I've got a single electrical outlet in my bathroom that's located right above the sink. I need to plug in a few devices, like an electric razor charger, an electric toothbrush, an iPhone charger, and a cleaner for my dental mouthguard. I'm planning to keep a nightlight plugged in all the time too. While I won't be using everything at once, I want some flexibility without constantly swapping plugs. The hardware store recommended a Monster 6 outlet wall tap surge protector (1200 joules), but it will block one of the original two outlets. My main concerns are whether this would allow me to keep the nightlight on while using other devices, and if it poses any fire hazards or risks of damaging the outlet/wiring, especially given its proximity to the sink. Can I use this safely, or am I overthinking things?
2 Answers
You definitely need to have a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) on that circuit for safety. You could get a GFCI-equipped outlet adapter or simply replace the existing outlet with a GFCI one. That way, you're covered against any potential risks!
I wouldn’t recommend using a wall-mounted power strip on a non-GFCI outlet near a bathroom sink. It's kind of risky since water and electricity don't mix well. You might want to look for nightlights that have a pass-through outlet instead.