Five Household Items Firefighters Wish People Would Stop Plugging Into Power Strips
PR Newswire•13/10/2026•09:06 ET
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Key Highlights
- ➤Mercury Insurance (MCY) warns overloaded power strips can overheat and cause electrical fires
- ➤Space heaters, air fryers, microwaves, refrigerators, and portable air conditioners require appropriate wall outlets
- ➤Mercury advises against daisy chaining power strips or using them as permanent household wiring
- ➤Electrical warning signs include warm outlets, flickering lights, burning odors, and tripped breakers
Expert Statements
Bonnie Lee, Vice President of Property Claims at Mercury Insurance
“Power strips are so common that it's easy to assume anything with a plug can safely go into one, but that's not the case.”
Bonnie Lee, Vice President of Property Claims at Mercury Insurance
“Appliances that draw significant power can generate more heat than a power strip is designed to handle. A simple change in where you plug something in can help eliminate an unnecessary fire risk.”
Bonnie Lee, Vice President of Property Claims at Mercury Insurance
“If you need power strips throughout a room just to operate everyday appliances, the bigger issue may be that your home electrical system isn't meeting your needs.”
Bonnie Lee, Vice President of Property Claims at Mercury Insurance
“Adding outlets or having an electrician evaluate the circuit may take a little more effort, but it's a much better solution than creating a potential fire hazard.”
Bonnie Lee, Vice President of Property Claims at Mercury Insurance
“Some of the most effective home safety measures are incredibly simple.”
Bonnie Lee, Vice President of Property Claims at Mercury Insurance
“Knowing which appliances belong in a wall outlet and taking a few minutes to look at how you're using power strips throughout your home can help prevent a small electrical problem from becoming a much larger loss.”
Five Household Items Firefighters Wish People Would Stop Plugging Into Power Strips PR Newswire
Mercury Insurance Shares Simple Electrical Safety Tips That Can Help Reduce the Risk of a Home Fire
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