Checking the electrical power of appliances helps to prevent problems with home appliances.
One solution in the home is to connect different appliances to the same socket or electrical outlet, butin some cases this can cause problems due to potential fire hazards, misuse or overloading of electrical circuits. This applies to two appliances that should never be connected together: an iron and an air conditioner.
However, there are other appliances that should also not be connected together because of the same problem, as they are heat-generating products and the risks are more hidden than other combinations of these connections.
Why an iron and an air conditioner should not be connected together
Both irons and air conditioners are appliances that require a lot of energy to operate. For example, an iron can require between 1 000 and 3 000 watts, depending on its model and features.
This high power consumption results in a high energy demand, which increases the risk of overheating when connected to an unstable electrical circuit. In the case of an air conditioner, power is also a key factor. Small models require between 1 500 and 2 000 watts, while larger models may require more than 4 000 watts.
The combination of power-hungry appliances can exceed the capacity of power strips and circuits. (Illustration by Infobae)
When both the iron and the air conditioner are connected to the same power strip or circuit, the combined energy demand can exceed the capacity of the wiring. Power strips typically have a capacity limit of between 2 500 and 3 000 watts.
If the sum of the power requirements of both appliances exceeds this limit, an overload is created, which not only increases the risk of fire, but can also damage the appliances and shorten their service life.
Overloading of electrical circuits is one of the main causes of fires in homes. When too many appliances are connected to a single socket, there is a risk of exceeding the capacity of the electrical system.
Such overloading overheats the wires and components of the power strips, which can lead to short circuits. If this overheating comes into contact with combustible materials such as curtains, carpets or furniture, it can lead to a fire.
Over time, the electrical wiring can fail. Worn, cut or torn insulation can cause sparks when connecting poorly maintained appliances. This situation is even more dangerous when connecting energy-intensive appliances such as irons or air conditioners, which increase the load on the wires and increase the likelihood of short circuits.
Other electrical appliances that must not be connected together
- Electric heaters and hairdryers
Both electric heaters and hairdryers require high energy consumption. Heaters can consume a lot of electricity when trying to heat a room, especially in the winter months. On the other hand, hair dryers also require a lot of energy to quickly warm the air and dry your hair.
- Microwave ovens and electric ovens
Microwave ovens and electric ovens are appliances that also require a lot of energy. Microwave ovens operate using electromagnetic waves, so they use a lot of energy in a short time. Electric ovens, on the other hand, use heating elements to generate heat and reach high temperatures to cook food.
Both appliances, when combined in the same circuit, can cause overloading, similar to that of heaters and hair dryers. The risk increases when they are used together, as both the microwave and the electric oven generate heat when they are in operation.
- Washing machine and iron
Washing machines and irons, although they do not generate as much heat as other appliances, also pose a risk when connected to the same circuit. A washing machine consumes a significant amount of energy to run a wash cycle, while an iron requires between 1 000 and 3 000 watts.
If both appliances are plugged into the same power strip or socket, the electrical system can overheat, causing a short circuit.
