Power strips and extension cords are not the same.

No, you should not use them interchangeably. A power strip is a short block with multiple outlets and a built-in circuit breaker. An extension cord is a length of wire with a single outlet on the end—nothing else. The key difference: power strips are designed to protect against overloads; extension cords are not. A power strip can handle a certain max current and will trip if you exceed it. A cheap extension cord will just melt or catch fire.

If you need more outlets in one spot, use a power strip. If you need to reach a faraway outlet, use an extension cord. And never plug a power strip into another power strip or an extension cord into a power strip—that’s how fires start. Get the right tool for the job.