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Never Leave a Power Strip in the Outlet When Not in Use: Here Are the Top 10 Reasons Why
Power strips are a convenient way to plug in multiple devices, but leaving them plugged into the wall when not in use can lead to safety hazards, energy waste, and unnecessary costs. If you’re in the habit of keeping your power strip permanently plugged in—even when nothing is connected—it’s time to reconsider.
Here are the top 10 reasons why you should always unplug power strips when they’re not in use:
1. Fire Hazard
Even when not actively powering a device, a plugged-in power strip carries an electrical current. Faulty wiring or a power surge can cause it to overheat and become a potential fire risk, especially in older or overloaded units.
2. Phantom Energy Drain
Devices plugged into a power strip—even when turned off—can draw phantom energy (also called “vampire power”). This silent energy loss adds up over time, increasing your electric bill.
3. Surge Protection Wears Out
If your power strip includes surge protection, that feature has a limited lifespan. Leaving it constantly plugged in exposes it to voltage fluctuations that can degrade its protective capacity—even when no devices are connected.
4. Power Surges Can Still Cause Damage
A plugged-in power strip remains vulnerable to electrical surges (like those caused by lightning or power outages). A sudden spike can damage the strip or cause it to fail catastrophically—even if nothing is connected to it.
5. Risk of Overheating
Poor ventilation or dust buildup around a plugged-in power strip can lead to excess heat, which poses both a fire risk and can reduce the strip’s performance over time.
6. Increased Risk of Electrical Shock
Keeping power strips plugged in and accessible—especially in homes with children or pets—increases the chance of accidental shocks, chewing hazards, or unplugging mishaps.
7. Reduced Lifespan of the Power Strip
Like any electrical device, a power strip has a finite lifespan. Constant exposure to power, temperature fluctuations, and surge events can shorten that lifespan, making it less reliable over time.
8. Attracts Dust and Debris
An idle, plugged-in power strip can accumulate dust, lint, and other debris, which can pose a fire hazard or reduce electrical efficiency, especially if it gets inside the outlets.
