Multiple sockets are practical helpers in the household, but they pose an underestimated risk: If you connect the wrong devices, you risk smoldering fires and, in the worst case, a house fire. Certain household appliances have no place in the power strip.
Power guzzlers belong in the wall socket
Most multiple sockets are designed for a total output of around 3,000 to 3,500 watts. As per a post by t online.de shows, fire protection experts such as the German Fire Brigade Association regularly warn against connecting electrical devices with an output of more than 1,500 watts to multiple sockets or extension cables.
Hot air fryers that consume between 1,400 and 2,100 watts are particularly critical – some models even reach 3,000 watts. Electric heaters and fan heaters are also power guzzlers, reaching or exceeding the load limit of many power strips with up to 3,000 watts.
Washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers require a stable power supply and therefore belong directly to the wall socket. If the power strip is overloaded, these heavy household appliances can generate dangerous amounts of heat that could cause a fire. This risk is particularly high in old buildings with outdated electrical installations, as fuses do not always trip reliably.
Kitchen aids in combination are problematic
Even seemingly harmless kitchen appliances can become problematic. A coffee machine “only” draws around 1,000 watts, but in reality it is often operated together with other devices. If a kettle with 1,700 watts and a toaster with 1,600 watts are added, the load limit has already been exceeded.
Microwaves should also not be operated via multiple sockets, even if some models only require 1,000 watts. The problem lies in the combination: In kitchens, several devices often share a power strip, which means that the total load quickly reaches critical values.
Dangerous chain connections and overloading
According to the fire protection expert at R+V Versicherung, overloaded, old or damaged power strips repeatedly lead to smoldering fires. The so-called chain connection is particularly dangerous: If one power strip is plugged into another, the load on the first strip adds up. This can result in temperatures of up to 200 degrees Celsius, which can melt insulation material and cause nearby items such as carpets, curtains or furniture to catch fire.
A smoldering fire is particularly insidious because it initially occurs without any visible flames and is therefore difficult to detect. Dust or other combustible materials can then lead to an open fire that spreads quickly.
Safety tips for everyday life
The safest use of multiple sockets requires conscious decisions. As the Ministry of the Interior of Baden-Württemberg emphasizes, users should pay attention to the CE mark and the GS mark for tested safety when purchasing. However, televisions, DVD devices, stereo systems or PCs can easily be connected to power strips as long as the total output does not exceed 3,000 watts.
It is also important that power strips are never covered or hidden behind furniture. The resulting heat must be able to escape. In addition, smoke detectors should be installed in all living spaces – they are not expensive and can save lives in an emergency.
D. Maier / editorial team finanzen.net
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