Can You Connect a Heavy Duty Power Strip to an Extension Cord?

Alt text – Can You Connect a Heavy Duty Power Strip To An Extension Cord

Electrical failures are responsible for millions of dollars in property damage worldwide. These malfunctions also account for thousands of fatalities. In the United States alone, approximately 1000 lives are lost annually due to electrical injuries.

Although not entirely avoidable, reducing the risks of these unfortunate occurrences is possible. One such method is using electrical components the right way.

Unless you live off the grid, you’ve utilized a power strip and an extension cord. Perhaps you’ve even pondered using these electrical parts together.

But how safe would that be? Is it advisable to connect heavy duty power strips to extension cords? This article will put that question into a better perspective. But first, it would be best to begin by understanding the differences between a power strip and an extension cord.

Alt text – 12 gauge extension cord, 20 amp extension cord

What is a Power Strip?

A power strip refers to a block of electrical sockets designed to attach to the end of a flexible cable, usually with a main plug on its other end, which makes it possible to power multiple electrical devices from a single socket.

Power strips are ideal for use in places where several electrical devices are nearby. Their primary role is to expand the capacity of a wall socket so that multiple appliances can be powered simultaneously.

These electrical components are common in offices that rely heavily on computer systems and workshops that utilize several power tools. You may also find them in home settings where they could help provide ample lighting and power electronics and kitchen appliances.

What is an Extension Cord?

An extension cord is a length of flexible, insulated electrical power cable that features a plug on one end and one or more sockets on the other end. The sockets usually have the same design as the plug.

The term ‘extension cord’ is commonly applied concerning mains electricity. However, a flat plug extension cord may denote extensions used in other cabling systems.

Extension cords go by several other names, including extension leads, power extenders, and drop cords. These electrical components may also be referred to as ‘adapter cords’ if they come with a plug and power outlet of different types.

Like power strips, extension cords can be light or heavy. A heavy duty extension cord, as the name implies, lets you use it with heavy-duty appliances like refrigerators and hairdryers.

Alt text – 20 amp power strip, power cords

Differences Between Power Strips and Extension Cords

Due to their somewhat overlapping applications, it’s unsurprising that many commonly use the terms ‘power strips’ and ‘extension cords’ interchangeably. However, there are certain fundamental differences between these two electrical components.

The primary difference between power strips and extension cords relates to their functionality. A power strip lets you power up multiple electrical devices in close proximity simultaneously. On the other hand, an extension cord enables you to extend a power outlet to an electrical appliance or device located at a considerable distance from the mains.

Since the primary role of power cords is accessing distant electrical devices, these components must be fairly long. Most extension cords are typically two to thirty feet long. However, some can be as long as 300 feet. You can achieve an even longer radius by investing in quality bulk wires. Power strips are usually shorter since their functionality is limited to a smaller square radius.

Another fundamental difference between a power strip and an electric cord relates to the presence of circuit breakers. It’s the industry’s best practice that all power strips be fitted with an efficient circuit breaker. That’s because these components usually add extra load to an electrical circuit by allowing for the connection of multiple devices. The circuit breaker helps interrupt the electric current in the case of an overload or power surge. Extension cords, on the other hand, need not have a circuit breaker. That’s because they do not add extra load to an existing circuit.

Alt text – tv power cord, 10 gauge extension cord

Can You Connect a Heavy-duty Power Strip to an Extension Cord?

You may have encountered numerous publications advising against connecting a heavy-duty power strip to an extension cord. Well, this isn’t entirely true.

It’s perfectly safe to plug a heavy-duty power strip into an extension cord. You only need to ensure both components meet the safety standards and that the power strip can handle the wattage load.

However, proceeding cautiously while connecting heavy-duty power strips to extension cords is essential.

Most importantly, these connections should never be temporary. That’s because plugging power strips into extension cords may add more resistance to your electrical system. The extra resistance could translate to a very low current, damaging the conductors or causing fires.

The risks of electrical damage from plugging heavy-duty power strips into extension cords are higher if one or more connected devices malfunction. You can mitigate these risks by investing in an extension cord with switch. That way, you simply switch off the power supply to the malfunctioning appliance.

Alt text – extension cord, electric cord

Wrap Up

Although not always a great idea, it’s relatively safe to plug heavy-duty power strips into an extension cord. Just be sure to use this as a temporary arrangement and avoid plugging too many heavy-duty appliances simultaneously. As a bonus point, consider a GFCI plug replacement from a reputable dealer to minimize the risks of electrical failures resulting from plugging heavy-duty power strips into extension cords.