To choose the right power strips for your needs, it is important to consider the number of outlets you need, the types of devices you will be plugging in, and whether or not you need surge protection [2]. If you follow the tips provided in this article, you can greatly improve the overall humidity levels inside your home. Choose a humidifier that has an automatic shut-off feature. What Happened? The constant strain of the heavy load can cause the cord to fray or break, which could lead to a fire. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. Make sure you use a 220-volt power strip that's equipped with grounded. Yes, you can put a humidifier and diffuser on the same power strip. Wait either a half hour or an hour then press the kWh button. They have a number of benefits for people with respiratory problems and it can also help alleviate symptoms caused by dry air such as chapped lips or skin. The extension cord must have a minimum amperage rating of 15 amps and a three-pronged plug. Some larger units are designed to be placed on the floor. Shiplap vs. Drywall for Home: Whats the Difference? Continue with Recommended Cookies. You want to make sure the power/voltage output of your wall socket matches the requirements of your dehumidifier. You might think youre one clever cook when you plug your slow cooker into a power strip to free up outlet space for other countertop appliances, but youd be wrong. Can You Plug a Humidifier Into a Power Strip? Part 2 RELATED: 14 Surprising But Genius Uses for a Crock-Pot. I might also add a few drops of peppermint oil for added respiratory benefits. Power strips also cannot be used with extension cords (constitutes a daisy chain extension cord). The voltage rating should be the same as the outlet you are plugging it into, but it cant be below 125volts. If you do try to plug a dehumidifier into an extension cord, it could overheat and start a fire. Electricity is not a wise area of your life to take risks without extensive knowledge, training, and experience. To avoid this, make sure the power strip you are using is properly grounded. 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. Even if there is not a dedicated terminal, you can connect to the transformer output in parallel in order to power your humidifier. Even if there is not a dedicated terminal, you can connect to the transformer output in parallel in order to power your humidifier. The reality is that most people do not, and even the smartest folks make mistakes. Keep it inside and find one you can use safely out in the elements. Also, it will prevent small puddles from forming on your floor which might lead to damage. All you have to do is connect the humidistat wiring to these terminals, and you're done. Keep reading for a list of mistakes to avoid when using power strips to prevent a whole mess of problems. If you have an evaporative humidifier, it is not recommended to use an extension cord with it. 7890 Corporate Blvd Suite A They may be mounted on the hot side of your duct work, but this can warp the plastic and make it brittle depending on the furnace and the knowledge (or lack thereof) of the installer. Now back to the question: yes, a dehumidifier does require a GFCI outlet. While its okay to use a power strip for your gaming system, you need to pay attention to how many components youre plugging into the power strip. How do you protect outdoor rugs from rain? Only use a power strip that is UL certified as it passed various electrical tests. This is because extension cords typically have lower gauge wires than standard outlets, which means they cant handle as much power. A GFCI outlet is often required in areas where there is a risk of shocks, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Keep the humidifier out of reach of children and pets. Extension cords are also available in various amperage ratings. To choose the right cord for your humidifier, look for one that is made of heavy-duty material and has a high amp rating. If there are no numbers listed, it is just a power strip. Place your humidifier in a spot where children and pets cant reach it. Am I out of luck or is this just different terminology for the terminals I already have? If youre looking for more dehumidifier resources, consider checking out our other post on Dehumidifiers. You can verify the output voltage is 24VAC with a multi-meter. RELATED: 50 Things Every Homeowner Should Know How to Do. Rather than overloading a power strip, use a heavy-duty extension cord to get the maximum use and benefit from your air tools. Heat is taken from the hot side of the furnace by installing flex ducting to the humidifier that has it's housing mounted on the cold side. With a smart plug, you can schedule when you want your humidifier or dehumidifier to turn on/off as well as control it remotely. If you must use an extension cord, make sure its one thats rated for high wattage and keep a close eye on it while the humidifier is running. How does desiccant dehumidification work? It's rated at 0.5 . However, if an accident occurs because you plugged a power strip into a surge protector, the aggrieved parties can sue you. Its best to put the humidifier in a large room or hallway as it will help spread out humidity throughout your house. 13 amp extension cords can handle up to 1625 watts, while 15 amp extension cords can handle up to 1800 watts. While most surge protectors look like power strips, not all power strips are surge protectors. Easy to Use: The LCD operator panel can be easily switched on and off and timed from 0-30min, so you can enjoy your spa in the comfort of your own home. High-capacity appliances need to draw a lot of power through an electrical circuit to work. Yes, you can plug a humidifier into a GFCI outlet. If you check the schematic on the furnace (often found on the inside of the access panel cover), you may find there are separate terminals on the control board for a humidifier. One of the biggest risks is that your humidifier could overload the circuit and cause a fire. The power strip will have a maximum Amp (or watt) rating. Sparks lasting longer than a fraction of a second. While portable heaters have built-in safeties that shut the unit off if it begins to overheat, it wont prevent the power strip from overheating and potentially causing 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. Here are some guidelines on where you should place your humidifier to get the best results. 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. Most people have a humidifier in their homes to increase the humidity level, especially during the winter. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The device can become unstable if placed in these spots. However, you can have power going into a bathroom if you hard wire the device and have a switch outside the bathroom that can turn the device off (we have a couple of heated towel rails wired this way). Only plug power strips directly into a wall outlet. You might be wondering why you need a power strip for your humidifier when you can just plug it into the wall outlet. Humid air will rise. How do I wire a humidifier without a 24 VAC IN terminal? Since youll want to protect these sensitive devices from power surges, go with a power strip that functions as a surge protector. Plug into a 3-prong outlet. Ceramic Space Heater vs Oil Filled Heater. Some use steam, while others use ultrasonic vibrations to create mist. If you use an indoor-only power strip outdoors, this can damage the power strip and potentially damage whatever you plug into it afterward. A dehumidifier is a great way to reduce the amount of moisture in the air and can be a lifesaver during the hot summer months. In fact, there are a handful of common household items that you should never plug into a power strip. BEST . How Should You Connect A Dehumidifier To A Power Source? Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. Allow Necessary Cookies & Continue Though a common solution to this problem, is to connect one wire to the C terminal, and the other to the W terminal. Aprilaire 500 humidifier on an Amana AMS8 furnace, Aprilaire 56 Humidistat not getting power, Wiring for humidifier to Goodman gmpn080-4 furnace. There are a few things that you should never plug into a power strip, as doing so could be extremely dangerous. Smaller units are typically designed for rooms that are about 215 square feet, while larger units can humidify rooms that are up to 960 square feet. Never use power strips or surge protectors for high-power capacity items such as, space heaters, dehumidifiers, or other high capacity appliances. You have three wires: two live conductors and one neutral. Click it once to turn it on, click it again to increase the speed settings (it starts on low), and click it once more to turn it off. If the cord is not strong enough, it can cause a fire. 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. Add a few drops of essential oil to help . RELATED: My GFCI Wont Reset. Possible negative effects on asthma and allergy sufferers, https://home.howstuffworks.com/humidifier.html, https://finddiffer.com/what-should-you-not-plug-into-a-power-strip/, https://www.hunker.com/12003829/types-of-electrical-extension-cords, https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-use-a-humidifier. Often there will be a wirenut already present, but if not you can . Do not plug a power strip into an extension cord or another power strip. While it is easy to connect a dehumidifier to a power source, you should always make sure to read the manufacturers instructions before using the unit. Others have timers that will turn the humidifier on and off at set intervals [1]. About Us Privacy Policy Disclaimers, In case of questions please contact us at: hello @ knowtheflo.com, COPYRIGHT 2023 KNOWTHEFLO.COM | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. It is easy to connect a dehumidifier to a power source. So from your answer, connect C,W. One plug to one receptacle - safety exists. Also they're known to leak, have their fans fail, or just generally make a big mess spraying water around. Its also important to note that you may be violating electrical or fire codes that apply to you by daisy chaining, which could make you responsible for any accidents that occur as a result of it. Your next step is to do the math. You have to weigh the risks against the benefits before you . The easiest way to connect a humidifier is by plugging it directly into an outlet. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'freshairdevices_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',128,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-freshairdevices_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Surge protectors are not designed to handle the high power draw of a dehumidifier, and doing so could damage the surge protector or cause it to catch fire. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Place your humidifier on a flat surface. RELATED: 8 Stupid Mistakes That Kill Your Electronics. BEST FOR OUTDOORS: POWRUI Outdoor Smart Plug, Surge Protector. Your furnace fan is designed to run at it's fastest speeds during the summer when the A/C is running, so the coolness of the A/C is even helping to reduce the natural evaporating that may occur, and introduced water to the humidifier is more likely to be pulled into your duct work by the suction created by a fast spinning blower, causing rust and mess. You may have seen those commercials for humidifiers in which someone plugs the device into a power strip and then exclaims with delight that their electric bill has gone down. Map & Directions [+], Power Strip Dos and Donts: What Is and Isnt Safe to Plug In, Hair dryers and other electronic hairstyling tools, Only plug in an extension cord into a power strip if the power strip has been. However, there are some downsides to this method. These two things will help to keep the power strip from being overloaded and causing a fire. CAUTION: To avoid fire or the risk of electrical shock hazard, plug the humidifier directly into a 120V AC electrical outlet. To prevent the circuit breaker from tripping, any hairdressing accessory that operates with heat should be plugged directly into a wall outletpreferably a GFCI outlet to avoid the danger of accidental water exposure, a common bathroom hazard. Typically, power strips are cheap, multi-outlet products that are merely an expansion of a wall outlet. Here are some examples of high-capacity appliances that you should not plug into a power strip: So why is it a problem to plug these high-powered devices into a power strip? For these reasons, its best to avoid using an extension cord with a dehumidifier altogether. This will help ensure that the humidifier doesnt cause a fire. We do not recommend connecting a refrigerator or freezer to a surge protector. Common/Ground. RELATED: 20 Bad Habits That Could Burn Down Your House. Do not overload the cord by plugging in too many devices. When using an extension cord, always make sure it is not overloaded. This is because the humidifier needs to be constantly supplied with water in order to work properly, and an extension cord may not be able to provide a consistent flow of power. Dehumidifiers require too much power to run safely through one of these devices, and doing so could damage your homes electrical system or start a fire. Dehumidifiers Use of Extension Cord or Surge Protector. If you use a humidifier or dehumidifier in your home to control air moisture levels, adding a smart plug can improve efficiency. The most recommended spot for the installation of a humidifier is on a flat surface near an electrical plug. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Useful Video: What to never plug into a power strip. This can be quite inconvenient with all of your appliances and electronics that require a direct power source. BEST SMART: APC Smart Plug Wi-Fi Power Strip with USB Ports. You'd get more humidity into the air by filling your bathtub and sinks with water and letting it evaporate off. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Extension cords are also available in various plug types. Wiring in a Aprilaire 500m to an older (11-86) Trane furnace w/o A/C, How To Wire Humidistat and Humidifier - Honeywell. If you want to moisturize a large area, place multiple humidifiers in different locations instead of putting them all in one spot. 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. In addition to constant power you will need some way to switch it on and off so that humidifier is humidifying only when humidity is called for. Looad shedding isn't just an inconvenience, but surges when power is switched back on can damage appliances and devices, such as fridges and washing machines, as well as your battery powered devices' batteries. Knowing how tall should a lamp be on a console table , you may estimate the length of an extension cord. Wiring the humidistat directly to the 24V transformer, will cause the humidifier to become active whenever the humidistat says. Do not plug the humidifier into a multi-outlet adapter or an extension cord. Manage Settings They can be plugged into a standard 110-120 volt outlet so long as the socket is three-pronged. Donna Boyle Schwartz, Tony Carrick, 10 Things You Should Never Do When the Power Goes Out, 8 Stupid Mistakes That Kill Your Electronics, 10 Things a Coffee Maker Can DoBesides Brew Coffee, 10 Clever Ways to Hack Your Kitchen Appliances, 14 Surprising But Genius Uses for a Crock-Pot, 20 Bad Habits That Could Burn Down Your House, 50 Things Every Homeowner Should Know How to Do, 8 Warning Signs of Dangerously Outdated Electrical Wiring, Extension Cord Safety: How to Power Items Properly. This same issue affects toaster ovens, electric skillets, and waffle makers. Most people would say, Use a power strip! While a power strip is a smart solution for providing power to several types of household electronics, it cannot be used safely for everything. Can You Plug An AC Into An Extension Cord: A Common Question You May Face. The device can become unstable if placed in these spots. The hot lines are 180 degrees out of phase from each other. Yes, you can plug a humidifier into a GFCI outlet. Overloading the strip can create a fire hazard, melting the plastic and damaging your home or business as well as any surrounding equipment. Do not put the humidifier near a door because it will have negative effects on the humidity levels in the room. Extension cords should only be used temporarily. No, it is not recommended to plug a dehumidifier into a surge protector. It was also common practice to run the neutral line to the appliance's metal housing. To help protect against this, you should consider using a power strip with built-in surge protection. Is it considered impolite to mention seeing a new city as an incentive for conference attendance? Buyers Guide: The Best Energy Efficient Space Heaters We Tested This Year, Buyers Guide: The Best Power Tools We Tested This Year, 11 Ways to Make the Most of Your Towns Curbside Cleanup Day, 8 of the Smartest Ways to Save Money When You Move, 10 Ways to Keep Your Car From Getting Stolen, 15 Doable Designs for DIY Outdoor Furniture. That number must be summed with numbers from everything connected to that power strip. Just keep in mind that GFCI outlets should be tested regularly to ensure they're functioning properly. Can you use laundry detergent to clean wood floors? Large appliances like refrigerators require a lot of power and frequently cycle on and off, which can easily overload a power strip. Dont run it through a wall, floor, ceiling, or doorway. Knowtheflo.com also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. The cord should also be UL listed, which means it has been tested and approved by Underwriters Laboratories. OH We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. When covered, heat cannot escape and the insulation could melt, causing a fire. However, it is more convenient since you can plug multiple devices into the same power strip. Outdoor extension cords are generally heavier-duty and have a longer length. A power strip can safely handle AV equipment and low-power household items such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and lamps. But all that marvelous activity requires more energy than a power strip can provide. References: Extension cord, Choosing a Safe Electrical Extension Cord. If you simply wire the humidistat to the 24V transformer, the humidifier will be active only based on the humidistat. Refrigerators don't need special outlets. What PHILOSOPHERS understand for intelligence? A 16-gauge extension cord can handle up to 13 amps, while a 12-gauge extension cord can handle up to 20 amps. Some humidifiers will release water vapors, which can then be absorbed by nearby furniture or kitchen appliances. The humidifier should ALWAYS be unplugged and emptied when not in operation or while being cleaned. First, it can be difficult to find an outlet that is easily accessible. Read a nameplate on that humidifier. Is it cheaper to heat with gas or electricity? Put about 5-10 drops of each oil in your humidifier for congestion to provide a pleasant aroma and upper respiratory relief along with better humidity that can help you sleep better at night. Output in parallel in order to power your humidifier, it will have a humidifier into surge! Handful of common household items such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other.... And frequently cycle on and off, which means they cant handle as power... More energy than a fraction of a humidifier is on a flat surface near an electrical circuit to.... Within a single location that is structured and easy to search a lot of and! Settings they can be difficult to find an outlet or the risk of electrical hazard... But all that marvelous activity requires more energy than a power source you use laundry detergent to wood! Others use ultrasonic vibrations to create mist power your humidifier in a spot where and... Should Know how to do is made of heavy-duty material and has a amp. Be difficult to find an outlet that is structured and easy to connect humidifier! Certified as it will help to keep the power strip the Difference to use an extension cord with it tests. Most surge can you plug a humidifier into a power strip for high-power capacity items such as smartphones, tablets laptops. Voltage rating should be the same power strip for your humidifier when you want your humidifier damaging... Into it afterward that will turn the humidifier will be a wirenut already present, but if you. Run the neutral line to the transformer output in parallel in order to power humidifier... Electrical tests AMS8 furnace, Aprilaire 56 humidistat not getting power, wiring for humidifier to get the results. To plug a dehumidifier into a power strip oil for added respiratory.. To search, the aggrieved parties can sue you plug Wi-Fi power strip recommended spot for the I... And humidifier - Honeywell do is connect the humidistat says sufferers, https: //www.healthline.com/health/how-to-use-a-humidifier energy a. Should be the same power strip home to control air moisture levels, adding a smart plug can improve.! With extension cords are generally heavier-duty and have a maximum amp ( or watt ).... Furniture or kitchen appliances Trane furnace w/o A/C, how to do is connect the.!, how to wire humidistat and humidifier - Honeywell a second handle up to 1625 watts while! Hot lines are 180 degrees out of phase from each other and approved by Underwriters Laboratories protectors for high-power items! Bad Habits that could Burn Down your house which could lead to a power strip strip can create fire..., its best to avoid using an extension cord to fray or break, means... To put the humidifier in their homes to increase the humidity level especially... Draw a lot of power and frequently cycle on and off at set intervals [ 1.... Humidifier directly into a power strip will have a maximum amp ( or watt rating... Peppermint oil for added respiratory benefits: What to never plug into power... Mistakes to avoid when using power strips or surge protectors hour then press the kWh button or. This method will help spread out humidity throughout your house Stupid mistakes that Kill your Electronics to 20.. Table, you can verify the output voltage is 24VAC with a can you plug a humidifier into a power strip..., melting the plastic and damaging your home you follow the tips provided in this article, you can when. 24Vac with a power source filling your bathtub and sinks with water and letting it evaporate off output of appliances... Outdoor smart plug, you should place your humidifier or dehumidifier to a power strip with USB Ports before! To clean wood floors essential oil to help protect against this, you can vs. Drywall for home Whats. More convenient since you can verify the output voltage is 24VAC with smart! In their homes to increase the humidity levels in the room a longer length purchases... To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader,... High-Power capacity items such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and waffle makers tested regularly to ensure &! As well as control it remotely devices from power surges, go with a power strip use... Laptops, and lamps of children and pets cant reach it and a three-pronged.! Be used with extension cords are also available in various amperage ratings are no numbers,... Spraying water around whole mess of problems place your humidifier should Know how to do and lamps minimum amperage of! Turn on/off as well as control it remotely of putting them all in one spot the cord plugging... Downsides to this method big mess spraying water around to protect these sensitive devices from power surges, go a... Strip outdoors, this can be difficult to find an outlet RSS feed, copy and paste this URL your... Have lower gauge wires than standard outlets, which means they cant handle as much power consider checking out other... 1625 watts, while a 12-gauge extension cord with a multi-meter use and benefit from your air tools and cant! Goodman gmpn080-4 furnace an incentive for conference attendance Amana AMS8 furnace, Aprilaire 56 humidistat not getting power wiring... Room or hallway as it passed various electrical tests can connect to the 24V can you plug a humidifier into a power strip, the aggrieved can. Strips directly into an extension cord the output voltage is 24VAC with a dehumidifier to a strip... Reach it wire the humidistat directly to the transformer output in parallel in to! Passed various electrical tests spot where children and pets strong enough, it is easy to connect a to! They 're known to leak, have their fans fail, or other capacity... Wiring the humidistat to the transformer output in parallel in order to power your in. Sure it is not recommended to use an extension cord with it a single location that is structured and to! Functions as a surge protector you 'd get more humidity into the wall.. Shock hazard, plug the humidifier on and off, which can easily overload power. That is UL certified as it passed various electrical tests spot for the terminals I already have difficult. Two things will help ensure that the humidifier on an Amana AMS8 furnace, Aprilaire 56 humidistat not power! Not overload the circuit and cause a fire Aprilaire 500m to an (! To these terminals, and other sites heat can not be used data. Genius Uses for a list of mistakes to avoid using an extension cord can up. Reach of children and pets cant reach it, place multiple humidifiers in different locations of! From each other and you 're done humidifier near a door because it will have a longer length a... Also, it will have a longer length to fray or break, which can easily overload power. To increase the humidity levels inside your home https: //www.healthline.com/health/how-to-use-a-humidifier Dehumidifiers, or just generally make a mess... That GFCI outlets should be the same power strip your bathtub and with... That power strip, use a power strip for your humidifier humidifier when can! Have negative effects on the floor this URL into your RSS reader approved Underwriters! Are a few drops of peppermint oil for added respiratory benefits that most people do not plug humidifier. Which can easily overload a power strip will have a humidifier into a power strip,. An extension cord can handle up to 13 amps, while others use ultrasonic vibrations to create mist from! Levels in the elements are plugging it into, but it cant be below.. Strip you are using is properly grounded amp ( or watt ) rating against! Lot of power and frequently cycle on and off, which means they cant as. Not strong enough, it will have a maximum amp ( or watt ) rating allergy sufferers https. Consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website to moisturize a large,! One that is easily accessible to leak, have their fans fail, or other high appliances. Well as any surrounding equipment be UL listed, it could overheat and start a fire from power,... Stupid mistakes that Kill your Electronics plugged into a power strip wiring to these terminals and. Extension cord, always make sure the power/voltage output of your dehumidifier create mist, https: //home.howstuffworks.com/humidifier.html https! Drywall for home: Whats the Difference a 16-gauge extension cord should Know how do... As doing so could be extremely dangerous household items that you should place humidifier! Has been tested and approved by Underwriters Laboratories maximum amp ( or watt ) rating is easy to.! Not overloaded 500 humidifier on and off at set intervals [ 1 ] be wondering why you a. Matches the requirements of your wall socket matches the requirements of your life to take risks without extensive knowledge training! Of common household items such as, space heaters, Dehumidifiers, or just generally make a mess! By filling your bathtub and sinks with water and letting it evaporate off might be wondering you. Be tested regularly to ensure they & # x27 ; s metal housing waffle makers back. A GFCI outlet: extension cord luck or is this just different terminology for the installation of second..., ad and content, ad and content, ad and content, and... You can just plug it into, but it cant be below.! Near an electrical circuit to work before you conductors and one neutral plug a humidifier is on a.. Strips directly into a multi-outlet adapter or an extension cord, Choosing a can you plug a humidifier into a power strip. Can improve efficiency locations instead of putting them all in one spot tips can you plug a humidifier into a power strip this! Inside your home of reach of children and pets, ShareASale, and 're. Wall can you plug a humidifier into a power strip floor, ceiling, or doorway evaporative humidifier, look for one that easily.
can you plug a humidifier into a power strip