Power Strips

Power strips help you expand a single wall outlet into a safe, organized hub for multiple devices. Whether you’re outfitting a home office, entertainment center, classroom, or workshop, the right strip reduces cable clutter, protects equipment from spikes, and puts power exactly where you need it.

Look for features that match your setup. Outlet count and spacing matter; widely spaced outlets fit bulky adapters for routers, bricks, and chargers. Models with USB-A and USB-C PD ports charge phones and tablets without extra chargers. A built‑in switch and clear indicator lights simplify control and status checks. For protection, choose a surge protector power strip with a clearly stated joules rating, metal oxide varistors, and a resettable circuit breaker. Noise filtration (EMI/RFI) helps audio/video gear. Mounting slots, a flat right‑angle plug, and a braided or heavy‑duty cord boost convenience. Choose cord length and wire gauge (14 or 12 AWG for higher loads) to suit your space; metal‑housing strips excel in shops.

Match the design to the job. Compact travel power strips fit backpacks and hotel rooms. Slim desk strips keep laptops and monitors powered. Heavy‑duty power strips with 15A or 20A ratings handle tools and chargers on the bench. Outdoor or garage use calls for weather‑resistant, UL‑listed models with covers and GFCI protection upstream.

Smart power strips add Wi‑Fi control, voice integration, schedules, and energy monitoring to cut standby draw. Energy‑saving “master‑controlled” outlets can auto‑switch peripherals when a main device turns off.

Buying and safety tips:
- Pick UL or ETL listed products and verify the amperage.
- Replace surge protectors after a major surge or if indicators go dark.
- Avoid daisy‑chaining and don’t exceed 80% of the rated load.
- Use mountable power strips to keep cords off the floor and improve airflow.

Choose quality now to avoid headaches later.