At home, some appliances seem so innocuous because they are used on a daily basis. The oven, washing machine, dishwasher and tumble dryer are an integral part of modern comfort. However, behind these household appliances lies a risk that is still too often ignored. One wrong move, one ingrained habit, and the whole house can be exposed to a silent but very real danger.
Every year, many domestic accidents are caused by simple actions that we repeat without thinking, but which, combined with a poor electrical configuration or overheating, can lead to material damage or even worse.
What many people don’t know: the impact of multiple sockets on safety
It is a common reflex: to save space or to connect several appliances in a kitchen or laundry room, a power strip is used.
Compact and easy to move, it seems to meet all needs. However, connecting powerful equipment such as an oven, washing machine or dryer to a power strip is strongly discouraged, and even dangerous.
These appliances consume a lot of energy, particularly when they increase in temperature or spin power. An oven can draw up to 3,000 watts, as can a washing machine or dryer during the heating phase. A standard power strip, even a good quality one, is not designed to withstand such prolonged intensity.
The result: the cables heat up, the socket weakens, and over time, the risk of a short circuit, melting plastic or even fire increases considerably. This phenomenon is further amplified if the power strip is recessed, hidden behind furniture or wedged between other cables, without ventilation.
Proper use: a dedicated socket for each powerful appliance
In a compliant electrical installation, each large appliance must be connected to a direct wall socket, powered by a dedicated circuit on the electrical panel. This is the only way to ensure that the wiring and protection (circuit breaker, fuse) are suitable for the power of the appliance.
The appliances most affected by this rule are:
- Built-in ovens, combination microwaves, electric or induction hobs.
- Washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers, which often use heating elements.
- Auxiliary radiators or mobile heaters, which use a lot of energy over short periods.
Just one list, as requested, to help you do the right thing:
- Never plug a cooking or washing appliance into a multi-socket or retractable power strip.
- Check that the wall socket is a 16 A type, without overload.
- Avoid stacking several appliances on a single power point.
- Regularly check the condition of cables and sockets (burn marks, smell of hot plastic, abnormal play).
- Call in an electrician if the installation is old or if several appliances share the same line.
These simple precautions will help you avoid the silent heating that often precedes a disaster.
And the risk is not just about fire
In addition to fire, a bad connection can damage household appliances themselves, causing power surges or sudden outages. A washing machine that stops in the middle of a cycle, an oven that heats unevenly or a circuit breaker that trips repeatedly are all signs that there is a problem.
In the long term, these malfunctions weaken the internal components and considerably reduce the lifespan of the appliances, which leads to additional costs.
Prevention is better than repair or replacement: a good connection is the basis for a safe house and appliances that last.
