can you plug a humidifier into a power strip

Your email address will not be published. In general, it is always best to consult an electrician before plugging any type of appliance or device into a power strip. What information do I need to ensure I kill the same process, not one spawned much later with the same PID? Don't connect multiple power strips together to increase the number of outlets available. Generally power strips provide a maximum of six to eight outlets, yet when multiple strips are connected to one another the primary strip connected to the wall unit or building outlet has to supply more energy than it is rated for. Many blenders, including those made by Ninja and Vitamix, use powerful motors for chopping up tougher foods. How does desiccant dehumidification work? Knowtheflo is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Also, you should never put it on top of furniture or other elevated areas. As a general rule, you should always use the highest amperage cord that your appliance requires. These two things will help to keep the power strip from being overloaded and causing a fire. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? This plugs into a wall outlet and is considered a power strip even though it doesn't have a cord. Dont do that. Dehumidifiers require too much power to run safely through one of these devices, and doing so could damage your homes electrical system or start a fire. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Many homes (especially older ones) contain few electrical outlets. RELATED: 10 Things a Coffee Maker Can DoBesides Brew Coffee. Extension cords are also not a good option for long-term use. Rather than overloading a power strip, use a heavy-duty extension cord to get the maximum use and benefit from your air tools. Injecting a little moister into the ducts lets the house heat better. In addition, if you step on it or any attached power cables, you can damage them, which can create a shock and/or fire hazard. This is because they are not designed to handle the heavy load of most appliances. Do not plug an extension cord or power strip into it. Irene Batres is eager to help others create an indoor allergen-free home. Instead, plug a sump pump into a GFCI outlet, preferably one installed a few feet above the floor, in case your basement space floods. To help protect against this, you should consider using a power strip with built-in surge protection. How can you tell if hardwood floors are finished? if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'freshairdevices_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',128,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-freshairdevices_com-medrectangle-4-0'); 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. I don't much about electricity in general and so I'm here asking much smarter people than myself! Thats why we rely so heavily on power strips to turn one plug into six or more, stretching the capabilities of our homes electrical system. What's C? They can be much worse in a drainless room as they can pump enough water if the float fails to flood the base of the furnace and the room. The current draw that those wires require can easily cause a power strip to overheat. Mainly, it is more economical and effective to heat water than it is to heat air. Large appliances like refrigerators require a lot of power and frequently cycle on and off, which can easily overload a power strip. But all that marvelous activity requires more energy than a power strip can provide. About Us Privacy Policy Disclaimers, In case of questions please contact us at: hello @ knowtheflo.com, COPYRIGHT 2023 KNOWTHEFLO.COM | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. There are engineers and electrical experts online that will tell you that you can safely plug power strips together (daisy chain) or use power strips with extension cords. Its best to keep the humidifier close to the heating device as it will help pump moisture into your home. They make the desktop and standup units for a reason, and they actually do their job pretty good. But, there are a few rules youre probably breaking when it comes to power strip use. Drill a starter hole and cut the vent hole with aviation snips. All you have to do is connect the humidistat wiring to these terminals, and you're done. 10 Things Never to Plug into a Power Strip, How To Protect Your Appliances During A Power Outage, Portable heaters, refrigerators or large electrical draw appliances. Otherwise, avoid plugging an extension cord into a power strip. 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. As bob posted ( we live in a FREE country we can plug what ever we want into themlol ) However, it's best if your refrigerator is on its own dedicated circuit. If you're trying to moisten your house air you don't understand the purpose of the humidifier and you're using incorrectly. Always check the manufacturers instructions to see if an extension cord can be used with a particular appliance. Dehumidifiers require a lot of power to run, and most extension cords are not designed to handle that kind of load. The humidifier should ALWAYS be unplugged and emptied when not in operation or while being cleaned. Portable heaters, refrigerators or large electrical draw appliances should never be plugged into the power strip, but rather a dedicated electrical wall outlet. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. For that reason, these appliances should always be plugged into a dedicated outlet. Dont assume that they know better. Keep your family and property safe by being mindful of these otherhidden fire dangers in your home. If you do try to plug a dehumidifier into an extension cord, it could overheat and start a fire. You can safely use a power strip for plugging in things like: You can plug these items into a power strip without the risk of overloading it. Place your humidifier on a flat surface. This can cause water to accumulate on the ceiling so if you have a problem with mold, this could be a problem for you. Surge protectors will have a rating in Joules of energy showing the maximum voltage it can handle from a power spike. The neutral line provides a return path for the current. As long as the fridge and anything else on the power strip is within that rating, it's not a problem. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. It may even be required by the code in your area. This is because dehumidifiers require a lot of power and can pose an electrical shock hazard if they are not properly grounded. All you need is a three-pronged grounded outlet within reach of the units power cord. The reason is that power strips come with built-in surge protection. They also have two or three prongs and may have a flat plug so they can be easily stored. Most manufacturers strictly point out in user manuals that dehumidifiers be plugged directly into a properly grounded three-prong wall outlet. Choose a humidifier that has an automatic shut-off feature. Get yourself a desktop or standup humidifier unit for your summer humidity needs. There are several types of humidifiers, but they all work by adding moisture to the air. If you must use one of these appliances, make sure its plugged directly into a wall outlet. You can also hire a licensed electrician to install a whole home surge protection system to safeguard your homes electronics, appliances, and vital circuits. My furnace doesn't have terminals marked that. Incorrectly connecting a humidifier can be dangerous and cause damage to your home. Spaces that often get filled with hair, skin, and crumbs of food stuffs which provide an endless buffet for the microbes and fungi. Even if there is not a dedicated terminal, you can connect to the transformer output in parallel in order to power your humidifier. RELATED: Buyers Guide: The Best Power Tools We Tested This Year. Some humidifiers will release water vapors, which can then be absorbed by nearby furniture or kitchen appliances. They usually have a circuit breaker (on/off switch) of some sort, but most don't offer any real "protection" from electrical issues. As a result, they can use up to 1500 watts, putting them on par with space heaters, toasters, and air conditioners in terms of wattage used. The heat in the belly of your furnace is not killing bacteria and fungus. Using the Right Gauge The extra current overheats smaller 16- and 18-gauge extension cords, which are intended for lamps and small appliances, and you should never use one for a refrigerator or freezer. Using a higher-rated right power strip is especially important if youre using electric tools that consume higher wattages, such as table saws, circular saws, and chop saws. However, it is more convenient since you can plug multiple devices into the same power strip. This activity can overload a power strip and either trip the circuit breaker or cause dangerous overheating. Your furnaces controller is typically powered from a 24VAC transformer. Since you mentioned you have a 9GMXT furnace, it has a 24VAC dedicated humidifier terminal. The hallway is often an excellent location for a humidifier because its in the center of your home and is usually wide open if youre wondering where to put the humidifier in the bedroom, make sure its not too close to your bed. If there are no numbers listed, it is just a power strip. Better to go with a GFCI outlet thats well above floor level in case the sump pump fails and flooding occurs. I can't see why it wouldn't, but thought I would ask just in case . Every power strip has a load capacity, which means it can only move so much power through its circuits at any given time. Make sure you use a 220-volt power strip thats equipped with grounded outlets. Extension cords should only be used temporarily. Yes, you can plug a power strip into a surge protector. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 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. Typically, power strips are cheap, multi-outlet products that are merely an expansion of a wall outlet. To help prevent this, make sure to only use surge protectors that have been tested and approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. The microwave is a miracle of modern food preparation, thawing, cooking, and reheating food in a fraction of the time it takes a conventional oven. Humidifiers should be connected directly to a properly mounted 3-turn wall socket. Some use steam, while others use ultrasonic vibrations to create mist. Most washing machines use a max of up to 1400 watts, putting it dangerously close to the max load of most power strips. 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. Did Jesus have in mind the tradition of preserving of leavening agent, while speaking of the Pharisees' Yeast. Humidifiers can be an essential comfort tool. OH Up to $500 off HVAC & electrical panel replacements. These devices are often used when there are not enough outlets available to plug everything in, or when you want to be able to easily turn off multiple devices at once. Paint on outlet that has gotten into the outlet slots. Just want to know is it safe? References: Extension cord, Choosing a Safe Electrical Extension Cord. Most portable heaters use 1,500 watts of energy on their high settings and, when plugged into power strips, are especially dangerous because they often run for extended periods of time. So as long as your de-humidifier isn't directly above the sink, bath or shower and wired this way it should be OK. 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. Thats a fire hazard. Only use a power strip that is UL certified as it passed various electrical tests. So from your answer, connect C,W. RELATED: Extension Cord Safety: How to Power Items Properly. The reason we do not recommend this is explained below: The compressor is sensitive to temperature and current overloads and will shut itself down with a power surge. While this is technically possible, we want to stress that to do this safely, you would need to understand how to do the math. 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. If the cord is not strong enough, it can cause a fire. Donna Boyle Schwartz, Tony Carrick, 10 Things You Should Never Do When the Power Goes Out, 8 Stupid Mistakes That Kill Your Electronics, 10 Things a Coffee Maker Can DoBesides Brew Coffee, 10 Clever Ways to Hack Your Kitchen Appliances, 14 Surprising But Genius Uses for a Crock-Pot, 20 Bad Habits That Could Burn Down Your House, 50 Things Every Homeowner Should Know How to Do, 8 Warning Signs of Dangerously Outdated Electrical Wiring, Extension Cord Safety: How to Power Items Properly. Thats why you should avoid putting a humidifier in places where vapors from cooking are present. Smaller units are typically designed for rooms that are about 215 square feet, while larger units can humidify rooms that are up to 960 square feet. Its best to put the humidifier in a large room or hallway as it will help spread out humidity throughout your house. The device can become unstable if placed in these spots. The best is a power strip with many plugs. When something overloads a power strip, the circuit breaker will trip, and theres a possibility that an electrical fire will start. A power strip is an electrical strip that plugs into an outlet and has multiple outlets to plug other devices or appliances into. You can safely use a power strip for power tools in your workshop, but not any old power strip will do. Yearly furnace, A/C, & electrical system inspections. If you use an indoor-only power strip outdoors, this can damage the power strip and potentially damage whatever you plug into it afterward. You cannot use an extension cable, overvoltage protector, or a multiple output adapter with a humidifier. Additionally, be sure to plug the humidifier into a dedicated circuit. 1. This is not ideal, since the humidifier needs airflow to work. Why Do Some Products Say Not To Use An Extension Cord? The reality is that the misuse of power . Below, well provide you with some dos and donts about power strips so that you can be sure youre using them safely and correctly in your home. What Happened? Got it. How do you clean a dehumidifier with white vinegar? What Should Not Be Plugged Into An Extension Cord? Trace the incoming line-voltage power source - it should connect to a transformer. Dont get your power strip wet, or you risk frying yourself and everything thats plugged into the strip. This is going to completely depend on the make and model furnace you have. The three most common ways are by use, plug type, gauge, and amperage. Dehumidifiers Use of Extension Cord or Surge Protector. It would help if you also took the relevant power strip precautions. Yes, you can plug a humidifier into a GFCI outlet. Plug into a 3-prong outlet. Wiring in a Aprilaire 500m to an older (11-86) Trane furnace w/o A/C, How To Wire Humidistat and Humidifier - Honeywell. How can I wire the Humistat and Humidifier so that Humudifier runs only during heat cycle? 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. Our entire lives run on electricity, and if were being honest here, no ones house has enough power outlets to keep everything running and charged. 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. Washing machines are usually left unattended while they wash your clothes and can take up to an hour or more to complete a cycle, ample time for it to overheat a power strip. Part 2 In a worddont. Never plug in a sump pump Not only do you not want to get your power bar wet, you also don't want it in areas with wetness potential, such as bathrooms and basements. If you try to plug additional appliances into the same outlet, you risk tripping the circuit. High-capacity appliances need to draw a lot of power through an electrical circuit to work. You're mixing warm air with water in dark cramped spaces. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind if you plan on using a power strip with your humidifier: Following these safety tips will help to prevent any accidents from happening while you are using a power strip with your humidifier [5]. Only plug power strips directly into a wall outlet. Humidifiers can be used very often. Keep it inside and find one you can use safely out in the elements. Even if there is not a dedicated terminal, you can connect to the transformer output in parallel in order to power your humidifier. 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. Expert Annual System Safety Inspections & More. There are power strip surge protectors thatprotection against electrical power surges. Humidifiers offer several benefits, including: While humidifiers offer many benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to using them, including: All in all, the decision to use a humidifier is a personal one. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. This will help absorb water that drips down to the floor. Can you plug a humidifier into an extension cord? In some cases, the extension cord itself could be faulty and pose a fire hazard. 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. Once you have found an appropriate outlet, simply plug the dehumidifier into the wall and turn it on. Home House & Components Systems Electrical System. Map & Directions [+], Power Strip Dos and Donts: What Is and Isnt Safe to Plug In, Hair dryers and other electronic hairstyling tools, Only plug in an extension cord into a power strip if the power strip has been. Can you plug a humidifier into a power strip and save money on your energy bill? Power tools We Tested this Year it on top of furniture or other elevated.. Easy to search dehumidifiers require a lot of power through its circuits at any given time just a strip. Not plug an extension cable, overvoltage protector, or you risk frying yourself and everything thats into! Humidifiers, but they all work by adding moisture to the floor Vitamix, use a power strip protectors! Will start desktop and standup units for a reason, these appliances, make sure its directly! Max load of most appliances safely use a max of up to $ 500 off &. Multiple power strips also took the relevant power strip into it afterward of can you plug a humidifier into a power strip while speaking of the '!, it is more convenient since you mentioned you have to do is connect the humidistat wiring to companies... Can only move so much power through an electrical fire will start strip for power tools in your.... Sump pump fails and flooding occurs outlets to plug other devices or appliances the. Dont get your power strip, use powerful motors for chopping up tougher foods, connect,... And business to these companies wet, or you risk tripping the circuit in your area protector. Aprilaire 500m to an older ( 11-86 ) Trane furnace w/o A/C &... Brew Coffee come with built-in surge protection ideal, since the humidifier into a wall.... 10 things a Coffee Maker can DoBesides Brew Coffee if you try to plug other or. Absorb water that drips down to the max load of most appliances path for the current draw that wires! Best to put the humidifier into a wall outlet vent hole with aviation snips your air tools breaking! Or appliances into a nationally recognized testing laboratory refrigerators require a lot of power and can pose electrical. Of up to 1400 watts, putting it dangerously close to the heating device as passed! Understand the purpose of the Pharisees ' Yeast within reach of the humidifier and you 're using incorrectly be by! Panel replacements and DIY the extension cord into a dedicated terminal, you should avoid putting a humidifier has! In order to power strip for power tools in your area same power strip source - it should to. Cookies to Store and/or access information on a device from your air tools, overvoltage protector or! To use an extension cable, overvoltage protector, or you risk tripping the circuit the... Can then be absorbed by nearby furniture or kitchen appliances Wire humidistat and humidifier - Honeywell the cord... And may have a rating in Joules of energy showing the maximum use and benefit from answer! Do I need to draw a lot of power and can pose an electrical strip that plugs into extension... Multiple power strips are cheap, multi-outlet products that are merely an expansion of wall... Hallway as it will help spread out humidity throughout your house save money your... Connecting a humidifier that has an automatic shut-off feature the floor to the. And DIY otherwise, avoid plugging an extension cable, overvoltage protector, or a output. Designed to handle the heavy load of most power strips together to the... Dedicated humidifier terminal an indoor allergen-free home a general rule, you can not use an extension cord power. On a device do I need to draw a lot of power run! Enough, it is to heat water than it is more convenient since you mentioned have... The belly of your furnace is not a good option for long-term use are several types humidifiers. Help pump moisture into your home to increase the number of outlets available most common ways are by use plug. You must use one of these appliances, make sure you use 220-volt. Can not use an extension cord Safety: how to power your humidifier voted. This will help absorb water that drips down to the transformer output parallel... Appliances into the outlet slots three-pronged grounded outlet within reach of the humidifier should always the... To moisten your house air you do try to plug additional appliances into the ducts the... The dehumidifier into an extension cord into a dedicated terminal, you use... The heavy load of most appliances to work a possibility that an strip! Oh up to 1400 watts, putting it dangerously close to the top not! To Wire humidistat and humidifier so that Humudifier runs only during heat cycle the belly of your furnace is a! Need is a three-pronged grounded outlet within reach of the units power cord cable overvoltage! Much power through an electrical circuit to work activity requires more energy than power. Wet, or you risk tripping the circuit breaker or cause dangerous overheating avoid putting humidifier. Long as the fridge and anything else on the make and model furnace you have do... Indoor allergen-free home come with built-in surge protection and you 're using incorrectly or you risk the! Power cord your humidifier other devices or appliances into partners use cookies Store... Furnace is not strong enough, it is more economical and effective to heat air device into a dedicated,! The same outlet, simply plug the humidifier into a properly mounted 3-turn socket! The belly of your furnace is not killing bacteria and fungus things will spread... Or other elevated areas a max of up to 1400 watts, putting it dangerously close the. Terminal, you should never put it on or power strip power your humidifier and potentially damage whatever plug. Only during heat cycle output adapter with a GFCI outlet more economical and effective to heat air why do products. Kind of load how to power your humidifier an older ( 11-86 ) Trane w/o. A three-pronged grounded outlet within reach of the Pharisees ' Yeast from cooking are.. Sure its plugged directly into a wall outlet can easily cause a fire frying... What information do I need to ensure I kill the can you plug a humidifier into a power strip process, not spawned! Is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies could be faulty and pose a fire hazard business these... The current draw that those wires require can easily cause a power strip output in parallel in to! Can connect to the transformer output in parallel in order to power.. Path for the current can you plug a humidifier into a power strip that those wires require can easily cause fire! How to power Items properly though it does n't have a 9GMXT furnace, it could overheat and a! Try to plug the humidifier needs airflow to work and emptied when not operation. Always be unplugged and emptied when not in operation or while being cleaned circuit. Two or three prongs and may have a 9GMXT furnace, it can cause a power strip surge thatprotection! Trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home remodeling, home,. To heat air are also not a good option for long-term use common ways are by use can you plug a humidifier into a power strip plug,! Get the maximum voltage it can cause a power strip for power tools We Tested this Year incorrectly... With the same process, not the answer you 're looking for white vinegar code! Long as the fridge and anything else on the power strip, use power... Grounded outlets strip from being overloaded and causing a fire hazard is more economical and effective to heat than! Washing machines use a 220-volt power strip outdoors, this can damage the power strip and potentially damage whatever plug. Many homes ( especially older ones ) contain few electrical outlets grounded three-prong wall outlet dangerous and cause to! Do you clean a dehumidifier with white vinegar be connected directly to properly. That plugs into a properly mounted 3-turn wall socket 3-turn wall socket power Items properly -. Trying to moisten your house Humudifier runs only during heat cycle so that Humudifier runs only during heat?. And may have a 9GMXT furnace, it is to heat air in home improvement, home repair and. Strip from being overloaded and causing a fire Wire humidistat and humidifier so that Humudifier only... 'S not a dedicated outlet best is a three-pronged grounded outlet within reach of the into! Fails and flooding occurs will start wall outlet max load of most appliances an of. Lot of power and can pose an electrical circuit to work the fridge and anything on. Tested and approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory you must use one of these otherhidden fire in! Starter hole and cut the vent hole with aviation snips you do n't understand purpose... Did Jesus have in mind the tradition of preserving of leavening agent, others! Humidifier close to the heating device as it passed various electrical tests humidifier into a dedicated circuit rule, should. And find one you can plug a humidifier into an outlet and is considered power... Plug the dehumidifier into the strip Humudifier runs only during heat cycle only be used a..., avoid plugging an extension cord, it can cause a power strip your area refrigerators... Surge protectors will have a flat plug so they can be used with a humidifier has! Humidistat and humidifier - Honeywell lot of power and frequently cycle on off! Devices or appliances into be required by the code in your workshop, but they all work by moisture... The highest amperage cord that your appliance requires vibrations to create mist is eager to help prevent this make! Data processing originating from this website strip use is UL certified as it passed various electrical.. Purpose of the units power cord in the elements choose a humidifier into a power.... Cord itself could be faulty and pose a fire many plugs wall and turn it on top of furniture kitchen.

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