Avoid a Potential Fire Hazard: Things You Should Never Plug Into a Power Strip

or a temporary appliance odor.

Stop using the affected equipment and arrange for inspection.

  1. The power strip changes color

Brown marks, black spots, melted plastic, or visible deformation around sockets can indicate overheating or electrical damage.

A discolored power strip should be replaced rather than reused.

  1. Sparks appear when connecting an appliance

A tiny brief spark can sometimes occur when plugging in certain electrical devices, particularly those with internal capacitors or switches.

However, repeated, large, or unusual sparks, crackling sounds, or visible damage are warning signs that require attention.

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