Here's a list of common extension cord safety mistakes

Basic appliance safety measures could prevent thousands of house fires each year, yet many homeowners unknowingly create hazards by plugging high-powered devices into extension cords. A veteran NYC electrician explains why seven common household appliances - including popular items like space heaters and air fryers - require direct wall outlet connections to operate safely.

Paul Martinez, owner of Electrified NYC, states that appliances using 1,500 watts or more must be plugged directly into wall outlets. "No extension cords whatsoever," he warns for all such appliances.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that portable space heaters caused approximately 1,700 fires annually between 2017 and 2019.

"Let's say you connect [an extension cord] to a floor heater," Martinez says, "the plug melts and it starts a fire. That's why you cannot use extension cords and/or power strips for any appliances, because they should be used for electronics only."

Martinez identifies seven common household devices that should never connect to extension cords:

Air fryers, which can draw up to 2,000 watts depending on size, must be plugged directly into wall outlets. When counter space is limited, these appliances should be stored away and connected to dedicated outlets when needed.

Microwaves, whether built-in or portable, demand high wattage and need their own dedicated circuits.

Connecting extension cords to other extension cords, known as "daisy chaining," creates fire hazards through circuit overheating.

Refrigerators, despite using lower wattage (300 to 800 watts), require direct wall outlet connection due to continuous operation. Using an extension cord could cause appliance malfunction.

Air conditioning units demand substantial power and must connect directly to wall outlets. Martinez advises proper unit sizing using BTU calculations.

"People just buy a 5,000 BTU air conditioner because it's $99 on sale, and they think it's going to cool off [their home], and it does not," Martinez says. "[AC units] are supposed to cycle on and off, so they do not pull that much energy. So if you undersize it, the compressor is going to work 10 times harder."

Toasters and toaster ovens, despite their compact size, use between 1,200 and 1,400 watts, making them unsuitable for extension cord use.

Martinez explains the technical aspects of extension cord safety: "If extension cords are 14-gauge, and you are running an appliance with a heating element, [such as] a toaster oven, microwave or dishwasher, a 14-gauge will not hold the amperage and can burn up the extension cord. And that's what causes fires in New York City."

He maintains that extension cords should never be used for devices exceeding 15 amps (1,800 watts), regardless of operating conditions. Power strips should be reserved exclusively for electronics, not appliances.

Using space heaters strategically instead of whole-house heating systems can reduce utility bills during winter, but proper electrical connection remains essential for safety.

Also Read: The Startling Health Impact of Microwaves and How to Avoid Microplastics: A Wake-Up Call