Overloaded cords and power strips can start fires. A short alert from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), produced with the Electrical Safety Foundation, lists what to do. We have not read other sources on gauge or wattage, so those are left out.

This guide is based on the public sources listed at the end. We have not tested the products or services mentioned.

This is a short reference page. The full guide is Home Safety Buying Guide: Heaters, Smoke and CO Alarms, Cords, Candles, Furniture and Smart Devices.

The CPSC alert in brief

  • About 2,000 residential fires a year are associated with electric cords or plugs, killing 60 people. The alert gives no year range.
  • Fires usually start from short circuits, too many products plugged into one cord and damaged cords.

What it says to do

  1. Use extension cords only when necessary and only on a temporary basis. Do not overload a cord or power strip.
  2. For outdoor tools and appliances, use only cords labelled for outdoor use.
  3. Use only three-wire extension cords for appliances with three-prong plugs.
  4. Replace cracked or worn cords.
  5. Do not use counterfeit goods. Look for a certification label from an independent testing lab on the package and on the product.

Buying checklist

Check the listing and the product for a lab certification label, an indoor or outdoor marking and a three-wire cord if your appliance has a three-prong plug. Check the seller shows the full model number. Read our guide to spotting a legit store and the return policy.

Heaters

The CPSC says to plug electric heaters directly into a wall outlet, not into an extension cord or power strip. See portable space heaters.

This advice is for the US. We have not read UK plug and cord rules.

Last checked: 15 October 2026. Sources: US CPSC, Power Up With Safety: extension cords and power strips (NSN-09-2).