Power Strips

Christa Thompson
11 min readJun 18, 2024

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Welcome to our power-packed roundup of the top power strips on the market! From sleek designs to robust capabilities, we’ve gathered the most impressive options to help you keep your devices charged and your living spaces looking organized. Dive in and discover the perfect power strip for your needs.

The Top 7 Best Power Strips

  1. 6-Outlet Aluminum Power Strip by Inland Products — Experience optimal electrical power with the Inland Products 6 Outlet Aluminum Power Strip, featuring a maximum of 1872 Watts, and a 3 ft. cord length for easy-to-install convenience.
  2. ALCI Protected Metal Aluminum 8-Outlet Power Strip with 3ft Cord and Lighted Reset Switch by Inland — Experience reliable electrical power with the Inland 03197 8 Outlet Aluminum Power Strip, offering 8 AC outlets, safety features, and a sturdy design for various applications.
  3. Wiremold Plugmold 10-Outlet Silver Power Strip — Experience the rugged durability and easy setup of the Wiremold Plugmold PM48TC Power Strip, perfect for your garage or workshop!
  4. Heavy Duty Metal Power Strip with Long Cord and Spaced Outlets — The Hft 6 Outlet Heavy Duty Power Strip with Metal Housing 62437 is a versatile and durable option, boasting a long grounded cord, sturdy metal housing, and a built-in cord wrap for convenience in demanding work environments.
  5. Recessed Power Strip with Multi-Protection & USB Outlets — Mountable Power Strip Recessed into Desk with USB 4 Outlet and Multiple Protection for Space-Saving Conference/Workbenches; Easy Installation and Smart Charging Technology.
  6. Hyper Tough 6-Outlet Power Strip with 2.5 ft Cord — The Hyper Tough 6 Outlets Power Strip with 2.5 ft Cord provides a safe, sturdy solution for powering multiple devices in various environments, featuring a built-in circuit breaker, long cord, easy use, and attractive design.
  7. 6-Outlet Hft Power Strip with Circuit Breaker — Unleash your energy capabilities by utilizing the adaptable Hft Brand 6-Outlet Surge Protector, equipped with six ports, integrated safety circuit breaker, and personalizable mounting alternatives.

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Reviews

6-Outlet Aluminum Power Strip by Inland Products

This 6-outlet aluminum power strip boasts a sleek metal housing and maximum power of 1872 watts, providing optimal electrical power for your requirements. The integrated power switch adds convenience, while its reliability makes it perfect for a variety of applications.

With an easy-to-install design and impressive durability, users praise its craftsmanship and visual appeal, giving it an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

ALCI Protected Metal Aluminum 8-Outlet Power Strip with 3ft Cord and Lighted Reset Switch by Inland

As someone who works at home, I’ve come across many power strips in my day, but none quite like this one. I recently had the pleasure of using the Inland 03197 8-Outlet Aluminum Power Strip, and I must say, it was quite the experience. This power strip is made of sturdy aluminum and plastic, giving it a sleek, modern look that matches any home office decor.

One of the highlights of this power strip is its eight outlets. I found it particularly useful when I was setting up my home office, and I needed a convenient and safe way to plug in multiple devices simultaneously. The power strip’s size is also quite impressive — it’s small enough to blend in with your office setup, but large enough to accommodate all your charging needs.

However, there were a few drawbacks to this otherwise great power strip. For starters, I noticed the toggle switch seemed a bit flimsy and could use some extra strength. Additionally, I found that there were no mounting tabs or screw holes on the bottom of the power strip, making it a bit difficult to mount securely.

Overall, the Inland 03197 8-Outlet Aluminum Power Strip is a decent option for anyone looking for a stylish and functional power strip to add to their home office setup. It’s easy to set up, and its sleek design makes it a great addition to any workspace. Despite some minor drawbacks, I would still recommend giving this power strip a try if you’re in the market for a reliable, modern-looking option that doesn’t break the bank.

Wiremold Plugmold 10-Outlet Silver Power Strip

I recently used the Wiremold Plugmold PM48TC 10-Outlets Power Strip in my garage workshop, and it exceeded my expectations in many ways. The sturdy metal diamond plate housing not only looks great but also adds a nice touch to my garage’s industrial aesthetic. The power strip can be easily mounted on the wall or workbench, with the included mounting clips providing a secure hold.

One aspect that stood out to me is the built-in circuit breaker, which offers an extra layer of safety and peace of mind. The power strip is long enough to accommodate several devices, with its five duplex 15 amp 125 volt receptacles, providing a total of 10 outlets. The receptacles are nice and tight, ensuring that all the cords stay securely in place.

However, I did notice one drawback: the plastic mounting clips might be a bit concerning for some users, as they may be prone to breakage over time. But, given that this is typically a one-time mounting task for most people, it shouldn’t be a major concern.

Overall, this power strip offers a good balance of features, durability, and safety, making it an excellent addition to any workspace.

Heavy Duty Metal Power Strip with Long Cord and Spaced Outlets

The Hft 6 Outlet Heavy Duty Power Strip offers a mix of strength, safety, and functionality to make it a great investment for workspaces or garages. Its metal housing ensures durability, and the spaced outlets accommodate large wall adapters while also providing four standard outlets for varied tool plugs. The power strip comes with a 15-foot grounded power cord, a lighted on/off switch, an integral circuit breaker, and is suitable for permanent installation.

The overall style and sturdiness of the product make it a practical addition to any electrical setup, and users find it easy to use with some helpful features like the cord wrap and indicator light. While some wish for more spacing between the outlets and a shorter warm-up time, most customers appreciate the product’s efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness, making the Hft 6 Outlet Heavy Duty Power Strip a recommended choice in its category.

Recessed Power Strip with Multi-Protection & USB Outlets

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Recently, I decided to give my workspace a cleaner look by incorporating a recessed power strip with USB. The product was easy to install, and I simply had to cut a hole in my desk and mount the outlet in place. Its 6.56ft extension power cord was long enough to reach the power source hassle-free.

One of the standout features was the multiple protection built into the power strip, including overload, short-circuit, and high-temperature protection. The USB port with built-in smart charging made it efficient and intuitive. It’s clear that the product was designed for convenience, with a compact size that allowed it to blend seamlessly into any counter or workbench. However, its placement slightly limited the output for larger electric appliances. Overall, I’m satisfied with this recessed power strip with USB and would recommend it for anyone looking to declutter and streamline their workspaces.

Hyper Tough 6-Outlet Power Strip with 2.5 ft Cord

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As someone who spends a lot of time at home working, I’ve had my fair share of power strips. Recently, I decided to try out the Hyper Tough 6 Outlets Power Strip, and let me tell you — it has been a game changer!

First of all, the power strip’s switch with built-in circuit breaker is a saving grace. One of my main issues with other power strips is that they often end up causing the cord to fray or damage. But with the Hyper Tough, the added protection ensures I don’t have to worry about it.

The 2.5 ft cord is another highlight. I often find myself needing power in areas that aren’t close enough to an outlet — like my basement or workshop — and this length is perfect for that. Plus, the keyhole slots make it easy to mount and keep the power strip organized.

However, there’s one downside I’ve noticed — the power strip doesn’t exactly blend in with the rest of my decor. But that’s a minor detail compared to how useful this product is.

All in all, the Hyper Tough 6 Outlets Power Strip is a must-have for anyone managing a house full of electronics. Its sturdiness, long cord, and safety measures make it an essential part of my daily life.

6-Outlet Hft Power Strip with Circuit Breaker

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The Hft Brand 6 Outlet Power Strip has been an essential addition to my work space. Its ability to provide power to six different items has been incredibly useful, especially when trying to keep track of all my charging cords. Though it is a bit bulkier than what I’m used to, it has served me well and holds its place in my day-to-day tasks.

One of the standout features of this power strip is its sturdy design. The integrated 15 amp circuit breaker has been reliable in preventing overloading, and the slotted housing lets me mount it either on the wall or on my desk. The fact that it is a low-cost option, while still providing a useful number of outlets, has been an added bonus.

However, there have been times when I wished it had more features. For instance, it could have been beneficial to have a way to plug in a few “wall warts” power converters without obstructing adjacent outlets. It’s a minor complaint in the grand scheme of things, as I understand that it may come at a higher cost.

Overall, I have found great value in the Hft Brand 6 Outlet Power Strip, as it has not only met my basic power needs but has also been reliable and easy to use.

Buyer’s Guide

Welcome to the Buyer’s Guide section for power strips! In this section, we will discuss important features, considerations, and general advice to help you make an informed decision when selecting a power strip for your needs.

What is a Power Strip?

A power strip, also known as a surge protector, is an electrical device that offers multiple outlets for connecting and sharing power among electronic devices. It protects your devices from surges and voltage spikes by regulating the flow of electricity, ensuring your devices operate safely and efficiently.

Important Features to Consider

When choosing a power strip, consider the following features:

  1. Number of outlets, 2) Surge protection capacity, 3) Power rating, and 4) Additional features like built-in USB ports, remote control, or energy-saving modes. Ensure the power strip you choose meets your specific needs in terms of size, number of devices, and desired features.

Choosing the Right Capacity

The surge protection capacity of a power strip is crucial in protecting your devices from power surges. Look for power strips with high Joule ratings, which indicate better surge protection. A higher Joule rating means the power strip can handle more energy before failing. Make sure to select a power strip with a rating that matches the power draw of your connected devices.

Additional Features to Consider

Some power strips come with additional features that can enhance their functionality and convenience. These include built-in USB ports for charging mobile devices, remote control options for turning devices on and off, or energy-saving modes that help reduce energy consumption. Evaluate whether these features are important for your requirements before making a purchase.

FAQ

What is the purpose of a power strip?

A power strip is a device that allows multiple electrical devices to be plugged into a single outlet, thereby enhancing the functionality and flexibility of the outlets in a room. These strips provide surge protection and are useful for organizing cables and preventing overloading of outlets. For example, a power strip can be used to plug in a laptop, printer, and phone charger, all on the same outlet.

Additionally, power strips can be used for energy conservation purposes, as they enable the user to turn off multiple devices with a single switch. This is particularly useful for devices that consume standby power when left on. Power strips are particularly popular for home offices, entertainment centers, and workstations, where several electronics devices are often used simultaneously.

How many outlets should I expect to find on a power strip?

The number of outlets on a power strip can vary significantly, depending on the model and capacity desired. Power strips with fewer outlets are more space-efficient and are suitable for smaller setups with fewer devices. These generally range from 2 to 6 outlets. For more demanding setups, power strips with up to 15 outlets are available.

For even larger configurations, users can opt for power distribution units (PDUs), which are larger, more robust devices that can accommodate dozens or even hundreds of outlets. These are typically used in large commercial or industrial settings, such as datacenters or large office buildings, where there may be hundreds of devices to power.

How do I choose the right power strip for my needs?

Choosing the right power strip depends on several factors, including the number of devices you need to power, the level of surge protection required, and your preferred design features. A basic power strip, with a few outlets and limited surge protection, can be suitable for lighter use in a home office or bedroom setting.

For more demanding setups, such as entertainment centers or workstations, consider a power strip with more outlets and increased surge protection capacity. Look for power strips with a surge protection rating that meets the requirements of your specific devices. Additionally, consider features such as circuit breakers, energy-saving features, or remote switch functionality to optimize the efficiency and performance of your power strip.

What is the difference between a power strip and a surge protector?

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, a surge protector and a power strip are two distinct devices with different functions. A surge protector is designed to protect your devices from damage caused by power surges or spikes in voltage. These can occur during thunderstorms or other electrical disturbances, and can potentially fry your electronics if not properly equipped.

A power strip, on the other hand, is designed to provide additional outlets and flexibility for your devices. Power strips do not typically offer surge protection, although some models may have a basic level of protection. While they do not protect your devices from damage, they do help to prevent overloading your outlets and provide additional convenience when plugging in multiple devices.

What safety features should I look for in a power strip?

When selecting a power strip, look for ones that have important safety features. These include: overload protection, which automatically turns off a power strip when the maximum capacity has been reached; circuit breakers, which can trip when the power strip detects unsafe voltage levels; and grounding mechanisms, which provide a safety path to the ground in case of a fault or malfunction.

Additionally, choose power strips with a UL or ETL certification, as these organizations rigorously test and certify electrical products to ensure their safety and performance. Finally, remember to keep your power strip clear of water, and avoid using it with damaged or frayed cords to prevent potential electrical hazards.

Can I leave my power strip plugged in all the time?

A power strip, like any electronic device, should not be left plugged in all the time. Power strips can still consume power, and leaving them plugged in constantly can lead to increased energy costs and potentially reduce the lifespan of the strip. Additionally, if a power strip malfunctions or has a problem with its internal components, it could potentially cause a fire or other safety hazard.

To prolong the life of your power strip and ensure its safe operation, unplug it when not in use. Consider using smart or energy-efficient power strips, which can automatically turn off outlets when no devices are connected or in use for a specified period of time. These strips can help conserve energy and reduce the risk of electrical issues.

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