The 1980s brought us the computer age and also ushered in the power strip. Most people had a desktop computer, a monitor, and maybe a printer—but add to those external drives, scanners, wireless routers, and other peripheral devices, and those two standard outlets most of us had were simply overwhelmed. Now we have laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other wireless Bluetooth devices, all connected to a power strip.
Today, power strips often incorporate USB ports and surge protection. We’ve tested and vetted through our research a range to determine which are the best. But first, some buying advice.
You are watching: The 11 Best Power Strips and Surge Protectors to Keep Your Devices Going
The Best Power Strips
- Best Overall: APC Surge Protector Power Strip
- Best Value: Belkin Power Strip Surge Protector
- Best for Remote Work: Tessan Flat Plug Extension Cord
- Best Surge Protection: Amazon Basics 8-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector
- Best for Under a Desk: BESTEK 8-Outlet 6-Foot Extension Cord Power Strip
What to Consider
Surge Protection
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The proliferation of wireless handheld devices that charge at lower voltages makes surge protection more important than ever. What most people don’t realize about surge protectors is that they wear out over time. With every voltage fluctuation they absorb, their lifespan is shortened. So, to be sure you’re getting the most protection you can, it’s a good idea to replace them every two to three years.
Power surges can occur for a number of reasons. People tend to worry most about lightning strikes, which can find their way to electrical wires and cause power spikes in the millions of volts. Most surge protectors can’t handle anything this large, so don’t rely on them during lightning storms—the best way to protect from this type of surge is to unplug your sensitive electronic equipment. More commonly, power surges are caused during storms when power lines are downed. When the power company’s transformers and complex switching systems try to reroute power or address changing demands, it can create inconsistent power flow with dips and bursts. The other common cause for surges occurs within your own home. Air conditioners, compressors, and electric ranges require a large amount of power, particularly when they start up. However, their need drops off quickly once they’re running, which can cause surges elsewhere in the house’s wiring. The amount of protection surge protectors provide is measured in joules. A joule is a unit of energy required to do a certain amount of work. One joule is about the amount of electricity used to light a one-watt LED for one second. To adequately protect an average home entertainment system or computers and related equipment, look for surge protectors rated in thousands of joules. Always check with the manufacturer, they usually provide examples on the packaging of what a certain model can protect.
Port and Outlet Selection
Using the surge protector as a power hub for your home office? The amount of ports and outlets readily accessible is important to consider. Since you’re probably plugging in multiple devices, like a desktop monitor and a laptop charger, a power strip can prevent overloading your wall outlet while still providing ample energy and protection for your tech. Among the power strips here, the most outlets you’ll find are 12 (anything more feels like overkill). And the models may include up to four USB ports.
USB Options
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While USB-A is still the most commonly used USB type and likely the first that comes to mind, USB-C is slowly becoming the standard because it has faster data transfer and charging speeds than USB-A. Plus, USB-C plugs are symmetrical, so they don’t have to be oriented one specific way to fit. This can alleviate some of that poking around you’ve probably had to do from time to time when trying to connect a USB-A cable. Many modern devices have the capability to connect via USB-C. Still, the adoption has been gradual, so it doesn’t hurt to consider a power strip with a USB-A port or two just in case.
How We Selected
We’ve tested several power strips on this list. We researched the market, surveyed user reviews, spoke with product managers and engineers, and used our own experience with them to determine the best options. We plugged power strips in and tested them in kitchens, family rooms, workshops, and offices. We evaluated them based on ease of use, features, and how they performed in various situations.
For any power strips that we haven’t gotten hands on, we carefully selected them based on our knowledge and context from previous testing, as well as their designs, versatility, capabilities, and customer experiences.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens
