Jade Small
Jade Small
January 14, 2025 ·  7 min read

Appliances and Devices You Should Never Plug Into an Extension Cord

Winter is upon us, and staying warm and cozy is a top priority. With snow-covered landscapes and freezing temperatures, many people are firing up appliances like space heaters and air fryers to keep their homes comfortable. But as you try to stay warm and save on utility bills, it’s crucial to know which appliances should never be plugged into an extension cord. Improper use of these cords can lead to overheating, fires, or even damage to the appliances themselves. To help you stay safe this winter, here’s a detailed guide to devices that should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet.

Air Fryer

Air fryer machine cooking potato fried in kitchen. Lifestyle of new normal cooking
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Air fryers have become a staple in modern kitchens due to their versatility, speed, and ability to cook healthier meals without excessive oil. However, many large air fryers can draw up to 2,000 watts, especially when operating at maximum capacity to cook frozen foods or dense items like chicken wings. This energy demand exceeds the capacity of most extension cords, which are typically rated for a maximum of 1,800 watts. Using an extension cord increases the risk of overheating, potentially causing the insulation on the cord to melt and ignite. Furthermore, air fryers require a consistent power supply to maintain precise cooking temperatures, which an extension cord may fail to provide, leading to uneven cooking or operational issues. Always connect your air fryer directly to a wall outlet for optimal safety and performance.

Microwave

Modern Stainless Steel Microwave Oven:This high-quality stock photo captures a sleek, modern microwave oven made of stainless steel. The image highlights the minimalist design and digital control pane
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Microwaves are essential kitchen appliances used for everything from reheating leftovers to preparing full meals. However, their high power consumption, often exceeding 1,200 to 1,800 watts, makes them unsuitable for extension cords. The continuous, intense power draw needed to generate microwave radiation can quickly overload an extension cord, especially if it’s not heavy-duty or rated for such use. Over time, the heat generated by the overloaded cord can degrade its insulation, leading to sparks or fires. Additionally, fluctuations in power from an insufficient cord can reduce the efficiency and lifespan of the microwave. If your kitchen setup doesn’t allow for a built-in model, ensure your microwave has a dedicated spot connected directly to a wall outlet for safe operation.

Space Heater

Modern electric infrared heater in the living room
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Portable space heaters are lifesavers during cold weather, providing localized warmth in bedrooms, offices, or living areas. However, they are also one of the leading causes of household fires. These devices typically draw 1,500 watts or more, depending on their size and heat output. When plugged into an extension cord, the cord can overheat due to the high electrical load, causing the plastic insulation to melt and potentially spark a fire. Furthermore, space heaters often operate for extended periods, further increasing the risk of overheating when used with an inadequate power source. For safe use, plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet, and always follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines, such as keeping the heater away from combustible materials like curtains and blankets.

Refrigerator

Refrigerator or fridge. 2 Door refrigerator with freezer for ice. Cold temperature. Cold, cooling storage. Fridge for grocery store fresh food. Kitchenware or kitchen appliance. Vegetable, milk, juice
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Refrigerators are vital for preserving perishable food items and ensuring a safe food supply, but their constant operation makes them incompatible with extension cords. While refrigerators typically use less wattage than some other appliances, their compressors cycle on and off throughout the day, drawing short bursts of high power. This fluctuation can strain an extension cord, causing it to overheat or fail over time. Moreover, a compromised power connection could disrupt the refrigerator’s ability to maintain a consistent temperature, leading to food spoilage or bacterial growth. If a dedicated wall outlet is unavailable, consider hiring an electrician to install one to ensure your refrigerator operates safely and efficiently.

AC Unit

Modern residential HVAC air conditioner unit fan top view.
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Air conditioners, particularly portable and window units, are among the most power-hungry appliances in your home. These devices often require up to 2,000 watts or more to cool large spaces, making them unsuitable for most extension cords or power strips. Using an extension cord with an AC unit can cause voltage drops, reducing the unit’s cooling efficiency and forcing the compressor to work harder. This not only increases your energy bill but also shortens the lifespan of the AC unit. Overheating of the extension cord is another risk, which could lead to fires, especially during peak summer months when the AC runs continuously. Always plug your AC unit directly into a dedicated wall outlet and ensure it matches the electrical capacity of your home’s circuit.

Toaster and Toaster Oven

Roasted toasts jumping out of the toaster on yellow background
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Toasters and toaster ovens are small but mighty kitchen appliances that pack a punch when it comes to energy consumption. Toasters typically draw between 800 and 1,500 watts, while toaster ovens can use up to 1,800 watts, depending on the model. The heating elements in these devices demand a steady, high-power supply to function correctly. When connected to an extension cord, the cord may overheat, especially if it is not designed to handle the high amperage. This overheating can cause the cord’s insulation to degrade over time, increasing the risk of electrical fires. Additionally, the uneven power supply from an extension cord can affect the performance of toaster ovens, leading to inconsistent cooking or browning. For optimal safety and cooking results, always plug these appliances into a dedicated wall outlet.

Electric Kettle

Woman pouring hot water from electric kettle into cup in kitchen, closeup
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Electric kettles are quick and efficient for boiling water, but they are another high-wattage appliance that should never be used with an extension cord. Many electric kettles operate at 1,500 watts or higher to bring water to a boil in a short amount of time. This rapid energy draw can quickly overwhelm an extension cord, leading to overheating and potential fire hazards. Additionally, if the cord is overloaded, the kettle may not function properly, resulting in extended boiling times or even failure to heat. Always connect your electric kettle directly to a wall outlet and ensure the surrounding area is dry to avoid any electrical hazards.

Coffee Maker

Pouring Coffee Pouring Tea Filter Coffee Into Nice Glass
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Coffee makers, especially advanced models with built-in grinders or dual brewing functions, can consume significant power during operation. Some high-end coffee machines use up to 1,500 watts, particularly when heating water for multiple servings. Using an extension cord with such appliances can cause power fluctuations, negatively affecting the machine’s performance and potentially damaging its internal components. Overloaded cords can also overheat, creating a fire hazard. For consistent brewing and safety, ensure your coffee maker is connected directly to a wall outlet, and avoid using frayed or damaged cords.

Dishwasher

Woman removes clean ceramic dishes from dishwasher. Household and useful technology concept. High quality photo
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Dishwashers are a convenient way to clean dishes efficiently, but they are among the most energy-intensive appliances in your home. On average, a dishwasher uses between 1,200 and 1,800 watts during a wash cycle, with peak energy consumption during the heating and drying phases. Using an extension cord to power your dishwasher can result in overheating due to the high electrical load, posing a significant fire risk. Furthermore, extension cords often lack the durability to handle the constant current fluctuations of a dishwasher, leading to poor performance or even electrical failure. For safe operation, always connect your dishwasher directly to a dedicated wall outlet and ensure the outlet is properly grounded to handle the load.

Washing Machine

A woman's hand presses a button on the washing machine. Start the wash cycle.
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Washing machines are designed to handle heavy-duty laundry tasks, requiring substantial electrical power to operate their motors and heating elements. These appliances typically use 500 to 1,400 watts, depending on the model and the selected cycle. If connected to an extension cord, the cord may not be able to support the washing machine’s power surges, especially during spin cycles, leading to overheating or tripped circuits. This can damage the machine’s motor and reduce its efficiency over time. Moreover, the vibrations of a washing machine can cause loose or poorly connected cords, creating additional safety hazards. Always use a properly grounded wall outlet for your washing machine to ensure safe and consistent performance.

Dryer

Basket with dirty clothes near washing machines in laundry room
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Dryers, especially electric models, are one of the most energy-demanding appliances in a home, with power usage often exceeding 2,500 watts. This level of power draw is far beyond the capacity of standard extension cords, making them unsafe for use with dryers. Attempting to use an extension cord can result in overheating, damaged plugs, or even electrical fires. Additionally, dryers require a stable power source to maintain consistent heat levels, which is essential for drying clothes efficiently and safely. For this reason, dryers should always be connected to a properly rated wall outlet with a dedicated circuit to handle their energy demands.

Hair Dryer

Woman, portrait and hair care in studio with hairdryer for beauty, glow and transformation with shine. Hairdresser, face and electric equipment on white background for texture, growth and balayage
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Hair dryers are compact appliances but are surprisingly power-hungry, with wattage ranging from 1,200 to 1,875 watts depending on the model. This intense power draw is necessary to generate the heat and airflow required for quick hair drying. When plugged into an extension cord, the high amperage can easily overload the cord, leading to overheating or even a fire. Additionally, using a subpar extension cord may cause the hair dryer to underperform, resulting in longer drying times or uneven heat output. To avoid these risks, always plug your hair dryer directly into a wall outlet and ensure the outlet is in good condition.