Power Strip Safety

Photo of Power Strip that says Knowledge Trip on Power Strip Safety

Power Strip Tips

Power strips are a simple solution for powering multiple devices. As various users in your home need access to power, remember these helpful tips to keep your home safe. Look for a certification label. A certification label ensures the unit has been properly tested. Look for UL, CSA, or ETL markings. Unlisted items could be defective & cause injury or damage. Not all power strips are equally protected. Check the label to be sure that the power strip is equipped with an internal circuit breaker or surge protector. Plug only one power strip into a wall outlet. To prevent overloading, only plug one power strip into a wall receptacle. Flickering lights and blown fuses are signs that too much current is traveling through the outlet. Avoid using power strips with high wattage appliances. Most power strips are not designed to power high-wattage appliances. Check the label for capacity. Typical power strips are rated 15 amps for a 120 volt circuit (1800 watts max). Not all power strips are equally protected. Never use power strips in a wet environment unless it is rated for such use. Serious injury can occur from electrocution. Water & electricity do not mix. Do not daisy-chain power strips. Avoid plugging a power strip into another power strip (daisy-chaining). The excessive amount of power being drawn could overload the circuit.

Downed Power Line Safety

Downed Power Line Safety, always assume all downed lines are live.

Downed powerline tips. Always assume downed lines are live. Call 911 if you see a downed line. Downed lines can energize the ground up to 50 feet away. Do not drive over anything in contact with a downed power line.