Sponsored by InterpowerReviewed by Ify IsiborApr 16 2026
Power strips are used routinely across offices and households to increase the number of available outlets and meet electrical demand.
The proper use of a power strip does not generally cause a hazard, but its improper use can cause safety issues that result in a possible electrical failure or even a potential fire hazard.
‘Daisy chaining’ power strips together is one common example of their improper and unsafe use.
Definitions
Power Strip
A power strip provides multiple sources of power (outlets) in cases where there is limited outlet access. This allows electrical power requirements to be met with minimal connections. UL 1363 refers to this as an ‘RPT’ (Relocatable Power Tap).
Daisy Chaining
This term refers to the plugging of power strips and/or extension cords into other power strips and/or extension cords. Daisy chaining is an approach typically employed when there are insufficient established outlets to meet electrical needs.
Safety Codes and Regulations
The practice of daisy chaining violates many safety codes and standards, including guidance from the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), UL (Underwriters Laboratories), and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).
OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.303(b)(2)
This standard governs the installation and use of equipment, stating that “listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling.”
Richard Fairfax, Director of OSHA, interpreted this requirement in relation to power strips, stating: “Manufacturers and nationally recognized testing laboratories determine the proper uses for power strips.
"For example, the UL Directory contains instructions that require UL-listed RPTs to be directly connected to a permanently installed branch circuit receptacle; they are not to be series-connected to other RPTs or connected to extension cords.”
NFPA 1 Standard 11.1.4
Several NFPA standards are applicable to the use of power strips, including:
- 11.1.4.1, stating that relocatable power taps must be listed to UL 1363 or UL 1363A, where applicable.
- 11.1.4.2, stating that RPTs must be directly connected to a permanently installed receptacle.
- 11.1.4.3, stating that RPT cords must not extend through ceilings, floors, or walls; under doors or floor coverings; or be subject to physical or environmental damage.
UL 1363 1.7
This guidance states that a cord-connected RPT is not designed to be connected to another cord-connected RPT. The UL White Book (2015-2016) states:
“Relocatable power taps are intended to be directly connected to a permanently installed branch-circuit receptacle outlet. Relocatable power taps are not intended to be series connected (daisy chained) to other relocatable power taps or to extension cords.”
Other Guidance
The US government’s Office of Compliance issued a ‘Fast Facts’ document titled ‘Power Strips and Dangerous Daisy Chains,’ saying: “Most power strips or surge protectors are approved for providing power to a maximum of four or six individual items
"However, when multiple power strips are interconnected, the one directly connected to the building outlet is often supplying power to far more outlets than the approved.”
“This electrical current overload can result in a fire or can cause a circuit breaker to trip, de-energizing computers and other equipment throughout the area that are connected to a surge protector.”
It is important that a power strip be connected directly to a permanently installed outlet. The power strip should also be approved by an OSHA Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory, and it must always be used in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.304(b)(4) also states that “outlet devices shall have an ampere rating not less than the load to be served.” This highlights that overloading a power strip is unsafe and can lead to excess heat, posing a fire risk.
Extension Cords
Using an overloaded or improperly used extension cord can pose a fire risk, and this practice violates OSHA 29 CFR 1910.303(a), which requires equipment to be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
It is also important to note that extension cords are approved only for temporary wiring and should not be used permanently.
The type of extension cord should also be considered; for example, Light-duty cords should not be used to power multiple items simultaneously, especially high-energy ones.
Alternatives to Daisy Chaining
The Office of Compliance offers several safe solutions that can be implemented instead of daisy chaining extension cords and power strips. These include:
- Replacing a power strip with a power cord of adequate length to reach an outlet
- Selecting an appropriate power strip able to meet the current electrical power needs
- Adding more outlets, where possible, to better meet the electrical power needs
- Moving desks or electrical equipment closer to existing outlets
Placing an Emphasis on Safety
When using a power strip or an extension cord, safety should always be the priority. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and all relevant safety codes, regulations, and standards, such as NFPA, OSHA, and UL.
Daisy chaining power strips is not safe for several reasons, so it is advisable to use safer alternatives.
Sourcing Power Cords and Supplies from Interpower
It is possible to lock in a specific quantity price break by placing a blanket or scheduled order for Interpower products, meaning that affordable, reliable products are available all year round.
Blanket Orders
Customers can order a specified quantity of an Interpower product (for example, 1,000 cord sets), lock in the product price, and request shipments as needed over a 1-year period. This allows quantities and delivery dates to vary in line with the company’s needs.
Scheduled Orders
Orders can be placed with pre-determined quantities and delivery dates over a 1-year period. For instance, a customer can place an order for 1,000 cord sets and have 250 delivered on January 15, April 15, July 15, and October 15.
No Minimum Order Requirements
With manufacturing facilities in Iowa, USA, Interpower offers its customers same-day shipments on in-stock products with no minimum order requirements. Every manufactured or sold part can be purchased individually.
Interpower offers a comprehensive portfolio of power system components. The company maintains an extensive inventory, allowing it to supply or manufacture parts to meet a wide range of customer requirements.
References and Further Reading
- U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Available at: https://www.osha.gov
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standard interpretation. Available at: https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=24631
- OSHA Training. Violations OSHA electrical standards – Power strips. Available at: https://www.oshatraining.com/Violations-OSHA-Electrical-Standards-Power-Strips.php
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) (2018) NFPA 1: Electrical fire safety and relocatable power taps (power strips). Available at: https://community.nfpa.org/community/nfpa-today/blog/2018/04/20/nfpa-1-electrical-fire-safety-and-relocatable-power-taps-power-strips-firecodefridays
- UL. UL 1363 Standard. Available at: https://www.ul.com
- UL (2015–2016) Guide information for electrical equipment: The UL White Book. Available at: https://www.ul.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/UL-White-Book.pdf
- Office of Compliance, U.S. Congress. Office of Compliance. Available at: https://www.compliance.gov
- Office of Compliance, U.S. Congress (2016) Fast facts: Power strips and dangerous daisy chains. Available at: https://www.compliance.gov/sites/default/files/Fast%20Facts-Power%20Strips%20sept.%202016.pdf
- Office of Compliance, U.S. Congress (2010) Fast facts: Temporary extension cords and power connectors should not be used for permanent wiring. Available at: https://www.compliance.gov/sites/default/files/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Temorary-Extension-Cords-Fast-Fact-January-2010.pdf
Acknowledgments
Produced from materials originally authored by Interpower.
This information has been sourced, reviewed, and adapted from materials provided by Interpower.
For more information on this source, please visit Interpower.