Top 3 Things to Consider When Buying a Power Strip
These days, almost every household has numerous electronic devices that need to be connected to power sources. There are mobile and laptop chargers for all the family members and other devices that you might need to connect to the power socket at the same time. This can become a problematic situation when you have just one or two wall outlets that are not sufficient for all your devices. But thanks to power strips, you can easily plug in your multiple electronic gadgets at a time.
A power strip is an extension board with 6 – 12 outlets that are used to provide multiple charging outlets to power up various electronic devices simultaneously. It is a great device to plug in more than two electronics into the same power source; however, not all power strips are the same. There are different types of power strips, and each one is equipped with different special features. Moreover, some power strips also surge protectors that keep excess electrical energy from surging through electronics. As such, choosing the right device for your electronics might seem confusing. So, before purchasing a power strip, there are few things that you need to consider. You’ll find some tips to choose a good power strip among so many models in this post.
What to Look for in a Power Strip
When buying a power strip, you need to consider a few things, such as the cable thickness, safety protections, amp rating, inside circuit designs, and other special features. Of all the features, the three most important ones are:
1. Number of Outlets
When looking for a power strip, you should first think about the number of devices you’ll need for the plugin. Usually, power strips have outlets from 3 to 12. It is best to go for a device with outlets so that you never had to take the risk of daisy-chaining. Notably, buying a power strip with multiple sockets doesn’t mean using them all at once. Ensure you never exceed the amp rating of the strip by plugging in devices in all the sockets. Also, remember that daisy-chaining (plugging an additional strip into an existing one) can lead to fire hazards.
2. Length and Thickness of Cable
Next, you need to consider how far you need it to reach. It’s better to look for power strips with longer cable so that they can reach a few feet further from your wall outlet. A cord of length around 8-foot is preferable for more flexible applications. Longer cable means you can place it on the desk, behind the furniture, or anywhere you want. Moreover, the thickness of the cable should also be good enough to allow high pulling tension.
3. Amp Rating
Another important consideration is the electrical rating of the strip. The rating determines the amount of electricity the strip can absorb before it fails. It would help if you were looking for the maximum amp rating so that you can draw an ample amount of electrical current through your power strip. You may go for a 15A rating which is commonly found in most devices. However, make sure that the total power draw doesn’t exceed your device’s rating.
