Most of us take electricity for granted. We flip a switch, plug in a cord, and expect everything to work without giving it much thought. But hidden in the corners of our homes are small habits that can carry big risks, especially when it comes to the use of power strips. They sit under our desks, behind our sofas, and next to our nightstands, quietly powering the gadgets and comforts of our daily lives. Yet as harmless as they seem, power strips have their limits. And plugging in the wrong devices could spell disaster for your safety and your home.

It’s easy to see why power strips are so popular. With multiple outlets, they give us the flexibility to connect lamps, phone chargers, or a television without overloading a single wall socket. But here’s the catch: not all appliances are suited for them. Some devices draw so much energy that when combined with others on a strip, they create dangerous surges of heat. And when a strip gets too hot, it doesn’t just trip a breaker—it can melt wires or even start a fire.

So which devices should you keep far away from your trusty power strip? Let’s start with the toaster. At first glance, it seems harmless, a small appliance that quietly browns your bread in the morning. But the truth is, toasters are power-hungry. The moment you press down that lever, they demand a burst of energy strong enough to overload a strip already powering other devices. That simple breakfast routine could put unnecessary stress on your electrical system.

Next comes the space heater. For many households, especially during colder months, this little box is a lifesaver. It warms a chilly room quickly and cheaply. But here’s what we forget: space heaters are among the most energy-intensive appliances in the home. A power strip simply isn’t built to handle that kind of draw. The steady demand for heat can cause a strip to overheat within minutes, risking serious damage. The safest practice is always to plug a heater directly into a wall outlet equipped with safety features.

Portable air conditioners fall into the same category. When summer brings sweltering days and restless nights, these devices offer welcome relief. Yet just like heaters, they consume massive amounts of power. Running one through a power strip is like asking a garden hose to channel a fire hydrant. The result is strain, stress, and a high chance of electrical failure. If you rely on a portable unit, it must always be plugged directly into a wall outlet on its own.

Another surprising culprit is the vacuum cleaner. Most people wouldn’t think twice about plugging it into a strip for a quick tidy-up. But vacuums demand a sudden surge of energy at startup, more than a strip is designed to manage. While it might work once or twice without issue, repeated use increases the risk of overload, especially if other appliances are connected at the same time. For a short task like vacuuming, a wall socket is always the better option.

Finally, there’s the desktop computer setup. Unlike a laptop, which sips power modestly, a desktop demands a lot more. Add in a monitor, speakers, printer, and external drives, and you’re looking at a surprising amount of energy running through one strip. A basic, unprotected strip can quickly be overwhelmed. The smart move here is to invest in a surge-protected power strip designed for electronics, or better yet, split your devices across separate outlets. Protecting sensitive equipment like computers is not only about preventing outages, but also about safeguarding your data from electrical spikes.

These are just five examples, but they highlight a larger truth: convenience should never come at the expense of safety. A power strip is not a bottomless well of electricity. It’s a tool with limits, and knowing those limits can prevent heartbreaking accidents.

There are also a few golden rules worth remembering. First, never plug one power strip into another. It might seem like a quick fix when you run out of outlets, but what you’re really doing is stacking risks on top of risks. Second, keep an eye on the strip’s temperature. If it feels warm to the touch, that’s normal. But if it’s hot or uncomfortable to handle, unplug everything immediately. That heat is a warning sign. Third, avoid cheap, uncertified strips. It’s tempting to grab the lowest-priced option on the shelf, but when it comes to safety, cutting corners can cost far more in the long run. Look for models with certification labels and built-in surge protection.

What struck me most when learning about these risks is how invisible they can be. A power strip doesn’t give you a clear signal that it’s in trouble until it’s too late. That’s why prevention matters. By simply choosing the right outlet for the right appliance, we not only extend the life of our devices but also protect our families and homes from needless danger.

For many of us, especially women managing busy households, these details can easily slip through the cracks. We’re focused on the daily grind: cooking meals, doing laundry, keeping the house warm or cool. But taking a few extra moments to think about where we plug in those devices could make all the difference. It’s a small act of mindfulness that ensures the safety of everyone under our roof.

In the end, the message is clear. Toasters, space heaters, portable air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, and desktop computers should never share space on a power strip. Keep them connected directly to the wall where the circuit can handle their demands. It may seem like a small adjustment, but it’s one that could prevent major consequences.

Your home is more than just walls and furniture—it’s where your loved ones live and where your memories are made. Protecting it means being attentive to even the smallest risks. And sometimes, that protection begins with something as simple as plugging in wisely.