Power strips are simple devices that you can buy to supply energy to your devices but you can still make mistakes in using them. Blunders are inevitable in every tech. It is just that some devices have a higher learning curve than others. If you have power strips at home, you must know how to use them correctly and avoid the errors that you may make upon usage. In this article, you will read about the common mistakes that you should steer clear of when operating a power strip wherever you are. Be sure to take note of these common mishaps so that you will not do them again. 

5 Things You Should Never Do with Power Strips 

Connecting one power strip to another 

One common mistake that anyone can do with power strips is connecting them to each other. The main reason why people do it is because the length of one power strip is not enough. This is a dangerous habit because it may cause overcharging if you are not careful. It may also start a fire because of overheating. You should check the current and voltage specifications to know the devices that can be charged using the power strip.

Not using all the ports 

Some people do not use all the ports for so-called safety precautions. This is not exactly true. You can use all the ports and outlets of power strips as long as the total current is not bigger than they are rated for. It is not about the number of outlets or ports and whether they are all in use. You just have to make sure that they are not drawing as much amperage as they need. 

Not connecting your laptop

Another common mistake that you can make with power strips is not connecting your laptop for a recharge. You have to realize that some power strips are capable of recharging bigger mobile devices like computers and tablets. This is mainly dependent on the amount of power that they are capable of delivering. Anker GaN power stations, for example, have a 240W power output with 140W max delivery per USB-C port, which can boost the battery charge of a MacBook Pro to 53 percent in 30 minutes. You should look into the details of your power strip to know if you can hook your laptop to it. 

Using indoor power strips in the outdoors

You should not use indoor power strips outside. An indoor power strip may not be equipped with safety features to protect itself from the elements of the environment. Rain and dirt may damage the power station as well as the devices connected to it. The body of the power strip may also incur scratches when placed outside and on the ground. You should know the limitations of the power strip that you have. 

Plugging high-capacity appliances

You should not plug high-power appliances like refrigerators, space heaters, washers, and dryers into a power strip. Large appliances consume a lot of energy. Hairdressing tools are also a no-no. Plugging them into these power strips may lead to overloading. Your appliances can also overheat and burn out. It is safer to plug them directly into an electric outlet. 

Conclusion 

Getting power strips in the house has its conveniences. They can accommodate all your charging needs as well as power up your electronic devices. It is okay to use all the ports as long as you understand their limitations. Some power strips are made for outdoor use while others should be kept inside. Laptops can be recharged with power strips but larger appliances and beauty tools like hair dryers and curling irons should be plugged into a standard wall outlet. These are just some of the common mistakes that you should avoid when using power strips.