Eliana Willis

While GFCI outlets offer reliable protection compared with standard outlets, they aren’t meant for every type of electrical device. Some items should never be plugged into a GFCI, as they could malfunction or trip the circuit unnecessarily, leading to power disruptions or unsafe situations. Below is a list of devices not suited for GFCIs.1. Devices with a “high inrush” currentAppliances like refrigerators, freezers, air conditioner units, and power tools require a serious initial burst of electricity when powered on. Yes, even though refrigerators are almost always located in kitchens, the counterintuitive truth is that they can cause the GFCI to trip because of the large initial surge of current, even if there is no actual fault. This is known as “nuisance tripping,” and it is aptly named. Don’t risk spoiling a fridge full of foods by plugging it into a GFCI.2. Outdoor equipmentSimilarly, outdoor equipment such as electric lawnmowers or pressure washers should ideally be plugged into a dedicated outdoor outlet. While GFCIs are designed for outdoor use to reduce shock hazards, high-powered equipment can cause the GFCI to trip if it draws too much current at one time. Also: The best portable power stations of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed3. High-powered appliancesAppliances that use significant power, such as space heaters, microwave ovens, or vacuum cleaners, can cause a GFCI outlet to trip, especially if they are used on a circuit with high loads. These appliances could create a situation where the GFCI trips frequently (more nuisance tripping).4. Surge protectors or power stripsSome power strips and surge protectors, particularly those with multiple plugs for high-powered devices, could cause the GFCI outlet to trip due to the combined electrical load. A sudden power surge or imbalance could cause the GFCI to trip unexpectedly, defeating the GFCI outlet’s purpose and causing repeated circuit tripping.Also: How I used this portable power station to bring electricity to a caveman5. Medical equipmentMedical equipment like CPAP machines and oxygen concentrators require continuous, uninterrupted power, so we advise plugging these vital devices into conventional outlets, not GFCIs. Some medical devices have sensitive circuitry, and the GFCI may trip unnecessarily, causing a loss of power to life-sustaining equipment.Bonus. Sump pumpsWhile the National Electrical Code (NEC) More

Jada Jones/ZDNETSoundbars are gaining in popularity because of their sleek design and ability to provide an ample boost in audio quality compared to built-in TV speakers. Even with their plug-and-play nature, you can make a few modifications to help unleash the best possible sound quality. Also: I replaced my Sonos Arc Ultra with this Samsung flagship soundbar – and it’s a worthy alternativeWhether you’re new to soundbar setups or a self-proclaimed audiophile, familiarizing yourself with some key settings can elevate your viewing and listening experience. Read on for five pointers on how to optimize your soundbar’s performance. More

Anna Efetova/Moment via Getty ZDNET’s key takeaways  ESR is recalling the HaloLock power bank over fire concerns.  Affected power banks were sold on Amazon and other retailers. You can email ESR a photo of your device for a refund. Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source<!–> on Chrome and Chromium browsers. […] More

Envision/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysThe Ally Solos smart glasses More

To help protect your privacy while using your PS5, you can customize certain settings to control what information is visible to others, restrict who can communicate with you, and manage your account security. This includes limiting who can see your online status, gaming history, and profile information, as well as controlling access to your account and console. Under Settings, head to Users and Accounts  > Privacy  > View and Customize Your Privacy Settings. Here, you can control who can see your real name, profile picture, friends list, game activity and history, and who can send friend requests or interact with you online. For each of the variables in this menu, I recommend choosing “No One” and “Close Friends Only.” This should significantly reduce unwanted friend requests or spam.Also: How to clear your TV cache (and why it makes such a big difference)If you’re like me, you don’t feel a need to infuse Sony’s database with more personal information than required, such as the voice data collected through your DualSense controller’s microphone.Under Privacy, scroll down to “Control how your data is collected and used” to access three options: Data You Provide, Personalization, and Voice Data Collection. For the former (Data You Provide), change the setting to Limited. For Personalization, I recommend turning off all four of the sub-options, including Standard Personalization. For the latter, switch to Don’t Allow for Voice Data Collection. More

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETI love my portable power stations. They allow me to sail through power outages, and live in comfort when I’m off-grid. But portable power stations are expensive, and when it comes to the bigger units, saving even a little can make a massive difference.Well, what about taking 42% off the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus 6 kWh kit More

What are Top Stories in Google Search? Google Top Stories is a section on the Google Search results page that highlights the most relevant and timely news articles related to your search. It appears as a carousel at the top of the page when Google detects a current event, trending topic, or news query. Also: How to remove your personal info from Google Search – it’s quick and easyIs there a quick way to add ZDNET as a preferred source?Yes. In Chrome and Chromium browsers specifically, you can go to this link More