Daisy Chain Surge Protectors and Extension Cords is Not Dangerous

Published By: Marc Edwards | Last updated on June 3, 2024 and reviewed by Editorial Team

Despite popular beliefs, it is actually not dangerous if you decided to daisy chain surge protectors and extension cords to each other. Many a time, we have no choice but to extend the length of one power strip or surge protector using another extension cord in order to reach far-flung wall A/C outlets.

And we are sure you would agree that nothing really happens, ya? No fires, not electrical power trips, etc…

Well, the above is true only if certain conditions are being met. These conditions vary across different countries and cities and even weather conditions in the place you live in play a part.

So you have decided to try this at home or in the office, please be aware that there are still a certain amount of risks involved when we daisy chain surge protectors or extension cords together.

Ok, without much ado, let us show you when you should daisy chain your surge protectors and extension cords to each other.

1. Temporary Basis Only

It is important to note that a daisy chain connection from one extension cord to another should not be permanent. It is fine if you extend the length of your surge protector to a far-flung wall outlet for occasional usage. For example, charging up laptops, cellphones, and other non-heavy duty appliances. It is important to note that most extension cords are not rated for continuous usage.

2. Do Not Exceed Ampacity

If you decided to daisy chain extension cords or power strips, it is crucially important to NOT load past the ampacity of the primary extension cord (the first one from the wall outlet). Additional cord extension should never cause the ampacity to go beyond that of the previous one or else the severe drop in voltage may cause electrical damage to your plug-in devices.

3. Weather Conditions

We hope it is obvious that any form of electrical usage should be discouraged during severe weather conditions. In thunderstorms where power surges and spikes are frequent, it is definitely a bad idea to daisy chain your power strips. If possible, unplug all your electrical appliances from all power strips and surge protectors or get a whole house surge protector. That is probably the best protection against lightning strikes that could otherwise cause catastrophic damage to your electrical equipment and devices at home.

4. Non-Heavy-duty Usage

Like we mentioned earlier, heavy-duty appliances and devices should not be used on a secondary extension cord that is extended from one that is connected to the wall outlet. When power extension cords are extended, there will be a drop in voltage hence some of your heavy-duty devices may either get damaged or may not power up at all.

Things to Note

You should be aware that it is against the National Electrical Code safety regulations to use a surge protection device with a power strip or extension cord. Either combination is definitely not encouraged. A potential fire hazard (due to over-heating of electrical devices) could happen and this is a risk you have to be aware of such you decide to take the chance.

It is definitely safe to daisy chain surge protectors and extension cords if you know what you are doing. It is in our opinion that most people do not know what they are doing. Most people will NOT know how to calculate things like ampacity, voltage usage of the electrical devices in use, etc.

Hence should you decide to go ahead and connect up your power strips, extension cords and surge protectors at home, do be aware that there are certain risks involved. If possible, never do it when the above conditions are not met.