Firefighters warn against improper power strip use

Firefighters are warning residents against the improper use of power strips and extension cords to prevent electrical overloads and potential fires. The State Fire Service (Państwowa Straż Pożarna) emphasizes that standard power strips are primarily intended for low-power devices such as lamps, phone chargers, or laptops.

High-consumption appliances should be plugged directly into wall sockets rather than power strips. This includes kitchen equipment like ovens, microwaves, kettles, and coffee makers, as well as heating devices such as electric heaters. Large household appliances, including washing machines, refrigerators, and freezers, also require direct wall connections due to their continuous operation and high power demands. Overloading power strips can lead to overheating wires and melted insulation.