According to experts consulted, some appliances should never be connected to these intermediate devices, as they consume a lot of energy or operate continuously. The development and introduction of new electrical appliances designed to provide greater comfort in the home carry certain risks when connected to the mains via extension cords. The fact is that not all of them are protected against overheating, cable melting, short circuits or even fires. According to experts consulted by the Scc10 portal, some household appliances should never be connected to these intermediate devices, as they consume a lot of energy or operate continuously.
Refrigerators
Operating 24 hours a day, the compressor in refrigerators generates current surges that can overload extension cords, especially if other household appliances are connected to the same socket. Ideally, they should always be connected to a separate socket.
Freezers
Like refrigerators, freezers operate continuously and require a lot of energy. Standard extension cords cannot handle the necessary current and may overheat, increasing the risk of accidents, especially in garages or on balconies.
Microwave ovens
Microwave ovens require a high instantaneous current. Connecting them to low-power extension cords can cause overheating, melting of the cables and short circuits. The safest option is to use a separate socket.
Coffee machines
Rapid heating of water causes power surges that can overload extension cords, affect the operation of appliances and even cause short circuits.
Toasters
Appliances with internal heating elements consume a lot of energy in a short time. Using extension cords can cause overheating and risk accidents, especially if several appliances are plugged in at the same time.
Deep fryers
Deep fryers, grills and sandwich makers require high energy consumption. Connecting several household appliances to a single extension cord can cause overheating and risk of short circuits.
Vacuum cleaners
The use of extension cords can damage the cables due to winding and dragging, which increases the risk of short circuits and motor failure.
Air conditioning
The energy consumption when turning on the compressor is high. Standard extension cables cannot handle this load, which poses a risk of overloading the electrical network and causing a fire.
How can you determine if an extension cable is of good quality?
The energy-focused website Reporteminero.com has detailed five basic rules for the safe use of extension cables.
- Check the label and maximum power: each extension cord indicates its load capacity. For example, if the limit is 1000 W, you should not connect high-power electrical appliances such as hair dryers, microwaves, kettles or refrigerators to it. These appliances should be plugged directly into the mains.
- Choose extension cords with safety mechanisms: models with internal fuses and switches with indicator lights automatically cut off the power in case of overload, preventing more serious damage.
- Avoid hazardous areas: do not install extension cords near curtains, dust or water accumulations, such as sinks, as this increases the risk of short circuits and fire.
- Do not coil extension cords during use: this causes overheating, which can lead to fire. Always uncoil the cable completely before plugging it in.
- Check the condition of the extension cord periodically: inspect the cables, connections and sockets. If you detect wear, discolouration or loose connections, replace it immediately.
