When it's plugged in, check your humidifier's positioning again it should be angled away from walls, furniture, or bedding. This post will take a look at the truth about plugging a humidifier into a power strip. It is easy to connect a dehumidifier to a power source. To do this, always plug the humidifier into the live side of the power strip. Whats the solution? Wherever youre using a power strip, pay careful attention to its maximum wattage (found on the devices label) and make sure the devices you plug into it dont exceed that amount. Finally the flow-through style is the better unit to go with. Can A Dehumidifier Be Plugged Into An Extension Cord? For the same reason, avoid the use of extension cords with power strips. If you must use an extension cord with your dehumidifier, you should always use a heavy-duty 14 gauge cord. This way, there wont be any issues with moisture building up and damaging your flooring, wooden cabinets, and other items. Large appliances like refrigerators require a lot of power and frequently cycle on and off, which can easily overload a power strip. Mainly, it is more economical and effective to heat water than it is to heat air. The answer to this question is both yes and no. The humidifier should ALWAYS be unplugged and emptied when not in operation or while being cleaned. Our entire lives run on electricity, and if were being honest here, no ones house has enough power outlets to keep everything running and charged. Humid air will rise. Do's. Plug the power strip directly into an outlet. This leads to power strip overload . Also, most extension cords are not properly grounded, which means they could pose a shock hazard if you touch them while the dehumidifier is running. However, it is more convenient since you can plug multiple devices into the same power strip. December 2022. All you have to do is connect the humidistat wiring to these terminals, and you're done. There are several types of humidifiers, but they all work by adding moisture to the air. RELATED: 20 Bad Habits That Could Burn Down Your House. This method is less reliable than plugging directly into an outlet since there is a risk of overloading the circuit. If you decide to use a power strip, make sure to purchase one that has been tested and approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. The reason we do not recommend this is explained below: The compressor is sensitive to temperature and current overloads and will shut itself down with a power surge. Do not use multi-outlet Adaptors. In this post, we will explore the answer to that question and discuss some other things you need to know about using a dehumidifier. These appliances have higher power capacity and need to be plugged into a wall outlet directly. As a general rule, you should always use the highest amperage cord that your appliance requires. Yes, you can plug a humidifier into a GFCI outlet. Can you plug a humidifier into a power strip and save money on your energy bill? If that humidifier has a NEMA 5-15 plug, then it mates to a wall receptacle that can provide up to 15 amps. Continue with Recommended Cookies. It may even be required by the code in your area. All APC Back-UPS and Smart-UPS products provide proper surge suppression for power lines without the need of additional protection. Knowing how tall should a lamp be on a console table , you may estimate the length of an extension cord. Additionally, only use surge protectors that have been tested and approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Bottom line: if you dont know how to mathematically determine what will or wont overload your power strips load rating, its wiser not to risk a house fire. Does contemporary usage of "neithernor" for more than two options originate in the US. The power strip will have a maximum Amp (or watt) rating. Buzzing or humming sounds. Using a higher-rated right power strip is especially important if youre using electric tools that consume higher wattages, such as table saws, circular saws, and chop saws. Humidifiers have different forms and designs. The most common type of humidifier is the cool mist humidifier, which uses a filter to remove impurities from the water before it is turned into mist. The constant strain of the heavy load can cause the cord to fray or break, which could lead to a fire. Use these lines only if your humidifier has an electronics board that needs a constant supply of power separate from call for humidity. Can you plug an appliance into a power strip? For this reason, its best if you place your machine in a location that is away from the kitchen. Its also important that you maintain good air circulation around the unit. You should avoid placing the humidifier where there is a lot of traffic, since this can lead to accidents. Most portable heaters use 1,500 watts of energy on their high settings and, when plugged into power strips, are especially dangerous because they often run for extended periods of time. We do not recommend connecting a refrigerator or freezer to a surge protector. Only plug in an extension cord into a power strip if the power strip has been hard-wired into the electrical system. Dehumidifiers require a lot of power to run, and most extension cords are not designed to handle that kind of load. The humidifier should only be active when humidity is low. This type of power strip should also use heavier 14-gauge wire between the strip and the plug, which can carry a greater load without heating up. This is because extension cords typically have lower gauge wires than standard outlets, which means they cant handle as much power. The size of the room will determine how much moisture the humidifier can add to the air. Rather than overloading a power strip, use a heavy-duty extension cord to get the maximum use and benefit from your air tools. NOTES: Only use a power strip that is UL certified as it passed various electrical tests. Learn more. Not only do you not want to get your power strip wet, you also dont want it in areas with wetness potential, such as bathrooms and basements. The devices and appliances you want to make sure you plug in, are the expensive ones with microprocessors into your surge protector. How does desiccant dehumidification work? You may not think that your morning cup of joe requires that much energy to brew, but most coffee makers need quite a bit of amperage to turn those roasted beans into a hot beverage. You might be wondering why you need a power strip for your humidifier when you can just plug it into the wall outlet. The electric current through power strips may be interrupted by a circuit breaker in the event that the power strip is overloaded or shorted. Can you put a humidifier and diffuser on the same power strip? Power strips are not meant to be used in conjunction with another power strip. Benefits and disadvantages of Humidifiers. Teach them to stay away from outlets, install outlet plugs in ALL wall and power-strip outlets and dont leave power strips in places where young children might think theyre something to play with. The next size up is 14 gauge, and the largest is 12 gauge. Affiliate Disclosure: When you buy a product via our links, we sometimes earn a referral fee. Full Guide, Why Does My Ac Smell: Here Are 6 Reasons And Solutions, How Much Electricity Does A Space Heater Use: The Full Guide, Which Type Of Heater Is Cheapest To Run? In fact, plugging multiple power strips together, which is known as daisy-chaining, violates most fire safety codes and can quickly overload your electrical system. They include: Extension cords are not properly grounded and can pose a shock hazard if you touch them while the appliance is running. The voltage rating should be the same as the outlet you are plugging it into, but it cant be below 125volts. This can be quite inconvenient with all of your appliances and electronics that require a direct power source. Keep in mind that an appliance does not need to be large in size to draw large amounts of power. Before I answer this question, lets first understand what a GFCI outlet is. What should never be plugged into a power strip? Trace the incoming line-voltage power source - it should connect to a transformer. Pets are usually attracted to the hose of the humidifier, which can prove to be dangerous for them, as it may cause some severe injuries. How many amps does it consume? The constant strain of the heavy load can cause the cord to fray or break, which could also lead to a fire. Three-pronged plugs have a ground wire, while two-pronged plugs do not.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'freshairdevices_com-leader-2','ezslot_8',130,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-freshairdevices_com-leader-2-0'); Three-pronged plugs are always the safer option because they provide a ground for the appliance. Humidifiers offer several benefits, including: While humidifiers offer many benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to using them, including: All in all, the decision to use a humidifier is a personal one. However, the standard 3 year product warranty is maintained. The instructions for the humidifier I'm installing says to connect the humidistat wiring to the two terminals "marked 24 VAC IN". 10% discount on repairs and additional diagnostic services. Does that mean it can't be used in the summer when the A/C is used? We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Extension cords are available in various gauges. This is because the current has nowhere to go but through you. You want the humidifier to be active when the humidistat is closed (calling for humidity), and the furnace is on. Priority service. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat and result in a fire. A humidifier can be used to increase the humidity in your home. You cannot use an extension cable, overvoltage protector, or a multiple output adapter with a humidifier. If you want to protect your hardwood or tile floors, its best that you put a cloth or towel underneath the humidifier. Are Extension Cords Safe For Permanent Use? If you must use one of these appliances, make sure its plugged directly into a wall outlet. How do you clean a dehumidifier with white vinegar? The most recommended spot for the installation of a humidifier is on a flat surface near an electrical plug. Your email address will not be published. But bigger or more important items, as well as appliances that require constant power, such as computers, printers, televisions, and refrigerators, should all use surge protectors. Burn marks and stains on outlet. The one on your furnace wasn't made for that purpose, and it'll never work as well as you want. Additionally, daisy-chaining power strips and surge protectors will void the warranties of your devices. If you have an evaporative humidifier, it is not recommended to use an extension cord with it. If you plug only low-load, energy-saving appliances on it, it shouldn't pose any risk. If that isnt powerful enough for your needs, seek out a heavy-duty 20-amp power strip, which can handle loads of up to 2,400 watts. Plug into a 3-prong outlet. Read a nameplate on that humidifier. Some are made specifically for indoor use, while others are made for outdoor use. Expert Annual System Safety Inspections & More. Of course, and if you want to heal in health to avoid possible problems, it is best to buy a power strip that has many plugs to be able to plug in everything you need, including the vacuum cleaner, since as a general rule these power strips support a lot of power and have protection against overload . Style is the better unit to go with with another power strip will have a Amp... Large in size to draw large amounts of power separate from call for humidity needs a supply. And approved by a circuit breaker in the US white vinegar not connecting. Is because extension cords are not designed to handle that kind of load closed ( calling for humidity plug. Dehumidifier with white vinegar plug in, are the expensive ones with microprocessors into surge. Energy-Saving appliances on it, it is more convenient since you can just plug into. 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