Power Strips, Surge Protectors, and Extension Cords

In our modern world, electrical devices and gadgets seem to multiply by the day, and that means we need more places to plug them in.

Let’s talk about those unsung heroes of our modern lives: power strips, surge protectors, and extension cords—our trusty sidekicks in the quest for more outlets.

But before you dive into a jungle of cables, let’s make sure you’re up to speed on the dos and don’ts of these electrical accessories.

Understanding the differences between power strips, surge protectors, and extension cords is crucial to ensure the safety and efficiency of the devices you plug into them. Here’s a brief overview of each.

A **power strip** is a block of electrical outlets that distributes AC power to electrical devices. They often have a circuit breaker integrated to protect against overload.

A **surge protector** is essentially a power strip but with an added layer of protection. It safeguards your devices from voltage spikes that could potentially damage your electronics or even cause an electrical fire.

An **extension cord**, on the other hand, is a length of flexible electrical power cable with a plug on one end and one or more sockets on the other end. They are commonly used to extend the reach of a power source.

In terms of construction, power strips and surge protectors are usually housed in a plastic or metal case, while extension cords, which are far simpler, have an insulated electrical cord which is flexible and easy to bend.

In terms of function, power strips and surge protectors allow you to plug in multiple devices at once, while their purpose differs. On the other hand, extension cords are essentially just longer power cords that help to extend the reach of your power source to your device.

When it comes to safety, all three devices should be used cautiously. Overloading a power strip or an extension cord could potentially lead to a fire. Even with a surge protector, it’s important to avoid overloading and to change the protector if it’s beyond its rated life.

Maintenance-wise, depending on their usage and environment, all three devices should be occasionally inspected for damage or signs of wear and tear.

In terms of variety, power strips, surge protectors, and extension cords vary widely, and their quality can significantly impact their performance and safety.

Surge protectors, also known as surge suppressors, are devices designed to protect electrical devices from voltage spikes. These spikes can come from a number of sources, including power outages, lightning strikes, or even switching on a high-powered device on the same circuit.

The key component of a surge protector is its voltage-sensitive resistor, which detects voltage spikes and diverts the excessive electricity to the ground wire, thus protecting the devices plugged into it.

More advanced surge protectors may also have an indicator light to show if the device is properly grounded and working. Some may also have a built-in circuit breaker that will trip if the load exceeds its capacity.

Despite their name, surge protectors cannot protect against all types of electrical issues. For example, they cannot protect against brownouts, which are temporary drops in voltage. A separate device, called a voltage regulator, is needed for that.

Surge protectors also come with a rating called “joules,” which measure its maximum energy dissipation capability. The higher the joule rating, the more energy the surge protector can absorb before it fails.

It’s also important to note that, like any device, surge protectors have a lifespan. After absorbing a certain amount of energy, they can no longer provide protection and need to be replaced. This is why it’s important to regularly check and replace your surge protectors.

Keep in mind, while a surge protector can save your devices from sudden voltage spikes, it cannot save them from the gradual wear and tear caused by daily use. So, you should still regularly maintain your devices to ensure their longevity.

Power strips are often seen as a convenient solution when there are not enough outlets to accommodate all our gadgets and appliances. But are they safe for all types of appliances?

The simple answer is no. Power strips are designed to handle a certain amount of electrical load which is mentioned in their specifications, usually in the form of amperage.

It’s crucial not to overload a power strip by plugging in appliances that collectively draw more power than the rating of the power strip. Overloading can generate excessive heat leading to a fire hazard.

High-powered appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, space heaters, and microwaves should not be plugged into power strips. These appliances should be plugged directly into a wall outlet.

If you must use a power strip for larger electronics, make sure it’s one specifically designed to handle the load. Power strips with built-in circuit breakers are a good option as the circuit breaker would trip if the load exceeds its capacity.

Apart from that, ensure the power strip is kept in an open area with sufficient air circulation to disperse any heat generated. A hot power strip is a sign of overloading, so take it as a warning sign.

Lastly, make sure your power strip is in good condition and is not damaged. Damaged power strips can pose an electrical and fire hazard. So doing routine checks is recommended.

The number of devices and appliances you can safely plug into a power strip depends on two factors: the power rating of the strip and the cumulative power draw of your devices.

Power strips have a power rating measured in amperes (A). This rating is often written on the strip itself or included in the instruction manual. This indicates the maximum current the power strip can handle.

You should calculate the total power draw of your devices prior to plugging them into a power strip. This is generally done by summing up the currents of each device. The total current should not exceed the power strip rating.

However, it’s important to note that even though a power strip may have multiple outlets, experts recommend using just 75% of the rated capacity to allow some margin.

Moreover, high power-consuming devices such as heaters, air conditioners, refrigerators, etc., should not be plugged into power strips. They can easily overload the strip, leading to overheating and a potential fire hazard.

In any case, it’s best to not overcrowd power strips with too many plugged-in devices. This practice minimizes the risk of overloading, overheating, and short-circuits.

Extension cords are highly convenient for powering devices that are too far from an outlet. However, improper use can lead to potential fire and safety hazards. Here’s how to use extension cords properly.

Always check the wattage rating of the extension cord and ensure the total wattage of the connected devices doesn’t exceed it. Overloading can cause the cord to become hot and possibly cause a fire.

Select the right cord for the job. For instance, for outdoor uses, ensure you use extension cords rated for outdoor use. They’re more durable and designed to withstand external elements.

Avoid running extension cords through walls, ceilings or floors where they might be stepped on or tripped over. Also, never run them under carpets or rugs where they can overheat and spark a fire.

Plug extension cords fully into the outlet and ensure the plugs on the other end are fully inserted into the cord.

Regularly inspect your cord for any signs of damage like cuts, frays or exposed wires. If you spot any such signs, replace the cord.

Do not plug multiple extension cords into each other. This can cause excessive loading, overheating and could possibly cause a fire.

Lastly, remember that extension cords should be used as a temporary solution, not as a permanent power source. Regularly relying on extension cords could indicate your home may need additional outlets.

Using power strips, surge protectors, and extension cords can make life convenient, but care and caution need to be exercised. Here are safety tips when using these devices:

Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and heed the product’s warning labels.

Ensure not to overload these devices, as excessive current can cause them to overheat and possibly cause a fire.

Use surge protectors for high-value electrical devices like computers and televisions. This will protect these devices from voltage spikes that could potentially damage them.

Do not daisy-chain power strips, surge protectors, or extension cords by plugging one into another. This can overload the circuits and potentially cause a fire.

When unplugging a device, pull from the plug, not the cord, to avoid damaging the wire.

Regularly check these devices for damage. If you see any signs of wear and tear, such as fraying wires or cracks in the plastic, replace them immediately.

Avoid running these cords under carpets, through windows or doors, or where they’ll be stepped on. This can damage the wire and potentially cause a fire.

Lastly, consider having a professional electrician install more outlets if you find you consistently need more outlets than are available in your home or workspace.

While surge protectors are an essential tool in protecting your electricity-sensitive devices from voltage spikes, they are not the catch-all solution for all electrical damages.

Surge protectors can shield your equipment from sudden surges of high voltage that can occur due to lighting strikes or power outages. However, they can’t prevent damage caused by direct lightning strike.

They also can’t protect your devices from problems that arise from within your home’s electrical system, such as circuits that continually trip or flickering light bulbs. These issues often indicate a larger problem that might require the help of a professional electrician.

Moreover, surge protectors can’t shield your devices from brownouts (momentary drops in voltage) or blackouts (complete loss of power). For these situations, an uninterruptible power source (UPS) or a voltage regulator would be more effective.

Finally, surge protectors have a lifespan and can only absorb a specific amount of energy measured in joules. Once they reach their limit, they aren’t effective anymore. So even if they’re functional, they might not protect your devices properly if they have used up their energy absorption capacity.

Despite these limitations, surge protectors still offer a key line of defense against sudden voltage spikes and are well worth the investment.

Selecting a power strip might seem like a straightforward task, but there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the most function and safety.

First, consider your needs. If you plan to plug several devices into the power strip, ensure it has enough outlets. Also, if the devices have bulky power adaptors, consider a power strip with widely spaced outlets.

Always check the power strip’s electrical rating, usually provided in terms of amperes (A). The total electrical load of your devices plugged into the power strip should not exceed its rating.

If you want to protect electronics from power surges, consider a power strip with built-in surge protection. Remember, not all power strips offer this feature.

For added safety, some power strips come with a built-in circuit breaker, which cuts off power when the strip is overloaded.

The length of the cord is another factor to consider, depending on how far away the strip will be from the outlet. However, remember that the longer the wire, the less current it can carry.

Lastly, always purchase power strips from a reputable brand and ensure that it’s certified by a recognized testing laboratory.

Like any electrical device, power strips, surge protectors, and extension cords can present issues. Here are common problems and how to resolve them:

1. Overloading: One of the most common issues is overloading these devices, leading to overheating and potential fire hazards. To avoid this, ensure the cumulative power draw of your devices doesn’t exceed the rating of your device.

2. Tripped circuit breaker: If your device has a built-in circuit breaker and it trips, this means the device is overloaded. Unplug a few items, reset the breaker, and gradually plug in your devices to identify which one is causing the issue.

3. Sags or dips in power: If your devices are frequently experiencing sags or dips in power, this might indicate an issue with the power supply. This is not something a power strip or surge protector can fix, so it’s time to call a professional.

4. Power trips when a certain device is added: Check the wattage of the device. It might be too high for the power strip or extension cord, causing it to trip.

5. Surge protector is not working: Check if the surge protector has an indicator light, and if it’s not illuminated, it could mean the surge protection has expired and it’s time to replace it.

As always, if any electrical issue persists or if you are in doubt, it’s best to consult a professional.

While all surge protectors provide a certain level of protection against voltage spikes, they’re not all the same. They differ in several ways that influence their performance and safety:

Joule rating: This is a measure of the total amount of energy a surge protector can absorb before it fails. A higher joule rating means the protector can handle larger surges.

Clamping voltage: This is the voltage at which the surge protector will start diverting excess power away from your devices. A lower number indicates that the surge protector will kick in earlier, providing better protection.

Response time: This is how quickly the surge protector responds to a surge. Ideally, you would want a surge protector with a response time of less than one nanosecond.

Number and type of outlets: Depending on the number and types of devices you plan to plug in, you would want a protector with ample outlets. Some models even provide ports for network and phone lines.

Safety ratings and certifications: Always buy a surge protector that has been safety-tested and certified by a recognized testing laboratory.

So, while all surge protectors aim to shield your devices from voltage spikes, their effectiveness can vary greatly. Therefore, it’s important to choose carefully and not simply opt for the cheapest model. After all, the point of a surge protector is to safeguard your much more expensive electronics.