If you’re anything like me, you live in a more-than-a-century old building with very few modern accommodations. There’s no internal heating or elevator, but most notably, there are very few electrical outlets.
So, our choices were slim when deciding where to plug in our TV.
Can you plug a modern TV into a power strip? What are power strips meant for, and what else can you plug into them?
Keep reading to find out!
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Can a New Modern TV Be Plugged Into a Power Strip?
Yes, modern TVs can be plugged into a power strip.
Modern TVs have a much lower wattage than their older counterparts.
This allows them to be plugged into power strips safely.
Most power strips can support 1800 Watts, while many modern TVs are around 50 to 150 Watts depending on their screen type and size.
So, you can absolutely plug them into a power strip, as long as you’re not overcrowding it.
However, older TVs, like plasma TVs, are far less energy-efficient and have a higher wattage. In this case, you should avoid plugging them into a power strip.
What Is a Power Strip For?
Power strips make it possible to plug more than one appliance into one plug.
Modern homes are full of electrical appliances which, more often than not, outnumber the amount of electrical outlets.
So, power strips allow you to plug multiple appliances into a single electrical outlet.
However, they’re only meant to be used for low-voltage devices, like modern TVs.
You should always avoid exceeding the power strip’s maximum wattage, commonly found on its back.
What Can Be Plugged Into a Power Strip?
Several low-voltage electronics can be plugged into a power strip.
The following appliances can be safely plugged into a power strip.
Personal Electronics
Personal electronics like your phone, tablet, computer, and yes, TVs can be plugged into a power strip.
This allows you to charge all of your electronics at once without overloading the power strip.
Lamps
Lamps can be plugged into power strips since even the least energy-efficient light bulbs are still low-voltage.
Plugging a lamp into a power strip will not make it appear dimmer.
Any Other Small Electronics
Other small electronic devices like game consoles, electric razors, or alarm clocks can be plugged into a power strip.
They don’t use a lot of electricity, making it safe to plug multiple items into one electrical outlet.
What Should Not Be Plugged Into a Power Strip?
High-voltage electronics should never be plugged into a power strip.
Many household appliances require a lot of energy, making them dangerous to plug into a power strip.
Plugging the following devices into a power strip could result in a fire, explosion, or electrical outage.
Other Power Strips
You should also never plug one power strip into another, hoping to extend it.
Although this may seem obvious, many people think they’ve unlocked “endless electricity” by plugging multiple power strips into one.
If you run out of room on a power strip, consider using an electrical outlet or purchasing a larger power strip that can support a greater wattage.
Any Kitchen Appliance
Almost all kitchen appliances are high-wattage, making them dangerous to plug into a power strip.
Refrigerators and freezers use an incredible amount of energy, so they must only be plugged into an electrical outlet.
Other kitchen appliances, like blenders, electric kettles, and microwaves, must also be plugged into a wall socket.
If your kitchen has very few outlets, we recommend only plugging the smaller appliances when you’re using them.
Space Heaters
Space heaters are notorious energy-suckers.
So, it’s incredibly important that you only plug them into an electrical outlet.
Space heaters already pose a fire hazard, but plugging them into an electrical outlet is a recipe for disaster (and a call to the fire department).
Hair Dryers/Straighteners/Curlers
Hair dryers, straighteners, and curlers consume a lot of electricity to produce the heat required for hair styling.
So, they should always be plugged directly into an electrical outlet to prevent fire hazards.
Washing Machines/Dryers
Washing machines and dryers use up to 5000 Watts of energy to wash and dry your clothes.
This is several times higher than a power strip’s limit.
Needless to say, they should only be plugged into an electrical outlet.
What Should You Plug a TV Into?
You should plug a modern TV into an electrical outlet or power strip.
Modern TVs are low-wattage, allowing you to either plug them into an electrical outlet or a power strip.
However, older TVs (like plasma or CRT TVs) should be plugged into a wall outlet.
Always check the power strip’s limit before plugging extra appliances into it.
Wrapping Things Up
New modern TVs can absolutely be plugged into a power strip. Just make sure not to overcrowd it!
Most low-wattage appliances can be plugged into a power strip, while high-voltage appliances should only be plugged into a wall outlet.
If you have any doubts about whether an electronic device can be plugged into a power strip, consult the user manual or contact the brand’s customer service.
What’s your experience plugging a modern TV into a power strip? Did this article teach you more about electric safety within your home?
Let us know in the comments below!
Yesenia Achlim is a technical copywriter and editor with a focus on AV equipment. She aims to break down complicated topics and make technology accessible, no matter your technical expertise. When she’s not teaching you how to replace a projector lamp, you can find her reading and baking.