Multi-Outlet Power Strips and Rack Strips

Count the amps before you count the outlets

A power strip adds sockets, not capacity. A 15 A strip on a 120 V circuit can supply at most 1800 W, and a continuous load should stay well below that. Add the watts of everything you plan to plug in, and keep the total under the strip's rating, which is printed on its label and often repeated in the listing, such as 1800 W for a 15 A strip.

Plain strips have no surge suppression, only a breaker in most cases, so decide whether you need protection as well. Never chain one strip into another, and keep heaters, kettles and similar high-draw appliances on the wall outlet. Supply voltage matters outside North America: strips labeled 120 V suit standard US outlets, whereas 208 V and 250 V models are for server rooms and other regions.

Cord reach, outlet spacing and mounting

Cords range from 3 feet to 15 feet. Measure the distance to the wall plus the route behind furniture, and pick a length that avoids stretching or daisy-chaining. Check the outlet spacing, because chunky power adapters can block the neighboring sockets, and strips with widely spaced or rotating outlets are friendlier to them. A right-angle plug lets the strip sit flat against a wall.

Mounting varies. A 1U rack strip bolts into a 19-inch rack, a long thin strip can be screwed under a desk or onto a bench, and a 72-inch format suits a wall run. Some listings tagged as strips are actually cables, Ethernet leads or converters, so read the title and the outlet count before ordering.

Questions about Multi-Outlet Power Strips and Rack Strips

Is a power strip the same as a surge protector?

No. A basic strip only adds outlets and usually a breaker. A surge protector adds parts that absorb voltage spikes. Check the listing for a joule rating if you want spike protection.

How many devices can I plug into one strip?

As many as fit, as long as their combined wattage stays below the strip's rating. A 15 A, 1800 W strip handles many small electronics but not several heaters or high-draw tools together.

Why does my strip's breaker keep tripping?

Most often the connected load is too high, or one device is faulty. Unplug everything, reset the breaker and add devices one by one. If it trips with a single device, that device needs attention.