How do I find out a device’s power? It’s written on the device itself, just like on the power strip. Here’s an example. Say your power strip can handle a max of 3500 W. If you plug in a 2500 W oven, an 800 W vacuum cleaner, and a 250 W kettle, you’ve gone over (2500 + 800 + 250 = 3550 W). The fix?
Unplug one device to stay under the limit. Otherwise, it’s risky. Now, let’s see which devices to avoid.
- The oven
The oven’s a real power hog. Even if you don’t use it often, don’t plug it into a power strip.
Give it its own wall outlet to dodge overheating risks.
- The refrigerator
You might think the fridge doesn’t use much juice, so it’s okay to plug it into an extension cord. Wrong! Remember, it draws power 24/7. So, no plugging it into an extension cord. This goes for freezers too. - The washing machine
A washing machine slurps up around 1150 kWh a year. That’s a lot, so don’t use a power strip.
Plug it into a wall outlet to prevent short circuits and overheating. The same for tumble dryers.