How Bad Is It to Plug a Surge Protector into a Surge Protector?
Plugging a surge protector into another surge protector, often called daisy-chaining or piggy-backing, is a practice that should be strictly avoided. It’s not just a minor inconvenience; it’s a significant safety hazard that can lead to damaged electronics, overloaded circuits, and even fires. In essence, it’s a recipe for disaster, and here’s why:
The primary function of a surge protector is to protect your devices from power surges, those sudden spikes in voltage that can fry your sensitive electronics. Each surge protector has a limited capacity to absorb these surges, measured in joules. When you daisy-chain surge protectors, you’re not increasing the overall surge protection capacity; instead, you’re potentially overloading the first surge protector in the chain. The initial unit becomes the primary absorber and takes on all the risk. If it fails, any subsequent protectors in the chain become useless.
Moreover, daisy-chaining violates most safety codes and manufacturer recommendations. Organizations like Underwriters Laboratories (UL) specifically prohibit this practice, voiding warranties and any safety certifications. Essentially, you’re creating an unsafe setup that puts your home and devices at risk. Instead of providing enhanced protection, you are essentially creating an easily overloaded, unsafe, and potentially fire-prone power chain.
Why is Daisy-Chaining So Dangerous?
Overloading the Circuit
One of the biggest dangers is overloading the circuit. Each electrical outlet and circuit breaker in your home is designed to handle a specific amount of power. When you plug multiple surge protectors into each other, and then plug numerous devices into those protectors, you can easily exceed the capacity of the wall outlet. This can cause the circuit breaker to trip, which is inconvenient. But worse, it can lead to overheating of wires, which, if persistent or severe, may result in a house fire.
Reduced Surge Protection
As mentioned before, daisy-chaining does not increase surge protection capacity. It dilutes it. The first surge protector has to absorb the brunt of the power surge. If that protector fails, the remaining surge protectors, while still technically functioning, will not be able to provide adequate protection. This is especially problematic if the surge is powerful or prolonged.
Heat Buildup
Daisy-chaining generates more heat than using a single surge protector plugged directly into a wall outlet. This is because electrical resistance produces heat. The more connections and devices in a power chain, the more resistance there is. This buildup of heat can damage the surge protectors themselves and potentially trigger a fire.
False Sense of Security
Perhaps the biggest danger is the false sense of security that daisy-chaining can provide. People often assume that adding more protectors means adding more protection, but this is simply untrue. This misguided logic can lead to people overusing their electrical systems, placing themselves at risk, and doing so with a false sense of safety, as the system is inherently flawed.
The Correct Way to Use Surge Protectors
The safe and correct way to use surge protectors is to plug each one directly into a wall outlet. If you need more outlets, consider investing in multiple individual surge protectors, ensuring each one is connected directly to a wall outlet. If you find yourself needing many surge protectors to power your equipment, consider hiring an electrician to install more outlets within your home. Another consideration might be to look into a whole-house surge protector, which offers more robust protection for your entire electrical system, and can be a much better investment if you have a lot of valuable or sensitive electronics within your home.
Always pay attention to the wattage rating of your surge protectors and the devices you are plugging into them. Ensure that the total wattage of all connected devices does not exceed the surge protector’s rating. Overloading a surge protector is just as dangerous as daisy-chaining. Keep in mind that using power strips for only low-voltage electronics is the safest practice. If you are using higher voltage, higher wattage appliances, ensure that the surge protector and the outlet on your wall are rated to handle the load.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Surge Protectors
1. Is it safe to plug a power strip into another power strip?
No. Plugging a power strip into another power strip, or daisy-chaining power strips, is just as dangerous as daisy-chaining surge protectors. It violates safety codes and can easily overload the circuit, leading to overheating and potential fires.
2. Can you plug two surge protectors into one outlet?
It’s not recommended to plug two surge protectors into one duplex wall outlet using a double adapter. Even if the outlet itself can support the load, it is still best to have surge protectors directly and exclusively connected to individual sockets. Using an adapter to plug in multiple surge protectors further increases the risk of overheating and electrical issues. If you need to use two surge protectors in the same area, find two separate outlets within the room, and plug each protector into its individual outlet.
3. Is it OK to chain surge protectors?
Absolutely not. Chaining surge protectors, as discussed, is unsafe. They must be plugged directly into grounded wall outlets to work properly. This is also a violation of UL standards and manufacturer guidelines, and may void your warranties.
4. What are the rules for surge protectors?
The essential rules include: plug them directly into a wall outlet, do not daisy-chain, do not overload them with too many devices or high-wattage devices, and keep them uncovered for proper ventilation. Replace them every 3-5 years, as they lose their effectiveness over time, and if the surge protector’s LED light indicating protection has turned off.
5. Can I plug an electric blanket into a surge protector?
No, it’s recommended to plug electric blankets directly into a wall outlet without using surge protectors, extension cords, or outlet extenders. The same goes for other appliances that are heat-producing, as they are power-hungry and potentially dangerous.
6. Can I plug too many things into a surge protector?
Yes. Each surge protector has a limited capacity. Overloading it with too many devices can damage both the protector and your electronics, and may be a fire hazard. Always ensure that the total wattage of plugged devices is within the surge protector’s rating. It’s better to use multiple surge protectors plugged into separate wall outlets if you have a lot of devices.
7. How often should you replace surge protectors?
Most manufacturers recommend replacing surge protectors every 3 to 5 years. Their components degrade over time, reducing their ability to protect against power surges effectively. If your surge protector’s indicator light turns off, replace it immediately.
8. How do you know if a surge protector is bad?
Many surge protectors have an LED diagnostic light that indicates whether the protection is still active. If this light is off, the surge protector needs replacing. If you have experienced a power surge, it is best to assume that your surge protector has absorbed the impact, and has either reached its limit, or is compromised by that surge.
9. Can a refrigerator be plugged into a surge protector?
It’s generally not recommended to plug refrigerators or freezers into surge protectors. Their sensitive compressors can be affected by power surges, potentially causing shutdowns.
10. Should I plug my PC into the wall or a surge protector?
Always plug your PC into a surge protector. Even small power surges can damage expensive electronic devices, making surge protection necessary. Using a power strip or surge protector is a good way to prevent damage to your computer.
11. Is it OK to plug a surge protector into an extension cord?
No, you should not plug surge protectors into extension cords. This practice is considered daisy-chaining and voids the warranty and safety listings. They need to be plugged directly into wall outlets.
12. Can you have 2 surge protectors in the same room?
Yes, it’s safe to have multiple surge protectors in the same room, as long as each one is plugged into a separate wall outlet. Ensure that the total wattage of all devices in the room does not exceed the circuit’s load capacity.
13. Is it bad to sleep next to a surge protector?
Surge protectors are generally safe, but they can become very hot or even catch fire in case of malfunction. To minimize risks, it’s best not to place them near flammable materials and keep them a safe distance away from your sleeping area. It is generally good practice to make sure that all electrical devices, and associated wiring is kept away from your bed or resting area.
14. What should not be plugged into a surge protector?
Avoid plugging high-wattage appliances such as hair styling tools, refrigerators, coffee makers, toasters, slow cookers, microwaves, space heaters, and air conditioners. These devices can draw too much power and overload the surge protector.
15. What electronics should be plugged into a surge protector?
Plug in sensitive electronics like computers, home entertainment equipment, modems, routers, TVs, phones, and gaming consoles. Basically, any electronic device of value, or with sensitive internal components that can be damaged by power fluctuations and surges.