Warmer temperatures are on the way, and with them, the return of spring storms that could damage transformers, creating power surges. A strong power surge could fry your expensive appliances and electronics, and start a fire in your home. But devices that are disconnected from outlets and power strips can't cause problems, which is why we've consulted a panel of experts for feedback on the things you should never leave plugged in. Because even during the nicest spring weather, these items can still create a hazard in your home if they have a current running through them.
According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, residential electrical fires account for an estimated 51,000 fires each year, nearly 500 deaths, more than 1,400 injuries, and $1.3 billion in property damage. You can help keep your family safe (and cut down on your energy bills, too) by pulling the plug on some devices that aren't in use, says Bruce Brookins, spokesperson for Bacon Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric.
"If you’re a homeowner who’s concerned about electrical safety hazards around your home, or you simply want to lower your electric bill, the easiest thing you can do is unplug your devices when they’re not in use," Bruce says. "When something is plugged in, it still draws a little bit of power even if it isn’t turned on. That power draw also means it’s generating heat that could increase the risk of fire if your home’s electrical system or the device itself becomes hot enough to ignite."
According to our experts, these are the things you should never leave plugged in:
Space Heaters, Heating Pads, and Electric Blankets
While space heaters can be a quick, easy, and relatively cheap way to warm a small room when it's chilly out, they can be notoriously dangerous. Bruce notes that his company sees more problems with space heaters than any other household item. "When left plugged in, they can overheat internally or be knocked over by pets or kids," he cautions. "Even when switched off, some models still draw power and warm internal components, which increases the risk of an electrical fire."
Likewise, leaving electric blankets and heating pads plugged in when not in use is what Bruce terms risky, because they're also designed with one purpose in mind: to create heat. "Wires can break down over time, especially if the blanket is folded or crushed," he explains. "We’ve often been called out to replace outlets that burned or melted because objects like these were left plugged in and unattended."
Toasters, Coffee Makers, Air Fryers, and Toaster Ovens
Because their purpose is to cook food and beverages, most countertop appliances are made to generate considerable heat. Like space heaters and the like, their components can continue to draw power even when they aren't turned on, which can overload older outlets. And, as Bruce notes, if a control board on an air fryer fails or gets wet, it may cause a short or lead to the fryer overheating.
Toasters and toaster ovens contain an added danger, according to Caleb Caviness, general manager of AryCo, an HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services company. "Over time, they collect crumbs and oils at the bottom," he explains. "So, if there’s a mechanical failure and the heating element stays on, those crumbs could become tinder for a fire. I always tell my clients that if you aren’t making toast, the cord shouldn’t be in the wall."
While you can't exactly unplug your refrigerator, Larry Kissel, AVP of Property for Personal Insurance at Travelers, says that for fridges, ovens, and the like, it's crucial to use properly grounded outlets with circuits that match the rating plate on the appliance. "Homes built before 1965 typically have ungrounded two-pronged outlets, while newer construction usually includes three-pronged outlets with a hot, neutral, and ground wire," he says.
"Homeowners may want to consider upgrading their wiring to accept three-pronged outlets, particularly if older outlets are cracked, damaged, or covered in paint," Larry adds. "Adapters should not be used as a substitute for proper grounding."
Hair Styling Tools
These products aren't the safest to begin with, simply because electricity and water don't mix. Leaving them plugged in near a tub or sink (and where isn't near a tub or a sink in a bathroom?) only increases the chance of a shock or fire, according to Bruce. But the threats that arise from forgetting to unplug styling tools don't end there.
"Hair straighteners and curling irons can reach 400°F or more, and should never be left plugged in," Caleb warns. "Even if they have an auto-off feature, those sensors aren’t 100 percent reliable and can still fail. Leaving one plugged in on a wooden vanity or near a towel is like leaving a lit candle in the middle of a pile of laundry."
Even tools with an automatic shut-off feature do not turn off immediately after you stop using them, says Megan Doser, owner of Doctor Fix It Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric. While it's still hot, it can ignite surrounding materials or even the tool body itself. In addition, that handy (but probably cheaply made) styling appliance's wiring and other internal parts may not be properly insulated and so could overheat. Better to be safe than sorry and pull its plug after use.
Holiday Lighting and Extension Cords
There's a reason you should unplug your Christmas tree before going to bed at night or leaving your house: Nearly a third of all Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems. To help keep the holidays merry and bright, you should also toss any lights with nicked, frayed, or broken cords, avoid stringing multiple strands together, and don't plug them all into one outlet. Keep your tree watered, and keep in mind that incandescent bulbs, in particular, are prone to overheating.
And if you feel tempted to keep those pretty lights up long term, don't. "Seasonal lights are not designed for year-round use," Bruce says. "Leaving them plugged in for weeks at a time increases the risk of overheating, especially with older or damaged wiring."
On a similar note, Bruce adds that extension cords are meant for temporary use, not permanent power. When they stay plugged in all the time, they can overheat or wear down internally. Power strips overloaded with devices are a common cause of melted outlets and scorching, so leave them unplugged when you don’t need them.
Lithium Battery-Powered Electronics and Chargers
You know how when you fly, you're only permitted to bring lithium batteries on the plane in your carry-on baggage? That's because if these powerful batteries become damaged or short-circuit, they can start a fire. In fact, Megan calls charging systems for goods like e-bikes, electric scooters, and power tools the number one modern fire risk.
"These batteries are a huge fire hazard because they store so much energy, are often charged in garages with flammable items nearby, or are even left plugged in overnight," she says. "Fires caused by charging systems start fast and burn intensely. That’s why you should never charge them unattended or keep them plugged in longer than necessary."
Because lithium batteries power phones and laptops, consumers need to be careful when charging them—probably more careful than you're actually being. According to our experts, when your devices are fully charged, they should be unplugged, along with their chargers. In addition:
- Only use the charger that came with your device (cheap chargers use cut-rate materials that can cause overheating or short circuits).
- When charging your laptop, ensure it's not placed on a soft surface, like a bed, which can block the device's internal fans and lead to the lithium battery overheating.
- Always store your lithium-powered tools and devices in a cool, dry place and monitor them for signs of potential failure.
Older Electronics
Older electronics, no matter the kind, are generally less safe to leave plugged in because, as Bruce notes, they don’t have the same safety features as newer models, and their age makes them prone to damage under normal use. "They can also draw more power and generate more heat while sitting idle," he adds. "Unplugging them protects against power surges and can noticeably lower energy use over time."
While keeping items like older electronics unplugged when not in use is an important piece of the puzzle that is fire prevention, you should also be aware of warning signs that mean it's time to call an electrician. According to Larry, they include:
- Warm-to-the-touch wall outlets or switches
- Fuses that regularly blow
- Circuits that frequently trip
- Appliances that smell rubbery or as if they are burning, or spark
- Lights that dim, flicker, or burn out prematurely
Lastly, if you're heading off for vacation, take a moment before leaving the house to unplug larger electronics, like TVs and laptops. "Taking these precautions can help reduce the risk of electrical fires and improve overall home safety," Larry says.
Jill Gleeson is a travel journalist and memoirist based in the Appalachian Mountains of western Pennsylvania who has written for websites and publications including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Country Living, Washingtonian, Gothamist, Canadian Traveller, and EDGE Media Network. Jill is the travel editor for Enchanted Living. Learn more about her journey at gleesonreboots.com.
