Nearly every home has multiple power strips in use at any given time.
Nearly every home has multiple power strips in use at any given time. With all the electronic devices we have come to depend on, we need the extra plugs to power everything. While they are quite handy, these types of devices do actually have some rules to ensure safe use. Here are some tips you should know if you use power strips in your home.
Know What Device You Have
A power strip, a surge protector, and an extension cord are ALL different devices. Read the packaging of your chosen product carefully before making a purchase. A power strip is a plastic box that contains several outlets with a cord that plugs into a single socket. They essentially split the power from a single socket so that it can power multiple, smaller things. Extension cords are typically much longer but contain fewer plugs. A power strip has a much more stable connection than an extension cord, but neither one is designed to be long-term solutions.
Safety Tips for Using Power Strips
- Power strips were designed to handle multiple small devices, such as an alarm clock and a phone charger.
- NEVER plug a vacuum or other larger tool into your power strip.
- When shopping for power strips, it’s smart to spend a couple of extra dollars and get one that is equipped with a surge protector. It’s also important to remember that different devices have different voltage ratings. Make sure the one you’re considering can handle what you’ll be plugging into it.
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