Contents
– Electrical power strip: definition and type
– Electrical power strip: for what use?
– Models and options of power strips
– Where to find a power strip?
– Price of a power strip
A power strip is a mobile electrical device that allows you to connect several electrical appliances to a single outlet. Power strips are indispensable at home, office, and workshops. Let’s see more below…
Electrical power strip: definition and type
A power strip comprises a block of sockets with a variable number and an electrical wire of a length between 0.80 cm and 3 meters. Depending on the power strip configuration, it can have two, three, or five electrical outlets.
There are three types of power strips:
– Electrical power strips with 2 P + T sockets, i.e., 2 poles + earth, which means that the power strip accepts appliances that need to be connected to the earth. The wire section is 1.5 mm.
– Power strips with 2 P sockets, i.e., 2 poles, which means that the power strip accepts low-power devices (clock radio, bedside lamp, telephone, demodulator, etc.). The cross-section of the wires is 0.75 mm, and the protection is 6 A.
– Mixed power strips with 2 P + T sockets and 2 P sockets, i.e. 2 poles + earth and 2 poles. This type of block accommodates low and high power appliances, and the cross-section of the wires is 1.5 mm for grounded outlets and 0.75 mm for the others.
Please note: you must connect grounded power strips to an electrical outlet with the same protection type. The protection is 10/16 Amps.
Electrical power strips: what are they used for?
Power strips are handy at home, workshop, and outdoors. Depending on their use, electrical outlets have specific characteristics:
– At home, electrical power strips can be lightning arresters and provide additional protection downstream of the electrical panel to the equipment connected to it.
– In the workshop, power strips are protected from shocks by better plastic or rubber protection on the plugs and the block.
– For outdoor use, power strips are made of a waterproof monoblock with an IP44 rating.
Good to know: power strips generally allow a maximum of 8 electrical equipment to be connected (top-of-the-range power strips allow 10 appliances to be connected).
Models and options for power strips
Power strips come in different models depending on their use and type and may have
– a lightning protection/overvoltage protection to protect the appliances;
– a switch for intelligent management of electrical equipment;
– various shapes adapted to different configurations;
– one or more USB plugs;
– an operating indicator light;
– a varied cable length;
– a variable number of outlets.
Please note: power strips are also available in models without cables, in which case the number of outlets is limited. This type of power strip is commonly called a power strip.
Where to find a power strip?
Electrical power strips are readily available and distributed by
– large DIY stores and establishments dedicated to home improvement;
– specialized electrical stores;
– large retail stores in the electrical department;
– hardware stores and local bazaars;
– on the Internet via marketplaces and online stores dedicated to DIY.
Price of a power strip
The prices of power strips are homogeneous from one distributor to another. The price varies according to the type, its use, and the model. Count on approximately :
– $5 for a first price 5-socket power strip with switch;
– $10 for a waterproof power strip with 4 outlets;
– $20 for a 6 outlet power strip with a switch.