Power Strip: Types, Applications, and How to Choose One

Introduction

Think of a scenario where you need to connect multiple electronics to an outlet. That might not be possible as outlets are designed to only work with one device at a time and at most, two if it is a double socket. The solution is to get yourself a power strip.

A power strip is an electrical device with multiple sockets for connecting multiple electronic devices to one outlet. On one end, the power strip has sockets; on the other, you insert a plug in the outlet to distribute power to the electronics.

The working mechanism of power strips is not complicated. They are designed with several sockets that get their power from a plug inserted into a wall outlet. All that remains is for you to plug in the electronics and start using them.

Expect to find several power strips on the market. Just make sure to get the correct one for the job. For example, not all power strips are designed for the outdoors. Of course, a power strip with a long cord is what you should get to allow for flexibility as you work with various appliances. This guide will discuss more features to consider to fully understand which power strip is for you.

Types of Power Strips

There are several types of power strips in the market. We will look at the most common available so that you can pick the best power strip for your applications. Here is what you should know.

Basic power strips

These are simple power strips with basic functionality for powering the devices connected to them. They might have LED lights to show when an outlet is powered, but that is usually it.

Surge protector power strips

You can expect to find power strips with more features, including surge protection. In this case, the power strips protect the devices connected to them by diverting the excess voltage from reaching them.

Metered power strips

What is special about these power strips is that they feature a power meter that shows how much power has been used. This can be a nice add-on so that you know how you can handle if your devices use a lot of power.

Power Strips with USB Ports

A heavy duty power strip can also come with USB ports. Since many devices right now can be recharged with USB cables, having a power strip with such ports would be ideal. Using these ports, you can charge smartphones, tablets, LED lights, and more.

Medical-grade Power Strips

In this case, you are expecting top-of-the-range power strips that would be used in a health facility setup. We recommend looking for tough or heavy-duty power strips that can withstand the demanding environments of a healthcare facility.

Rack-mount Power Strips

These are power strips that can easily be mounted on a rack. For example, if you need to power a server, you need several power outlets. A rack mount power strip lets you connect the multiple devices needed to run the system.

Travel-friendly power strips

The travel-friendly power strips, on the other hand, will be compact. This allows you to easily pack them in your bag and take them on a trip. The same cannot be said for outdoor power strips, which tend to be bigger and heavier.

Smart Power Strips

The smart power strips will feature more functionality, including Wi-Fi connectivity, controlling individual outlets, and more. This would be done remotely via an app. Expect to get some energy monitoring features with such a power strip.

You may encounter many other types of power strips. Their core functionality remains the same: to provide power to the connected devices.

Applications of Power Strips

The best power strips distribute power to various devices. This is because you now have several outlets to power many devices. This is the main application of power strips.

You can also use the same for organizing devices besides distributing power. For example, a recessed power strip can keep the power cords tidy and organized. All the cables can be tucked away, and only the plug is visible when inserted into the power strip.

Depending on the type of power strip, you can also use one to prevent power surges. This is a good feature to consider when seeking a power strip. The same can also be used to avoid overloading an outlet, as you are limited to only a few devices you can connect to one outlet through the power strip.

You can get an Amazon power strip or from any other shop. Make sure it is good quality so that you have a reliable power distribution center for your electronics.

Key Features For Choosing the Best Power Strip

Whether it is choosing an APC power strip or any other brand, there are several features you must keep in mind if you want to end up with a good product. Here is what you should consider;

Number of outlets
A power strip with a timer might be too fancy for someone who needs a basic power strip. It is then better to focus more on the number of outlets rather than the fancy features.
Look at the number of devices you need to power at a given time. This is a good guide to deciding which power strip you can buy.

Code length and design
A Home Depot power strip can come in many configurations, including standing, standard, circular, and more. Look at a design that will work best for your needs. Still, consider the cord length. Ensure you buy a power strip with enough cord length to handle your power needs.

Surge protection
A good Belkin power strip will have additional safety features, including surge protection. Depending on the devices’ sensitivity to power, you could use a power strip with surge protection to keep them safe from power surges and fluctuations.
Additional safety features, such as fire-resistant materials, overload protection, and childproof outlets, ensure a better power strip.

Power rating
Even the longest power strip has a power rating, determining the number of devices you can connect to. This should not be a problem for most household appliances; however, connecting appliances with heating elements can be more demanding. They might overload the power strip, affecting the other devices.

Price and Warranty
A power strip with a USB will not have a similar price to a basic power strip. This is because one has more functionality. It is best for you to consider getting yourself a power strip with more features, be ready to pay more for it. However, make sure the features make sense for the price point.

There are many manufacturers of power outlets. It should be possible to do research and pick the correct power strip for the money. Also, ensure the brand is known for making top-rated power strips and has the best warranty.

Safety Tips for Using Power Strips

Whether it is an under cabinet light and power strip or the best power strip with surge protector, keeping some safety tips in mind goes a long way.

The most important safety tip is to place the power strip away from children. We all know how children can be curious and do the unthinkable or play with the power strip.

Look at the power rating of the power strip. This ensures you only plug in enough devices to prevent an overload. An overload often leads to the wires heating and sometimes melting. So, stick to light-load appliances when using a power strip.

Check for signs of wear and tear. If you have a power strip with a burned outlet, it is time to let go. If one of the sockets is not working, it is better to get another power strip, as it will not work as expected.

It goes without saying that you should not wet a power strip. Water and electricity do not mix well. Also, do not use an indoor power strip outside. There are those power strips meant for outdoors, and that is what you should be using.

You might be tempted to plug one power strip into another to make the cord longer. However, that is not recommended. You may end up causing an overload or, worse, fire.

Conclusion

Power strips remain a common thing in our homes or offices today. They serve an important role of helping people increase the number of outlets so that they can power several devices at once. The best part is that now you can come across several types of power strips in the market. Compare these power strips to find one that suits your power needs. No need to go for a metered power strip when you do not need one. It is better to choose one with surge protection.