Many homeowners do not understand the appropriate capacity that electrical outlets can handle. For example, some homeowners may plug multiple extension cords and the washing machine into a single power strip.
Every year, thousands of fires result from surge protectors, power strips and electrical cords.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that about 3,300 residential fires originate in extension cords/power strips each year, killing 50 people and injuring about 270 others.
The most frequent causes of such fires are short circuits, overloading, damage, and/or misuse of extension cords.
Surge protectors, power strips, or extension cords are not a substitute for permanent wiring per electrical installation requirements.
Also, unprotected electrical cables below 7.5 feet in a garage are not permitted, as the cable is subjected to mechanical damage.
You home inspector should be aware of electrical safety conditions during their inspections