Extension cords are crucial when you need to stretch an appliance from one location to a distant electrical outlet, while surge protectors help keep your equipment safe .
Are extension cords also surge protectors?
Extension cords and power strips are not to be used together. Power strips are also commonly called Surge Protectors or Relocatable Power Taps (RPT’s) although there are some differences in their capabilities. For connection purposes they are treated the same regardless of their capabilities.
Is a surge protector considered an extension cord?
It’s essentially an extension cord with multiple outlets and no fancy features, although it might have a switch to quickly cut power to all connected devices. ... Like power strips, most surge protectors plug into a wall outlet and offer outlets for multiple devices.
What is considered an extension cord?
An extension cord is a long electrical cable with at least one socket on one end and an electrical plug on the other . ... Extension cords come in a variety of forms, depending on the use. Some are only 2 feet long, while others run 30 feet or longer.
Is a power strip safer than an extension cord?
In fact, plugging multiple power strips together, which is known as “daisy-chaining,” is the quickest way to overload your electrical system—and it’s also dangerous and violates most fire safety codes. For the same reason, avoid the use of extension cords with power strips .
What can you not put in a surge protector?
- Large Kitchen Appliances (Refrigerator, Dishwasher, etc.) These appliances are so high-powered that they’ll easily overload a poor, little power strip. ...
- Small Kitchen Appliances. ...
- Hair Styling Tools. ...
- Extension Cords and Other Power Strips.
What is the safest surge protector?
- Best smart surge protector: Kasa Smart HS300 Plug Power Strip.
- Best with USB ports: Anker Power Strip Surge Protector.
- Best heavy-duty: Tripp Lite Isobar 6.
- Best space-saving: APC Wall Outlet Plug Extender.
- Best portable: Belkin 3-Outlet USB Surge Protector.
Can I plug 2 surge protectors into one outlet?
Even if there are six sockets in your power strip, you should only use one or two at a given time. Plugging multiple power strips into one wall receptacle. You should never have more than one outlet per wall receptacle serving a power strip.
Which is better power strip or surge protector?
If you have sensitive devices that you want to protect from power spikes, a surge protector is the best option. If you’re looking for a low-cost way to add devices to a single outlet and easily turn them on and off, a power strip will get the job done.
Is it OK to plug PC into an extension cord?
Ultimately, you should be aware that pairing your computer with a long extension cord isn’t a tough nut to crack. You can use the extension cord for as long as you want once you follow the safety measures properly .
Why are extension cords a fire hazard?
Extension cords can overheat and cause fires when used improperly . Overheating is usually caused by overloading or connecting appliances that consume more watts than the cord can handle. Damaged extension cords can also cause fires. Extension cords should only be used temporarily.
What is considered a heavy duty extension cord?
A 10- to 12-gauge wire is considered a heavy-duty extension cord, a 14-gauge wire is a medium-duty cord, and a 16-gauge wire is a light-duty cord.
What is the most heavy duty extension cord?
Best overall: Coleman 14 Gauge 100 Ft. Extension Cord. Best with a power strip: Anker Power Strip Extension Cord. Best heavy-duty extension cord: Watt’s Wire 14-Gauge Extension Cord .
Can I plug my air fryer into a power strip?
Microwaves and toaster ovens
Otherwise, you risk overloading your power strip, tripping your breaker, or causing a fire. The same rule applies to toast ovens and air fryers.
Should I put a surge protector on my refrigerator?
We do not recommend connecting a refrigerator or freezer to a surge protector . The compressor is sensitive to temperature and current overloads, and will shut itself down with a surge. ... A surge protector will override this system, and if there is a power surge, your refrigerator may not restart.
What makes an extension cord a surge protector?
It’s essentially an extension cord with multiple outlets and no fancy features , although it might have a switch to quickly cut power to all connected devices. ... While common power strips and surge protectors look similar, not all power strips are surge protectors. Surge protectors are a bit more expensive.
