“One wrong cord—and your kitchen could go up in flames.” 🔌🔥 About 80% of home fires start with appliances, and it’s not just old wiring. From overloaded strips to silent power surges, here’s what fire experts say you must stop doing today. Full checklist and tips in the article below 👇
It’s hard to imagine a modern home without all the appliances we rely on every day. From refrigerators and coffee makers to hair dryers and space heaters, these devices make our lives easier. But there’s a hidden danger that many people overlook — electrical appliances are one of the leading causes of fires in homes. In fact, about 80% of residential fires are linked to appliances, especially when they’re used the wrong way.
One of the biggest risks comes from overloading your home’s electrical system. Fire safety experts say that each major appliance should ideally have its own wall outlet. But in reality, many people use power strips and extension cords — which remain some of the most popular items in hardware stores. If you absolutely need to use one, be careful. Appliances that use a lot of electricity should never be plugged in together.
Here’s a rule of thumb: powerful devices should be used one at a time. A standard extension cord with a 1.5 mm² wire can handle up to 3.5 kW — going over that could be dangerous.
Take refrigerators and freezers, for example. These appliances run 24/7, even when you’re away. They’re rarely unplugged, so it’s important to protect them from power surges. If you can’t plug them into a dedicated outlet, use a high-quality extension cord with grounding and surge protection — and make sure it’s rated for at least 16 amps.
Kitchen appliances are another big source of energy use. Electric stoves, ovens, and microwaves — especially those with extra features like a grill or convection mode — often draw more power than washing machines. Even smaller devices like kettles and coffee makers should be plugged into a stable outlet, not a cheap extension cord, because they draw a lot of power the moment they’re turned on.
Simple appliances like toasters, waffle makers, and pancake machines may not look like much, but they can cause the wires in a power strip to overheat quickly. And today’s popular multicookers, while convenient, also use around 1500 watts and often run for long periods without supervision.
Hair dryers, curling irons, and flat irons also deserve caution. They get very hot, very fast — and shouldn’t be plugged in through adapters or low-quality cords.
But the most dangerous devices are heaters and air conditioners. They work in cycles and run for long periods, which puts constant stress on your home’s wiring. If you’re using one through an extension cord, it could easily lead to overheating or even fire.
And whatever you do — never plug multiple extension cords into each other. That’s one of the fastest ways to overload your system.
If you must use an extension cord, make sure it’s strong, in good condition, and built for the job. Safety always comes first when it comes to electricity.
Thanks for reading! Have you ever thought about how your appliances are connected at home? Share your tips or questions in the comments — safety starts with awareness.
