Space Heaters and Other Things You Shouldn’t Plug Into a Power Strip or Extension Cord

If you own an abundance of appliances and tech gadgets, chances are you can't live without power strips and extension cords. They allow you to power multiple electrical devices at once and can be neatly tucked out of sight.But magical as they are, power strips and extension cords can hold only so much. If you overload them, you can run the risk of their overheating or even catching fire. Plugging multiple power strips together, or “daisy chaining,” can overload your electrical system. And extension cords can be used safely only with certain appliances.“It's generally not advisable to use an extension cord with larger appliances like refrigerators, freezers, and washing machines," says Jason Metzger, senior vice president and head of risk management at PURE Insurance. “Some appliances explicitly state not to use their products with any type of extension cord.”To keep your home happy and hazard-free, here are a few high-capacity appliances that should not be used with a power strip or extension cord.Kitchen appliances: Microwave, coffee maker, refrigeratorThe kitchen has the motherlode of appliances that are constantly in use and require a lot of energy—so power strips are never reco...