could make the refrigerator stop working.

Toaster and Toaster Oven

Even though toasters are small, they use a lot of power and can start a fire if they are plugged into an extension cord. Even more power is needed for toasters, which need between 1,200 and 1,400 watts. For these appliances to work safely and well, they need enough power.

Extension Cords: A Hidden Hazard

As an electrician, you should never plug two extension cords into each other. This is called “daisy chaining,” and it is a major safety risk. If you do this dangerous thing, the circuit could get too hot, which could make the cords too hot as well.

Space Heaters: A Common Fire Risk

For a long time, people have known that electric heaters, especially portable space heaters, can start fires. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says that from 2017 to 2019, these devices were involved in a scary 1,700 fires every year. Some of these incidents were so terrible that they killed people.

Let’s say someone plugs an extension cord into a floor heater. The plug could melt, which could start a fire. Because of this, extension cords and power strips should never be used with appliances; they are only meant to be used with electronics.

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