Can You Use A Power Strip For Microwave And Toaster Oven?
The power strip is a multi-plug by which you can run multiple electronics at a time with one connection. Many consider this a useful asset because of this. Now the question arises is it safe? Microwaves and toasters and both ovens consume high power. That’s why you have to be careful in case of using these electronics.
The power strips available on the market are made from low-quality materials. For this reason, they get damaged easily. Once they are damaged, they get heated up soon while using them. Later, it can lead to short circuits and fire. Therefore, using a power strip isn’t safe at all.
How Safe Is Power Strip For Microwave And Toaster Oven
Nowadays, the number of electric kitchen appliances is increasing rapidly. It is normal to have not so many power source outlets in a kitchen. In such a situation people tend to rely on a power strip or surge. Because with one connection it can provide power to multiple sockets. But they forget about the risk it possesses, I hope you’re not among them.
Power Strip For Microwave Oven
A microwave oven draws 12 to 15 amps, as it is a high-power-consuming device. But most of the power strips aren’t capable of drawing 15 amps. So if you plug a microwave into a power strip, it’ll overload and generate heat. Because of this, it’ll damage internally and then will make short circuits. Thus the short circuit will lead to a fire.
Moreover, most fire accidents start from short circuits in a power strip. In this process, it can damage your microwave and the entire electric system. This is why it has been marked as a safety hazard.
Power Strip For Toaster Oven
A toaster oven may look small but it needs high power to conduct. So if you connect it to a power strip it’ll have the same consequences as the microwave oven. Also, a power strip can get damaged externally, if you step on it while walking. The power strip is made of low-quality products and plastic. Hence if you step on it while it’s plugged you can get an electric shock. Therefore, you should keep it in a secure place like under or inside furniture.
If your power strip is of high quality and can put up 30+ amps then you can use it for your toaster oven. Otherwise, you can’t use it because it’ll possess safety hazards. In case there are not enough outlets in your kitchen then connect your toaster to the dining room’s outlet. Or, call on an electrician and make extra outlets in the kitchen.
Burdening One Outlet With Power Strip
Those who use power strips connect many appliances to one power strip. And as the power strip has to be connected with an outlet, the outlet gets overloaded. One outlet and power strip can’t have the power to put up with 3 or 4 high power loads. As a result, both the power strip and outlet will be overloaded and lead to an accident.
In case, you are in a hurry, need to use the toaster and microwave at the same time, and don’t have the time to call on an electrician, then you can use a power strip. The power strip should be connected to only these devices. Though you need to keep in mind that this can’t be a permanent solution. For solving this problem permanently, you need to make extra outlets in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It OK To Plug A Microwave Into A Power Strip?
There are some rules for using a power strip. Among them, an important one is never to plug high-power capacity appliances into a power strip. In modern times most kitchen appliances have a high power capacity. Such as a heater, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, etc. So, it’s not OK to put high-power electric devices into power strips.
Can I Plug A Toaster Oven Into Power Strip?
No, because using high-power appliances on a power strip is a safety hazard. But if you have a high-quality power strip with high capacity power then you can plug a toaster oven in it.
Can I Plug A Microwave And Toaster Oven Into The Same Outlet?
If you have one outlet in the kitchen and you need to use the microwave and toaster then plug in the microwave first. Later when the food in the microwave is done unplug it and plug the toaster. So you see you can plug them both in the same outlet, just not at the same time.
Is It Safe To Use A Surge Protector With A Microwave?
The surge protector protects the electric devices. So, if you want to put a microwave on a surge protector you can do it. But you can’t put more than 3 devices on this and the wires should be sorted always.
Conclusion
In the end, you should know that a power strip is invented to help to connect multiple devices at a time. But the appliances have to be of low power capacity. Otherwise, there is a high chance of you facing fire accidents.
In case a power strip is much needed in your kitchen then buy a high power capacity one. Know what its capacity then plug in devices in such a way that they never cross the capacity power.