Five Household Items Firefighters Wish People Would Stop Plugging Into Power Strips

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Oct 13, 2026, 09:06 ET

Mercury Insurance Shares Simple Electrical Safety Tips That Can Help Reduce the Risk of a Home Fire

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Power strips make it easy to add outlets where families need them, but they aren't designed to handle every appliance in the home. Mercury Insurance (NYSE/NYSE TX: MCY) is reminding homeowners that plugging certain high-powered appliances into a power strip can overload it, potentially causing overheating and increasing the risk of an electrical fire.

"Power strips are so common that it's easy to assume anything with a plug can safely go into one, but that's not the case," said Bonnie Lee, Vice President of Property Claims at Mercury Insurance. "Appliances that draw significant power can generate more heat than a power strip is designed to handle. A simple change in where you plug something in can help eliminate an unnecessary fire risk."

The National Fire Protection Association recommends plugging portable space heaters directly into wall outlets and warns that extension cords can be too small for electrical loads such as space heaters and air conditioners. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also warns that power strips can pose a fire hazard when overloaded.

Mercury recommends taking a closer look at these five household items:

1. Space heaters

Portable electric space heaters can draw substantial power and should be plugged directly into a wall outlet rather than a power strip or extension cord. The NFPA also recommends keeping space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn and turning them off when leaving the room or going to bed.

2. Air fryers

Air fryers pack a powerful heating element into a relatively small countertop appliance. Depending on the model, that can mean a significant electrical load while the appliance is operating. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and, when directed, plug the appliance directly into an appropriate wall outlet rather than adding it to a power strip already serving other kitchen devices.

3. Microwaves

Microwaves require significant power during operation and generally should have a dedicated or properly rated outlet consistent with the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid treating an available spot on a countertop power strip as an extra kitchen outlet. If there aren't enough outlets to safely accommodate appliances, consider having a qualified electrician evaluate the setup.

4. Refrigerators and freezers

Refrigerators and freezers operate around the clock, and their compressors can create additional electrical demand when cycling on. These appliances should be connected according to manufacturer's instructions and applicable electrical requirements rather than relying on a power strip as a permanent wiring solution.

5. Portable air conditioners

Like space heaters, portable air conditioners can place a heavy load on an electrical circuit. NFPA guidance notes that extension cords may be too small for loads including air conditioners. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and use an appropriate wall outlet rather than assuming a power strip can safely handle the appliance.

Give Your Power Strips a Home Safety Check

The appliances plugged into a power strip aren't the only things homeowners should consider. The condition and use of the strip itself matter, too.

Homeowners should avoid plugging one power strip into another, commonly known as "daisy chaining," and should never use a power strip as a substitute for permanent household wiring. Damaged, discolored, or unusually warm power strips should be taken out of service. Consumers should also check that power strips are appropriate for their intended use and follow all manufacturer's instructions and electrical ratings.

"If you need power strips throughout a room just to operate everyday appliances, the bigger issue may be that your home electrical system isn't meeting your needs," Lee said. "Adding outlets or having an electrician evaluate the circuit may take a little more effort, but it's a much better solution than creating a potential fire hazard."

Homeowners should also pay attention to warning signs including frequently tripped circuit breakers, outlets or plugs that feel unusually warm, flickering lights, burning odors, buzzing or crackling sounds, and discoloration around outlets. A qualified electrician should evaluate electrical problems rather than relying on additional power strips or extension cords as a workaround.

"Some of the most effective home safety measures are incredibly simple," Lee said. "Knowing which appliances belong in a wall outlet and taking a few minutes to look at how you're using power strips throughout your home can help prevent a small electrical problem from becoming a much larger loss."

For information about in-home fire safety, visit the Mercury Insurance Resource Center.

About Mercury Insurance

Mercury Insurance (NYSE/NYSE TX: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners, renters and commercial insurance through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida. Mercury writes other lines of insurance in various states, including commercial, business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing, ride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance.

Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their insurance dollar by pairing ultra-competitive rates with excellent customer service, through more than 4,200 employees and a network of more than 6,340 independent agents in 11 states. Mercury has earned an "A" rating from A.M. Best, as well as "Best Auto Insurance Company" designations from Forbes and Insure.com. For more information visit www.MercuryInsurance.com or follow the company on LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.

Media interested in receiving updates from Mercury can learn more at the Mercury Newsroom.

SOURCE Mercury Insurance