Certain devices should never be plugged into a power strip because of “high energy demands and safety risks.” Appliances like “space heaters, toasters, and microwaves can cause overheating and fires.” Air conditioners also “require more energy than a power strip can handle.”

Refrigerators and freezers “need constant, stable power” and can “overload strips, leading to damage.” It’s safer to connect them directly to a wall outlet.

Medical equipment such as “CPAP machines and oxygen machines must always be plugged directly into a wall outlet to ensure reliability.” Interruptions can be dangerous.

Hair dryers, curling irons, and power tools like drills or saws “draw too much power for safe strip use.” This increases the risk of overheating.

Large entertainment systems—like “TVs, sound systems, and gaming consoles”—can collectively exceed a strip’s limits. Also, “avoid plugging multiple high-wattage devices, like coffee makers and irons,” into one strip. Always plug high-demand devices straight into wall outlets to “prevent short circuits or fires.”