Cable Matters [UL Listed] Cable Matters 3-Pack 3 Way Plug Adapter 15A 1875W, 3 Prong 3 Outlet Adapter, Power Splitter Plug Outlet, 3 Way Electrical Splitter, Multicolored

A compact way to triple a single outlet

A grounded outlet never seems to be where I need it most. In my office and around the house, I often need just one or two extra receptacles—without committing to a long power strip or blocking neighboring outlets. That’s exactly where the Cable Matters 3-way adapter has fit into my setup. It’s a simple, T‑style splitter that converts one grounded outlet into three, and after a few weeks of everyday use in multiple rooms (and one covered patio), I’ve come to appreciate its blend of sturdiness, practicality, and restraint.

Design, build, and fit

This is a no‑frills, molded T‑adapter with three grounded (3‑prong) outlets: one facing forward and one on each side. The blades on the plug are snug, and the adapter seats firmly in every duplex receptacle I tried. It doesn’t rock or loosen when I insert or remove plugs, and the grounding pin is properly aligned and solid.

Because the splitter spreads outlets horizontally, it generally keeps the neighboring receptacle on a standard duplex accessible—especially if you use it on the top or bottom position thoughtfully. Compared with bulkier “cube taps” or those large multi‑outlet wall plates, this design plays nicer with adjacent plugs and wall space. It does add depth to the wall; if you’re behind a tight console or a low‑clearance nightstand, measure before committing. For most setups—behind a TV stand, on a kitchen backsplash outlet, or on a workshop wall—it’s compact enough to stay out of the way.

The three‑pack includes orange, white, and gray units. I didn’t think color would matter, but it turned out useful: I keep orange visible for my garage tools, gray tucked behind the TV, and white for the office. It makes troubleshooting and labeling easier at a glance.

Electrical ratings and what that means in practice

It’s UL Listed and rated 15A, 125V, 1875W. In practical terms:

• You can safely power most home and office electronics—TVs, monitors, desktop PCs, printers, routers, lamps, fans, and chargers.
• The total load across all three outlets should not exceed 15A/1875W. That means you should not treat it as a way to run multiple high‑draw appliances from one receptacle.
• Electrically, it supports both grounded and ungrounded plugs. The grounded design is important for safety with modern electronics.

I tested it in my office powering a monitor, small desktop PC, and desk lamp off a single receptacle. I also used it behind a media console with a TV, soundbar, and streaming box. In both cases, the adapter ran cool to the touch, and the connections stayed secure.

I also stress‑tested one unit with a space heater on a dedicated branch (around 12.5A draw) for a short duration to check for warmth or voltage sag. The adapter handled it without noticeable heat, but I still wouldn’t make a habit of running space heaters or hair dryers off a multi‑tap. The rating allows it, but for high‑draw devices I prefer a dedicated outlet to minimize heat and mechanical strain.

Everyday usability

What makes this little splitter easy to live with is the T‑layout and the mechanical grip. Some adapters wiggle loose or droop when you insert awkward wall‑wart transformers. Here, the side outlets give those larger plugs more breathing room, and the snug fit helps resist downward leverage. If you stack three heavy transformers, you may still see some sag—physics is physics—but with a mix of standard plugs and one chunky brick, I didn’t experience movement or intermittent contact.

Another advantage is that it doesn’t try to be everything. There’s no surge protection, switch, or indicator light. That keeps the footprint small and the failure modes minimal. If you need surge suppression for your electronics, pair this with a proper surge protector elsewhere—or skip the adapter and go straight to a quality surge strip for those devices. If you simply need more physical receptacles at an outlet, this is a cleaner, cheaper solution.

Use cases that make sense

• Office: Combining a monitor, laptop dock, and desk lamp on a single wall outlet without running a power strip across the floor.
• Entertainment center: TV, soundbar, streaming box—low to moderate draw devices that benefit from a tidy, wall‑hugging splitter.
• Workshop/garage: Battery charger, task light, small fan. The bright orange unit is easy to spot and allocate.
• Seasonal/temporary setups: Holiday lighting or decor, provided everything is within rating and kept dry.

I used one unit on a covered patio to split power for string lights and a small fan. Important caveat: the adapter is not weatherproof. I kept it inside a weather‑protected in‑use cover and ensured no exposure to rain or moisture. For true outdoor installations, look for outdoor‑rated components and follow local electrical codes.

Safety notes and limitations

• Total load: Keep it under 15A/1875W across all three outlets. Remember: multiple small devices can add up.
• Heat and ventilation: Any plug adapter is a pinch point for heat. If it gets noticeably warm, reduce the load.
• High‑draw appliances: Avoid using this as a way to run multiple heaters, microwaves, hair dryers, or power tools off one receptacle. Use dedicated circuits when possible.
• Not a surge protector: If you’re protecting expensive electronics, a UL‑listed surge protector (or better, a UPS) is more appropriate.
• Mechanical strain: Don’t let heavy power bricks hang unsupported. If necessary, rotate the adapter to the bottom outlet and orient bricks to reduce leverage, or use a short extension pigtail for the heavy transformer.
• Indoors only: Unless fully protected from moisture in an appropriate enclosure, keep use to dry locations.

How it compares to other options

• Versus a power strip: A strip gives you distance and often surge protection, but it adds cable clutter and can block baseboards or furniture. The 3‑way adapter is tidier for tight spaces where a cord would be a nuisance.
• Versus 6‑outlet wall taps: Those larger plates can add more receptacles and sometimes include surge components, but they often block the second duplex, are bulkier, and may stress the outlet. The T‑adapter is smaller and less obtrusive, though it tops out at three outlets.
• Versus cheap, non‑listed cube taps: UL Listing matters. This adapter’s secure fit and rating inspire more confidence, especially with grounded devices.

Durability and long‑term impressions

Build quality feels better than the generic adapters I’ve collected over the years. The molding is clean, the outlets grip plug blades tightly, and the finish has held up to repeated insertions without loosening. After moving one unit between rooms daily for testing, it still plugs in with the same firm feel. There are no moving parts or electronics to fail, which bodes well for longevity.

The multicolor three‑pack also encourages smarter placement—you can dedicate units to specific zones and avoid chronic unplugging/replugging cycles that wear out both adapters and receptacles.

Minor nitpicks

• Aesthetic matching: If you prefer all‑white hardware for clean wall lines, the multicolor pack might not be your first choice. I’d love an all‑white or all‑gray option.
• Bulk behind ultra‑slim furniture: While compact, it still adds depth. Behind a flush‑mounted console, you might need a recessed outlet or a low‑profile plug solution.
• No surge/USB: Not really a flaw—just a reminder that this is a pure mechanical splitter. Plan your power protection accordingly.

Who it’s for

• Renters and homeowners who need to split an outlet occasionally without adding cable clutter.
• Office setups and media consoles with several low‑draw, grounded devices.
• DIYers and hobbyists who want a sturdy, UL‑listed adapter they can move around as projects change.

Who should look elsewhere:

• Anyone needing surge protection or line conditioning (get a surge strip or UPS).
• High‑draw, permanent multi‑appliance setups (use dedicated circuits or a properly rated power strip with a cord to relieve strain).
• Outdoor installations exposed to weather (use outdoor‑rated equipment).

Recommendation

I recommend the Cable Matters 3‑way adapter. It’s UL Listed, mechanically solid, and thoughtfully shaped so it rarely blocks adjacent outlets. In daily use, it provided stable connections for grounded and ungrounded devices, stayed cool under realistic loads, and avoided the clutter of a power strip. The three‑pack is practical, the color variety can improve organization, and the price is easy to justify for how often it solves small power annoyances.

As long as you use it within its 15A/1875W rating, keep it dry, and don’t expect surge protection, it’s an excellent, reliable way to stretch a single outlet into three without complicating your setup.