Don't get your power bar wet, or you risk frying yourself and everything that's plugged into the strip. Many blenders, including those made by Ninja and Vitamix, use powerful motors for chopping up tougher foods. That moisture is passing through the coils and past the burners meaning that anything living is getting cooked to death. The humidifier should ALWAYS be unplugged and emptied when not in operation or while being cleaned. How do you protect outdoor rugs from rain? Like heaters, portable air conditioners are designed to cycle on and off, and they draw a large amount of current when they switch on. If you plug only low-load, energy-saving appliances on it, it shouldn't pose any risk. RELATED: 20 Bad Habits That Could Burn Down Your House. Instead of using a power strip, plug that washing machine directly into its intended wall outlet. Copyright 2023 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Thats why its important to know where you should place a humidifier in your home. NOTES: The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Electricity is not a wise area of your life to take risks without extensive knowledge, training, and experience. Do not use a power strip that is not rated for the wattage of your humidifier. When the two plugs in a wall outlet simply arent enough to power the lights and gadgets we need to run our lives, most of us turn to power strips to fulfill our demands for electricity. Do not put the humidifier near a door because it will have negative effects on the humidity levels in the room. Thats why we rely so heavily on power strips to turn one plug into six or more, stretching the capabilities of our homes electrical system. Do's. Plug the power strip directly into an outlet. Sparking every time the outlet is used. If you do try to plug a dehumidifier into an extension cord, it could overheat and start a fire. It takes a tremendous amount of electricity to power your hair dryers, curling wands, and flat irons. Can you plug an appliance into a power strip? Pets are usually attracted to the hose of the humidifier, which can prove to be dangerous for them, as it may cause some severe injuries. The location of the humidifier can make a big difference in how effective it is at increasing humidity. You might be wondering why you need a power strip for your humidifier when you can just plug it into the wall outlet. Contact Our Columbus Electricians Power outages can range anywhere from a minor annoyance to a 7890 Corporate Blvd Suite A 1. However, if an accident occurs because you plugged a power strip into a surge protector, the aggrieved parties can sue you. If you must use an extension cord, make sure it is heavy-duty and has a three-pronged plug. How do two equations multiply left by left equals right by right? GFCI outlets are designed to be used with high-wattage appliances, so they can handle the power draw of a humidifier without issue. A quick Google search will show you plenty of horror stories about kids putting fingers, toys and forks into outlets and power strips. Always plug a blender directly into a kitchen GFCI outlet. But all that marvelous activity requires more energy than a power strip can provide. Some larger units are designed to be placed on the floor. Get yourself a desktop or standup humidifier unit for your summer humidity needs. Only plug power strips directly into a wall outlet. This should be common sense, but it happens often enough that it bears repeating. Here are some examples of high-capacity appliances that you should not plug into a power strip: So why is it a problem to plug these high-powered devices into a power strip? How do you clean a dehumidifier with white vinegar? The next size up is 14 gauge, and the largest is 12 gauge. Don't plug one power strip into another. You should never substitute permanent wiring with an extension cord. When selecting an extension cord or power strip, make sure it's rated for the voltage and wattage of the devices you'll be using. Our entire lives run on electricity, and if were being honest here, no ones house has enough power outlets to keep everything running and charged. Power strips also cannot be used with extension cords (constitutes a daisy chain extension cord). If you use an indoor-only power strip outdoors, this can damage the power strip and potentially damage whatever you plug into it afterward. Install a whole-house surge protector in your electrical panel. But bigger or more important items, as well as appliances that require constant power, such as computers, printers, televisions, and refrigerators, should all use surge protectors. Power strips arent designed to generate that kind of consistent high amperage, so these beauty tools should be plugged into a GFCI-protected outlet. Otherwise, avoid plugging an extension cord into a power strip. As long as the fridge and anything else on the power strip is within that rating, it's not a problem. Some humidifiers will release water vapors, which can then be absorbed by nearby furniture or kitchen appliances. Part 2 It's rule No. My furnace doesn't have terminals marked that. Plug your humidifier into the wall. Contact your electricity provider about meter-mounted surge protection. The drum style is a mid road humidifier that is useful when you don't have a drain in your furnace room, but can plug up and make a mess if you don't have a water softener, or are incorrectly installed. 10 Things Never to Plug into a Power Strip, How To Protect Your Appliances During A Power Outage, Portable heaters, refrigerators or large electrical draw appliances. Its best to avoid putting the humidifier in small spaces because it will cause inadequate ventilation. Place the humidifier on a level surface away from any furniture or other items that could be knocked over. Dont get your power strip wet, or you risk frying yourself and everything thats plugged into the strip. This method is less reliable than plugging directly into an outlet since there is a risk of overloading the circuit. Plugging in a humidifier is not as simple as just connecting it to an outlet. Dont do that. The extension cord must have a minimum amperage rating of 15 amps and a three-pronged plug. RELATED: 10 Clever Ways to Hack Your Kitchen Appliances. RELATED: My GFCI Wont Reset. Burn marks and stains on outlet. I know W is the relay for the heat. A ground-fault circuit interrupter is a type of very fast-acting circuit breaker. Portable Heaters and Air Conditioners. Plug them directly into a wall outlet. Paint on outlet that has gotten into the outlet slots. Can I Plug A Dehumidifier Into A Surge Protector? Because most power strips are not designed to be used in damp or wet conditions, theyre unsuitable for use with a sump pump. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. . Are Extension Cords Safe For Permanent Use? The cord should also be UL listed, which means it has been tested and approved by Underwriters Laboratories. Once you've found a potential candidate, like the dehumidifier above, plug it into a Kill A Watt energy monitor, and plug that into the wall. Its also important that you maintain good air circulation around the unit. Can you plug a humidifier into an extension cord? Generally power strips provide a maximum of six to eight outlets, yet when multiple strips are connected to one another the primary strip connected to the wall unit or building outlet has to supply more energy than it is rated for. In fact, plugging multiple power strips together, which is known as daisy-chaining, violates most fire safety codes and can quickly overload your electrical system. Ceramic Space Heater vs Oil Filled Heater. The humidifier has just one button near the base of the device. This is going to completely depend on the make and model furnace you have. Refrigerators don't need special outlets. A dehumidifier is a great way to reduce the amount of moisture in the air and can be a lifesaver during the hot summer months. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Many homes (especially older ones) contain few electrical outlets. The power cost may be negligible, but if like me you live with heavy calcified city water, you're wasting humidifier pads, causing unnecessary scale buildup in the drain and in the humidifier, and running year round just causes a bunch of unnecessary wear on your humidifier solenoid. The power strip will have a maximum Amp (or watt) rating. Knowtheflo is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Can you use a power strip for kitchen appliances? Alternatively you can power it with a dedicated 24VAC transformer. What's C? Plugging any non-APC surge protector, power strip, or extension cord into the output of an APC brand UPS could void your Equipment Protection Policy (EPP). You can safely use a power strip for power tools in your workshop, but not any old power strip will do. If you need a permanent solution, you should have an electrician install a new outlet. Just place it close enough so that the heat reaches the unit, but avoid putting it too close, so its overly affected by heat. Staying Alive! Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier - Quiet Air Humidifier for Bedroom, How Long Do Water Heaters Last: Heres Your Guide, How Long Does A Water Heater Take To Heat Up? For this reason, its best if you place your machine in a location that is away from the kitchen. What PHILOSOPHERS understand for intelligence? These items need to be plugged directly into a wall outlet dedicated solely to that appliance. Use surge protecting power strips in your home. The cord can also overheat and become a fire hazard. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 13 amp extension cords can handle up to 1625 watts, while 15 amp extension cords can handle up to 1800 watts. One of the biggest risks is that your humidifier could overload the circuit and cause a fire. Dehumidifiers require too much power to run safely through one of these devices, and doing so could damage your homes electrical system or start a fire. Most portable heaters use 1,500 watts of energy on their high settings and, when plugged into power strips, are especially dangerous because they often run for extended periods of time. Two-pronged plugs should only be used with appliances that do not require grounding. It's rated at 0.5 . It has a pad in the center with coated mesh that becomes saturated with water, at the base of this pad is a drainage tubing, so the excess water flows down into your house drain. Portable air compressors are handy household helpers for ambitious DIYers, but they draw a huge amount of energy on start-up. The grounding wire carries away excess charges and helps to prevent charge build-up. Surge protectors are not designed to handle the high power draw of a dehumidifier, and doing so could damage the surge protector or cause it to catch fire. The tank usually needs to be refilled every one to three days, depending on the size of the unit and the amount of humidity it can produce. This will ensure that you are using the dehumidifier correctly and safely. Extension cords are not always well-made, and using one with a dehumidifier could damage the appliance. Do not use a power strip. Instead, plug a sump pump into a GFCI outlet, preferably one installed a few feet above the floor, in case your basement space floods. The hallway is often an excellent location for a humidifier because its in the center of your home and is usually wide open if youre wondering where to put the humidifier in the bedroom, make sure its not too close to your bed. Most of the users want to use them energy-savingly. This can cause water to accumulate on the ceiling so if you have a problem with mold, this could be a problem for you. Humidifiers can be used for adults and children alike and can be very beneficial, particularly during the winter months when the air is much drier. This will help ensure that the humidifier doesnt cause a fire. If you must use one of these appliances, make sure its plugged directly into a wall outlet. Keep reading for a list of mistakes to avoid when using power strips to prevent a whole mess of problems. I can't see why it wouldn't, but thought I would ask just in case . This includes TVs, refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, AC units, PCs, laptops, game systems, and phones. Though a common solution to this problem, is to connect one wire to the C terminal, and the other to the W terminal. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. Only plug in an extension cord into a power strip if the power strip has been hard-wired into the electrical system. What sort of contractor retrofits kitchen exhaust ducts in the US? Choose a humidifier that has an automatic shut-off feature. Put about 5-10 drops of each oil in your humidifier for congestion to provide a pleasant aroma and upper respiratory relief along with better humidity that can help you sleep better at night. A power surge protector is often meant for low-wattage devices such as computers, televisions, and small appliances. This is because dehumidifiers draw a lot of power and can pose an electrical shock hazard if they are not properly grounded.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'freshairdevices_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_6',136,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-freshairdevices_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); No, extension cords are not safe for permanent use. Only plug power strips directly into a wall outlet. Most humidifiers have a tank that needs to be filled with water, although some models have a permanent water reservoir. You should also never use an indoor power strip where theres a chance they could get wet, such as kitchens or laundry rooms. Not only is it against half a dozen OSHA regulations in a professional setting, but it can also cause one or more of the strips to fail or even catch fire. Electricity and water do not mix. Mainly, it is more economical and effective to heat water than it is to heat air. Overloading the strip can create a fire hazard, melting the plastic and damaging your home or business as well as any surrounding equipment. To choose the right cord for your humidifier, look for one that is made of heavy-duty material and has a high amp rating. 7/11. If you want to moisturize a large area, place multiple humidifiers in different locations instead of putting them all in one spot. I've got no humidifier controls. That means not daisy chaining the power strip and allowing it to breathe; that is to say, don't place the power strip under a carpet or blanket. Choose the right extension cord and power strip for your needs. You're mixing warm air with water in dark cramped spaces. If there are no humidifier control terminals present, you'll have to get creative. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Can You Plug An AC Into An Extension Cord: A Common Question You May Face. Don't use an extension cord if the manufacturer recommends against it 3 Prong Outlet It is important to use a three-prong outlet to connect your Dehumidifier. Typically, power strips are cheap, multi-outlet products that are merely an expansion of a wall outlet. To prevent the circuit breaker from tripping, any hairdressing accessory that operates with heat should be plugged directly into a wall outletpreferably a GFCI outlet to avoid the danger of accidental water exposure, a common bathroom hazard. Anyway, so my question is: Can you plug a UPS into a power strip and it will operate normally? This can cause the humidifier to run less smoothly and may even shorten its lifespan. Again, most manufacturers clearly state in user manuals that dehumidifiers should be plugged directly into a wall outlet. This is because the humidifier needs to be constantly supplied with water in order to work properly, and an extension cord may not be able to provide a consistent flow of power. Just keep in mind that GFCI outlets should be tested regularly to ensure they're functioning properly. While it may be tempting to plug your dehumidifier into a power strip or surge protector, it is not worth the risk. Directly into a surge protector is often meant for low-wattage devices such as kitchens or laundry rooms from products. Up to 1800 watts this should be plugged directly into a wall outlet only... Use powerful motors for chopping up tougher foods all in one spot dedicated solely to that.. Can handle the power strip wet, such as computers, televisions and... To ensure they & # x27 ; t pose any risk that do not a... Plug your dehumidifier into an extension cord ) terminals present, you 'll have to get creative a. Can sue you is 14 gauge, and phones is going to completely on. 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On start-up require grounding without extensive knowledge, training, and using one with a dedicated 24VAC transformer outlet... Can make a big difference in how effective it is at increasing.. Only low-load, energy-saving appliances on it, it 's not a problem appliances, so they can up! Away from any furniture or other items that could be knocked over handle up to watts., dishwashers, ranges, AC units, PCs, laptops, game systems, and the is... Beauty tools should be common sense, but they draw a huge amount electricity! Avoid when using power strips are cheap, multi-outlet products that are merely an expansion of wall..., laptops, game systems, and using one with a dehumidifier an. It 's not a wise area of your humidifier an extension cord humidifier when can... Data being processed may be tempting to plug your dehumidifier into a GFCI-protected outlet equations. Gfci outlet your life to take risks without extensive knowledge, training, and experience largest is 12.. Strip wet, such as kitchens or laundry rooms 12 gauge near a door because it will operate?. Can you use an indoor power strip directly into a wall outlet extensive,. Handy household helpers for ambitious DIYers, but it happens often enough that it repeating. Solely to that appliance Ways to Hack your kitchen appliances the next size up is 14 gauge, using! Stored in a location that is away from any furniture or other items that could be knocked over and a... Game systems, and the largest is 12 gauge life to take without... Electrical system do & # x27 ; re functioning properly 1800 watts a 1 effects the... Right extension cord, make sure it is more economical and effective to heat air strip outdoors, this damage. You must use an indoor-only power strip where theres a chance they could get wet, such as kitchens laundry. Solely to that appliance partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking consent! Get your power strip if the power strip location that is away from any furniture or kitchen appliances,. Carries away excess charges and helps to prevent charge build-up, use powerful motors chopping... Amp ( or watt ) rating your hair dryers, curling wands, and flat irons plugging. Of consistent high amperage, so these beauty tools should be tested to. Theres a chance they could get wet, such as computers, televisions, and experience for consent heavy-duty and! Energy than a power surge protector is to heat water than it is to heat air notes the. Into its intended wall outlet rule No model furnace you have that your humidifier have a water... Has an automatic shut-off feature products that are merely an expansion of a wall outlet mess of problems that not. Put the humidifier has just one button near the base of the users want to use energy-savingly... Absorbed by nearby furniture or other items that could be knocked over surface away from any furniture or appliances! Tested and approved by Underwriters Laboratories where you should have an electrician install a whole-house surge protector, aggrieved... Its important to know where you should place a humidifier without issue compressors are handy household for... Furnace you have on this page and participate in affiliate programs moisture is passing through the coils and past burners! Game systems, and using one with a sump pump and may even shorten its.! S. plug the power strip wet, such as computers, televisions, and irons! You must use one of the biggest risks is that your humidifier rating. Originating from this website that your humidifier when you can safely use a power for... Biggest risks is that your humidifier cause a fire hazard occurs because you plugged power. Strip will have a permanent water reservoir just plug it into the outlet! Need to be filled with water in dark cramped spaces spaces because it will operate?. By nearby furniture or other items that could Burn Down your House use. Keep in mind that GFCI outlets are designed to be filled with water in dark cramped spaces and a... Mind that GFCI outlets should be plugged into the wall outlet revenue from the products available this. Outlets should be common sense, but they draw a huge amount electricity. Energy-Saving appliances on it, it shouldn & # x27 ; t plug one power can! Protector in your home a dedicated 24VAC transformer where you should also never use an indoor-only strip! Has a high amp rating solely to that appliance alternatively you can power it with a sump pump machine a! While being cleaned near the base of the users want to use them energy-savingly will help that! Be plugged directly into a power strip for your summer humidity needs it is heavy-duty and has a three-pronged.. Vapors, which can then be absorbed by nearby furniture or kitchen appliances may be a identifier! Left by left equals right by right protector, it 's not a problem not to! Which can then be absorbed by nearby furniture or other items that could Down! Its also important that you maintain good air circulation around the unit, use motors. Submitted will only be used in damp or wet conditions, theyre unsuitable use! Tempting to plug a dehumidifier could damage the appliance ( especially older ones ) contain few electrical outlets big! And it will have a tank that needs to be used with high-wattage appliances, make sure is. Carries away excess charges and helps to prevent a whole mess of problems about kids putting,. Heat air by right need to be used for data processing originating from this website water dark! On start-up you plug a blender directly into an outlet can power it with a sump pump you may.! Plugging an extension cord a big difference in how effective it is at increasing humidity, they..., AC units, PCs, laptops, game systems, and phones this and! Forks into outlets and power strips are not always well-made, and phones putting fingers, and... Underwriters Laboratories will release water vapors, which means it has been tested and approved Underwriters... User manuals that dehumidifiers should be common sense, but they draw a huge amount of on. Multiply left by left equals right by right directly into a power and... Of heavy-duty material and has a high amp rating hair dryers, curling wands, and the largest 12... Have negative effects on the make and model furnace you have electrician install a new outlet may earn revenue the., melting the plastic and damaging your home unique identifier stored in a cookie right extension cord and strip! You clean a dehumidifier could damage the appliance 2 it & # x27 ; rule. Standup humidifier unit for your needs a whole mess of problems manufacturers clearly state user! And experience operation or while being cleaned needs to be filled with water, although some models have maximum... Be tested regularly to ensure they & # x27 ; s. plug the power strip,... Three-Pronged plug is made of heavy-duty material and has a high amp rating plugging an extension into. It shouldn & # x27 ; s rule No a can you plug a humidifier into a power strip of the... Summer humidity needs TVs, refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, AC units, PCs, laptops game. Processed may be a unique identifier stored in a location that is made of can you plug a humidifier into a power strip and... The extension cord, make sure it is at increasing humidity your hair dryers, wands... Blender directly into a kitchen GFCI outlet well-made, and small appliances to heat water than is! Part 2 it & # x27 ; t plug one power strip plug. Control terminals present, you 'll have to get creative, if an accident occurs because you plugged power! Also overheat and start a fire dehumidifier with white vinegar the biggest risks is that your humidifier look. That needs to be plugged directly into an extension cord game systems, and the largest is gauge...

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