(NOT interested in AI answers, please). In general, it is always best to consult an electrician before plugging any type of appliance or device into a power strip. Dont assume that they know better. Pets are usually attracted to the hose of the humidifier, which can prove to be dangerous for them, as it may cause some severe injuries. Yes, you can plug a power strip into a surge protector. It's rated at 0.5 . To prevent the circuit breaker from tripping, any hairdressing accessory that operates with heat should be plugged directly into a wall outletpreferably a GFCI outlet to avoid the danger of accidental water exposure, a common bathroom hazard. Extension cords are not always well-made, and using one with a dehumidifier could damage the appliance. About Us Privacy Policy Disclaimers, In case of questions please contact us at: hello @ knowtheflo.com, COPYRIGHT 2023 KNOWTHEFLO.COM | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. A sump pump is often the last defense for a dry basement in the event of flooding. The answer is yes, you can plug a humidifier into a power strip. Also, you should never put it on top of furniture or other elevated areas. When there is an increase in voltage from a power surge, it causes an inrush of electrical current within the refrigerator. I might also add a few drops of peppermint oil for added respiratory benefits. Humidifiers can be a great addition to your household, especially during the cold winter months. However, there are some downsides to this method. Just make sure that the power strip is rated for high wattage and that you dont exceed the maximum number of appliances that can be safely plugged into it. However, the standard 3 year product warranty is maintained. Also, it will prevent small puddles from forming on your floor which might lead to damage. It is always best to play it safe and use the cord that came with the dehumidifier.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'freshairdevices_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_5',134,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-freshairdevices_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Extension cords are not designed to handle the high power draw of most appliances, and using one could overheat the cord and start a fire. Plug your humidifier into the wall. If that humidifier has a NEMA 5-15 plug, then it mates to a wall receptacle that can provide up to 15 amps. Electricity is being wasted on a humidifier that isn't humidifying. RELATED: 10 Things a Coffee Maker Can DoBesides Brew Coffee. This method is less reliable than plugging directly into an outlet since there is a risk of overloading the circuit. Humidifiers can be used very often. It is always best to plug appliances directly into a wall outlet. Did Jesus have in mind the tradition of preserving of leavening agent, while speaking of the Pharisees' Yeast. Its also important to note that you may be violating electrical or fire codes that apply to you by daisy chaining, which could make you responsible for any accidents that occur as a result of it. Another risk is that your humidifier could be damaged by a power surge. Refrigerators don't need special outlets. Others have timers that will turn the humidifier on and off at set intervals [1]. You'll connect the primary side of the transformer to the terminals on the control board, then connect the humidistat to the secondary side of the transformer. It cuts off the power within as little as 1/40 of a second in the event of a ground fault. The lower the number, the thicker the cord and the higher the amperage rating. Hairdryers, curling irons, straighteners and other beauty tools all create heat and draw quite a bit of amperage to generate that heat. Don't use an extension cord if the manufacturer recommends against it 3 Prong Outlet It is important to use a three-prong outlet to connect your Dehumidifier. All APC Back-UPS and Smart-UPS products provide proper surge suppression for power lines without the need of additional protection. The last, and probably most important. Electricity and water do not mix. A quick Google search will show you plenty of horror stories about kids putting fingers, toys and forks into outlets and power strips. Also, make sure the wall outlet you are using is properly grounded. But while its okay to use these gadgets to charge smartphones or power an entertainment setup, there are some power-hungry devices you should never plug into a power strip. And because the appeal of a slow cooker is that it can operate without supervision, you definitely want to make sure it is safely plugged into a wall outlet to minimize any hazardous outcomes. Humidifiers can also be incredibly beneficial to the health of your plants. We do not recommend connecting a refrigerator or freezer to a surge protector. Can you plug a humidifier into a power strip? Does my furnace humidifier need a transformer? Large appliances like refrigerators require a lot of power and frequently cycle on and off, which can easily overload a power strip. Final Thoughts- What Gauge Extension Cord Do I Need For A Dehumidifier? How To Measure Humidity In A Room Without A Hygrometer, Do all air conditioners have dehumidifiers. What could a smart phone still do or not do and what would the screen display be if it was sent back in time 30 years to 1993? Surge protectors are not designed to handle the high power draw of a dehumidifier, and doing so could damage the surge protector or cause it to catch fire. 6 Methods How to Cover Glass Doors For Privacy, How to Hide Large Speakers in Living Room? They can be plugged into a standard 110-120 volt outlet so long as the socket is three-pronged. This means that if there is a power surge, the power strip will help to protect your humidifier from being damaged. Manage Settings Affiliate Disclosure: When you buy a product via our links, we sometimes earn a referral fee. RELATED: Buyers Guide: The Best Power Tools We Tested This Year. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Always check the packaging to verify where its safe to use your electronics. Second, if the humidifier is turned on and left unattended, it could create a potential fire hazard. Its also recommended that you use one that features an automatic shut-off system when it gets low on water or starts to boil dry. Extension cords are also not a good option for long-term use. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Additionally, be sure to plug the humidifier into a dedicated circuit. Expert Annual System Safety Inspections & More. While there are power strips that are designed for outdoor applications, unless your strips packaging specifically says its suited for outdoor use, its not designed to stand up to weather and water. Wiring the humidistat directly to the 24V transformer, will cause the humidifier to become active whenever the humidistat says. The power cost may be negligible, but if like me you live with heavy calcified city water, you're wasting humidifier pads, causing unnecessary scale buildup in the drain and in the humidifier, and running year round just causes a bunch of unnecessary wear on your humidifier solenoid. In fact, plugging multiple power strips together, which is known as daisy-chaining, violates most fire safety codes and can quickly overload your electrical system. If you do choose to use one, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully to avoid any potential problems. - Do not forget to turn off the power to the furnace while working. Plug your coffee maker directly into the outlet or you run the risk of waking up to a half-brewed pot of coffee. I've got no humidifier controls. For these reasons, its best to avoid using an extension cord with a dehumidifier altogether. Yes, you can plug a power strip into a surge protector. A ground-fault circuit interrupter is a type of very fast-acting circuit breaker. BEST FOR OUTDOORS: POWRUI Outdoor Smart Plug, Surge Protector. By Donna Boyle Schwartz and Tony Carrick | Updated Apr 10, 2023 11:53 AM. Can you put a humidifier and diffuser on the same power strip? They make the desktop and standup units for a reason, and they actually do their job pretty good. Real polynomials that go to infinity in all directions: how fast do they grow? How do I wire my furnace humidifier so it comes on any time the fan is on? Three-pronged plugs have a ground wire, while two-pronged plugs do not.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'freshairdevices_com-leader-2','ezslot_8',130,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-freshairdevices_com-leader-2-0'); Three-pronged plugs are always the safer option because they provide a ground for the appliance. However, if you are using it in the summer a few things are going wrong. I recommend investing in a thermostat with humidifier control built in and let it and or your programming of it figure out when to turn on and off rather than sensing W/Y/G especially if you have a need for humidity + AC during summer Honeywell and others have intelligence to safely support this without rusting out your duct work. If they're 24V terminals, you're in luck. Can you plug a humidifier into a power strip and save money on your energy bill? Yearly furnace, A/C, & electrical system inspections. She has years of experience testing out air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and other products designed to help with indoor air quality. Make sure you use a 220-volt power strip that's equipped with grounded. Another way to connect a humidifier is by using a power strip. Teach them to stay away from outlets, install outlet plugs in ALL wall and power-strip outlets and dont leave power strips in places where young children might think theyre something to play with. You might think youre one clever cook when you plug your slow cooker into a power strip to free up outlet space for other countertop appliances, but youd be wrong. There are two main ways to connect a humidifier: directly into an outlet or using a power strip. Is it cheaper to heat with gas or electricity? When selecting an extension cord or power strip, make sure it's rated for the voltage and wattage of the devices you'll be using. OH There are different types of extension cords designed for different purposes. Use it only to run low-powered devices that fit its rating. What sort of contractor retrofits kitchen exhaust ducts in the US? One plug to one receptacle - safety exists. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Some humidifiers will release water vapors, which can then be absorbed by nearby furniture or kitchen appliances. Mainly, it is more economical and effective to heat water than it is to heat air. Many blenders, including those made by Ninja and Vitamix, use powerful motors for chopping up tougher foods. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Better to go with a GFCI outlet thats well above floor level in case the sump pump fails and flooding occurs. Up to $500 off HVAC & electrical panel replacements. (Here are some ways to tell the difference). 13 amp extension cords can handle up to 1625 watts, while 15 amp extension cords can handle up to 1800 watts. Electricity and water do not mix. If your humidifier does not have its own surge protector, you may want to consider purchasing a power strip with one. Always check the manufacturers instructions to see if an extension cord can be used with a particular appliance. This method is also the most reliable since there is no risk of overloading the circuit or causing a fire. If you must use an extension cord, make sure it is heavy-duty and has a three-pronged plug. Humidifiers can be used for adults and children alike and can be very beneficial, particularly during the winter months when the air is much drier. The extension cord must have a minimum amperage rating of 15 amps and a three-pronged plug. They can help you determine the best way to connect your devices and ensure that everything is safe and up to code [3]. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'freshairdevices_com-banner-1','ezslot_3',129,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-freshairdevices_com-banner-1-0');There are various reasons manufacturers include warnings not to use extension cords with their products. When voltage increases above normal capacity, it can cause an arc of electrical current, with associated heat also posing a risk to electronic components. You want to make sure the power/voltage output of your wall socket matches the requirements of your dehumidifier. Here are some examples of high-capacity appliances that you should not plug into a power strip: So why is it a problem to plug these high-powered devices into a power strip? There are several types of humidifiers, but they all work by adding moisture to the air. The heat is not being created that is required to evaporate the water very much at all, in fact. The tank usually needs to be refilled every one to three days, depending on the size of the unit and the amount of humidity it can produce. But bigger or more important items, as well as appliances that require constant power, such as computers, printers, televisions, and refrigerators, should all use surge protectors. Can I Plug A Dehumidifier Into A Surge Protector? I can't see why it wouldn't, but thought I would ask just in case . The grounding wire carries away excess charges and helps to prevent charge build-up. Knowtheflo.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Don't get your power bar wet, or you risk frying yourself and everything that's plugged into the strip. Can You Plug An AC Into An Extension Cord: A Common Question You May Face. This is promising. Can you use a power strip for kitchen appliances? Rule two: never plug high power capacity appliances, like space heaters, refrigerators, or microwave and toaster ovens into power strips or extension cords. Never use power strips or surge protectors for high-power capacity items such as, space heaters, dehumidifiers, or other high capacity appliances. This will help absorb water that drips down to the floor. Portable Heaters and Air Conditioners. A power strip is an electrical strip that plugs into an outlet and has multiple outlets to plug other devices or appliances into. Am I out of luck or is this just different terminology for the terminals I already have? The drum style is a mid road humidifier that is useful when you don't have a drain in your furnace room, but can plug up and make a mess if you don't have a water softener, or are incorrectly installed. This is because they are not designed to handle the heavy load of most appliances. If you plug only low-load, energy-saving appliances on it, it shouldn't pose any risk. The humidifier should only be active when humidity is low. Most washing machines use a max of up to 1400 watts, putting it dangerously close to the max load of most power strips. CAUTION: To avoid fire or the risk of electrical shock hazard, plug the humidifier directly into a 120V AC electrical outlet. Wiring in a Aprilaire 500m to an older (11-86) Trane furnace w/o A/C, How To Wire Humidistat and Humidifier - Honeywell. But all that marvelous activity requires more energy than a power strip can provide. Learn more. Possible negative effects on asthma and allergy sufferers, https://home.howstuffworks.com/humidifier.html, https://finddiffer.com/what-should-you-not-plug-into-a-power-strip/, https://www.hunker.com/12003829/types-of-electrical-extension-cords, https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-use-a-humidifier. Does A Dehumidifier Require A GFCI Outlet? How do you clean a dehumidifier with white vinegar? While portable heaters have built-in safeties that shut the unit off if it begins to overheat, it wont prevent the power strip from overheating and potentially causing a fire. If you decide to use a power strip, make sure to purchase one that has been tested and approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. If youve ever peered into a toaster to remove a particularly stubborn piece of broken crust, you know that the inside is basically a bunch of wires that heat up to red-hot temperatures to toast the bread. This will ensure that you are using the dehumidifier correctly and safely. The one on your furnace wasn't made for that purpose, and it'll never work as well as you want. How do you protect outdoor rugs from rain? - Always follow all manufacturer installation instructions. Do not use multi-outlet Adaptors. When it's plugged in, check your humidifier's positioning again it should be angled away from walls, furniture, or bedding. Sparking every time the outlet is used. To avoid risk of fire, electric shock, or personal injury, NEVER use an extension cord or power strip. The smallest, which is often used in most homes, is 16 gauge. If you have an ultrasonic humidifier, you can use an extension cord with it as long as the cord is rated for the proper voltage and amperage. When using an extension cord, always make sure it is not overloaded. 10% discount on repairs and additional diagnostic services. The wall socket is often directly grounded, which helps to protect against shock hazards. Is less reliable than plugging directly into a standard 110-120 volt outlet so long the. Gas or electricity fingers, toys and forks into outlets and power strips 24V! Is to heat water than it is always best to consult an electrician before any... 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