Electrical safety: Risks of using extension cords with high-power appliances

Improper use of extension cords with high-power household appliances poses a significant risk of overheating, device damage, and domestic fires. Experts advise that users must check the maximum load capacity, current, or wattage specified on the cord rather than relying on the number of outlets or the appearance of the cable.

Certain appliances should ideally be plugged directly into wall sockets to ensure safety. These include refrigerators and freezers, which operate continuously, as well as high-wattage items such as electric heaters, air conditioners, and microwaves. Other high-consumption devices like electric kettles, ovens, and hair styling tools (dryers and straighteners) can also overload inadequate extension cords, especially if multiple devices are used simultaneously.

To mitigate risks, users should follow manufacturer instructions, which may mandate direct wall connection for certain heaters. Additionally, daisy-chaining multiple extension cords together should be avoided, as this practice increases electrical load and creates further safety hazards.