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7 Household Devices That Are Fire Hazards on Extension Cords
14 Nov
Summary
- Extension cords pose major fire risk for high-power appliances
- Space heaters, air fryers, and microwaves should never use extension cords
- Overloading extension cords can lead to overheating and fires
As of November 14th, 2025, experts are warning consumers about the fire hazards of using extension cords with certain household appliances. According to the article, high-power devices like space heaters, air fryers, and microwaves should never be plugged into extension cords or power strips, as this creates a major safety risk.
The article explains that these appliances, which can draw up to 2,000 watts, are not designed to be used with extension cords. Plugging them into cords can cause the cords to overheat and potentially start a fire. The owner of an electrical company in Brooklyn, Paul Martinez, states the rule is "no extension cords whatsoever" for any device that generates heat or runs constantly.
Other devices the article identifies as fire hazards on extension cords include toasters, toaster ovens, and even refrigerators. While refrigerators use less power, they are still not recommended for extension cord use as they run constantly. The article also warns against the dangerous practice of "daisy chaining" - plugging extension cords into other extension cords, which can also lead to overheating and fires.
Experts recommend that any appliance using more than 1,500 watts should always be plugged directly into a dedicated wall outlet to avoid these electrical dangers. With winter approaching, it's crucial for consumers to heed this advice and ensure their high-power devices are safely connected to avoid potential fires.
