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The Do’s and Don’ts of Power Strip Safety

Power strip with multiple appliances plugged in

Power strips are essential additions to your home office, kitchen, family room, and more. Without these critical tools, you wouldn’t have enough plugs for televisions, computers, speakers, and other appliances that enhance your comfort. However, all power strips are not created equal, and using the wrong power strip or wrongly using any power strip can have negative consequences.

At Kolb Electric, safety is our top priority, and we work hard to protect your home from damage and your family from injuries. When it comes to protecting your home and family from electric shocks, electrocution, and fire, the following power strip safety tips will help keep you safe.

Choosing a Power Strip for Your VA Home

Power strip safety begins with choosing the right power strip. Always start by examining the strip’s rating. The more electricity it can absorb before failure, the better. This will help protect your computers, appliances, and other sensitive electronics from damage.

It’s also a good idea to make sure it has the features you need. Modern strips feature moisture shut-off, wall mounts, USB ports, and more. Choose a strip that best suits your needs and has sufficient ports for your needs.

Finally, check the reviews and the warranty. Remember that you are making an investment and that it’s never a good idea to use an inexpensive, low-quality tool to protect an expensive device or your home.

Power Strip Safety: A Quick Checklist

When using a power strip, keep the following list of do’s and don’ts in mind:

Do

  • Only connect light-load appliances to power strips, including computers, lamps, clocks, etc.
  • Purchase power strips with an internal circuit breaker. This critical safety measure is designed to shield your electronics and reduce the risk of fire.
  • Use power strips sparingly. Power strips are not designed to maintain a load for extended periods of time. They can and will overheat if used excessively.
  • Make sure that all power strips and surge protectors uncovered so air around the surge protector may circulate freely

Don’t

  • Never “daisy chain” your power strip to another power strip. This is an excellent way to short appliances and will dramatically increase the odds of fire, electrocution, and electric shock. It will also void all manufacturer’s warranty coverage and can result in the denial of a homeowners insurance claim.
  • Never use power strips in moist areas, including kitchens, utility rooms, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. We also strongly advise against using them within basements.
  • Refrain from using a power strip if it feels hot. Power strips can overheat when they are overloaded, when they are within enclosed spaces, or when there isn’t sufficient ventilation within the room.
  • You should never cover, staple, tack, tape, or nail a power strip to any surface. Covering can lead to overheating, while nailing and stapling can damage cords, and tacking and taping won’t provide a stable, permanent attachment. However, it is perfectly safe to use any hooks or loops provided by the manufacturer or incorporated within the design.

Installing Additional Outlets: The Better, Permanent Solution

Power strips should always be used in moderation. But what happens when you run out of outlets? If you find that you simply don’t have enough outlets, even with the use of a power strip, you shouldn’t run out and buy more power strips. Instead, it’s best to consider installing additional outlets. This will create a safe, dependable, and long-term solution you can depend on. Adding outlets is easier and more cost-effective than you may think, and it is a great way to ensure your home has the power you need today, tomorrow, and well into the future.

Outlet Installation in Virginia, Maryland & DC With Kolb

The team at Kolb Electric will ensure you have the power you need for the lifestyle you desire! When you need electricitywiring, and appliances, you can depend on our team to deliver superior service, skill, and technology.

Contact Kolb Electric at 877-287-1179 to schedule an appointment for electrical services with our expert team.

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