The power strip is a must in every home. But what do you know about this device? Here are 3 shocking pieces of information in this article!
No one can dispute the real necessity of the power strip. Ultra practical, it can be used every day to make our daily life easier. But do you know that this device can be dangerous? Or blow up your bill? Here are 3 things you need to know about this object!
A revolutionary device, but beware!
After the umbrella, the spoon and the watch, the power strip is one of the best inventions! And for good reason ! This small device makes everyone’s daily life easier because it allows you to connect many devices at the same time. This is practical when there are few or no outlets in a room.
It is therefore the Frenchman Lucien Gaillard who has invented the power strip in 1905. It has made it possible to improve safety in the use of electrical appliances. There power strip stands everywhere ! Behind the TV to connect the box, the wi-fi device, the speakers etc. But also in the kitchen to add all the appliances.
Of course, this device also finds its place next to the bed. Perfect for there plug in your phone charger, his awakening. But also his bedside lamp and the computer charger. In this article, we reveal 3 things you need to know about the power strip.
A dangerous object!
Let’s start with the most important! The power strip can be dangerous because it can be responsible for a fire ! So says the blog of Izi, by EDF. ” In France, more than 30% of house fires are caused by an electrical problem. »
The MMA insurance site says the same thing! You have to be very careful about the use of the power strip and thus avoid overloading.“Non-compliant and non-renovated installation. Carelessness when using appliances. Or light fixtures, Danger, overloaded sockets… one in three fires is of electrical origin. »
This is therefore the reason why he don’t play with fire… Avoid plugging in the freezer, which tends to consume much more energy than the others. And the same goes for fridges. And major kitchen appliances.
“The consumption of a refrigerator is nearly a quarter of household energy expenditure. That is around 200 to 500 kWh/year” declares the Engie group. And for good reason ! Know that such an object does not have the capacity to deliver so much limited energy. So we avoid connecting all the large kitchen appliances. Even the microwave!
Everything you need to know about the power strip
Watch out for overheating
There are also power strips that have five outlets. But beware ! That doesn’t mean you have to plug all your devices into it! Oh no! Because it can be dangerous.
Indeed, be aware that the power of all devices can therefore create overheating. Because each power strip can support a level max power. So make sure that the sum of the power of the connected devices is much lower than the maximum power of the power strip. It is always better to stop at two, three or four devices.
Connecting a power strip to a power strip, bad idea!
We do well to remember it, because it can happen! This is a very dangerous idea! As said before, there is a limit that should not be exceeded. Plugging one power strip into another increases the chances of overheating! So make sure that the sum of all the devices does not exceed 3680 W to avoid any risk of overcurrent.
