# Daisy-chaining power strips can overload them and raise fire risk

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/why-its-important-to-never-plug-power-strips-into-each-other/
- Published: 2026-11-02T23:30:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-02T23:47:37+00:00
- Original publisher: Engadget
- Original article: https://www.engadget.com/2300370/why-important-never-plug-power-strip-each-other/
- Topics: Gadgets

## Key points

- Daisy-chaining strips does not add electrical capacity.
- Overloading can cause overheating or fire.
- Check ratings and plug high-power appliances into wall outlets.

## Summary

Plugging one power strip into another can overload the first strip, increasing the risk of overheating, a tripped breaker or fire. Adding sockets does not increase the electrical capacity available from the wall outlet, so all connected devices still draw power through the first strip.

Check the rating of a strip and the combined load of the devices connected to it. For more sockets, use a suitably rated single strip; for more reach, choose one with a longer cord. Space heaters, microwaves and refrigerators should go directly into a wall outlet, and a breaker that trips or a strip showing damage should be treated as a warning.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.