Extension cords make life easier by bringing power 100 feet or more from the nearest outlet. But the convenience can come at a cost if you use the cord to power up the wrong electrical device. In fact, extension cords cause approximately 3,300 home fires each year, some of them deadly, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International. To help keep your home and loved ones from becoming a statistic, our pros in the Good Housekeeping Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab pulled together this list of devices that should never be plugged into an extension cord.
Space heaters
Any electronic device that generates heat must be plugged directly into the wall. That’s because the intense electrical current that’s produced in the heating process (many space heaters in our tests run at 1,500 watts or more) can fry the thin wiring used in a standard extension cord, leading to the risk of fire. At the very least, the extension cord will be ruined, and the space heater will suffer damage as well.
Air conditioners
Compressor-driven devices, including window and portable ACs, are also on the list of extension cord no-nos. Again, it has to do with the power load. When the compressor on an air conditioner kicks on, it requires a huge surge in electrical current, which its power cord is equipped to handle. But an electrical cord can overheat in a matter of seconds, causing it to melt and eventually catch fire.
Countertop appliances
As the name implies, this category of small appliances, including air fryers, coffeemakers, and toasters, are meant to live on the countertop. But we do hear reports of people using them away from the kitchen with the use of an extension cord. Given their high wattage (the largest toaster ovens and air fryers get up over 2,000 watts), these appliances pose the same risk as a space heater, which is why they must always be plugged directly into the wall outlet.
Refrigerators
Even a mini fridge can be damaged if used with an extension cord, since it’s another appliance that relies on an internal compressor. On top of the power surges that occur every time the compressor kicks on, refrigerators are constantly running, which puts a high demand on extension cords that are intended for short-term use.
Other extension cords
Known as daisy chaining, linking multiple extension cords is another fire hazard, since it creates an excessive buildup of heat in the cord. It also leads to a drop in voltage as electricity travels through the cords. That will affect the performance of your electronics, and it could even cause irreparable damage. Extension cords should never be used with power strips for much the same reason.
More extension cord safety tips
- Make sure the cords are rated for their intended use (indoor or outdoor) and that their wattage rating meets the power demands of the electronic device being used.
- Don’t allow cords to dangle from a counter or tabletop, where they could be pulled down by a child or pet.
- Never run extension cords under rugs. The foot traffic can cause the wires to fray over time, leading to a fire hazard.
- Don’t run the cord through ceilings, walls, or floors. If the cord is covered, heat won’t be able to escape, creating another fire hazard.
- Keep outdoor extension cords away from snow and standing water.
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.
