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ZDNET's key takeaways
Heavy-duty appliances overload cords, leading to dangerous overheating and fire risks.
Appliances over 1,800 watts need a dedicated wall outlet for safety.
Daisy-chaining extension cords is a major fire hazard and should be avoided.
While extension cords are a standard fix for reaching distant wall outlets, they aren't a universal solution for everything that plugs in. There is a critical distinction between low-power "electronics" and high-draw "appliances."
Although items like refrigerators and toaster ovens are technically electronic, they operate on a different level in terms of amperage requirements. Because these appliances pull significantly more power to function, standard extension cords can quickly become a safety hazard rather than a simple convenience.
Why you shouldn't plug everything into an extension cord
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