Online or in-store, you can find surge protectors and power strips if you need additional electrical sockets. Have you ever wondered what the difference between a power strip and a surge protector is? This guide is all about surge protector vs. power strip in detail.
Surge Protector
A surge protector is a device plugged into an outlet and helped protect electrical appliances from being damaged by a surge of power.
You can plug multiple items into surge protectors since they have more than one line and at least two outlets. The number of lines and sockets varies from surge protector to surge protector.The surge protectors cord can reach an outlet in another room, and where it is plugged in, so it’s not just restricted to where it’s plugged in. If a surge protector’s indicator light goes on, you will know if something has happened to your wiring or appliances without going around inspecting each one individually.
Power Strip
A power strip is an extension cord with multiple outlets that can plug in multiple electrical devices without taking up much wall or floor space. You can use them for many purposes, but keep in mind that they are not safe for use as a surge protector.
To ensure that all of your plugs work, it would be best if you were plugged in near an electrical outlet. Due to the short cord, it does not work with extension cords.
Surge Protector vs. Power Strip?
In addition to extra electrical outlets and receptacles, surge protectors and power strips can also be found in stores and online. Nevertheless, do they differ, and how can they be distinguished? Find out the differences between surge protectors and power strips and how to properly decide which one will work best for you.
Surge protectors may look like power strips, but that does not mean all power strips are protectors. One of the main differences is that surge protectors only protect from power surges for electronics. Power strips do not offer any protection despite their popularity as extension cords.
Having a whole house surge breaker installed in your main electrical panel is a better alternative, as it protects all of your circuits from sudden surges of electricity.
The Functionality
There is a difference between the two in terms of functionality. However, power strips provide additional outlets on top of the surge protector, protecting your electrical and electronic devices against possible voltage spikes. Learn more about the importance of a whole house surge protector and why it’s essential to have one in our guide.
Although the two devices might look similar, you’ll be able to tell the difference just by looking at the packaging. Surge protectors are rated in joules, which is a unit of measurement. Surges can damage your appliances severely, and surge protectors absorb the surge, but they can only take in a limited amount of joules. The protection rating indicates how long your appliances will remain safe.
A surge suppressor that displays 2000 joules on its label can take that amount of energy, which could be delivered in one 2000 joules hit or in ten or 15 lower surges.
One of the problems is that you can’t always tell when a surge protector becomes a power strip. In some surge protectors, there is a light that indicates when the reservoir is low, while in others, there is an alarm that indicates when it’s time to replace the device.
On the other hand, power strips have the same appearance as surge protectors but plug into a wall outlet and provide outlets for multiple devices. They do not offer any protection whatsoever.
The Usage
Depending on your needs, you may need to use one or the other depending on their different functions. Surge suppressors are always recommended. However, you might need to use power strips and protectors differently depending on your home’s appliances, electronics, and devices.
If you have multiple electronics close to each other, power strips are an excellent option. There are usually only two sockets per outlet in residential areas, which is usually insufficient. Adding an extra strip can make things much more manageable.
These strips provide several outlets, a circuit breaker, and an on/off switch, so they are an excellent choice for anyone looking to conserve energy. There are some power strips. However, that does not come with a built-in surge protector. Appliances are therefore left vulnerable.
Having multiple appliances nearby makes surge protectors and power strip ideal options. Surge protectors, however, protect your home from voltage surges by housing your phone, TV, or computer cords while protecting from surges.
The Cost
Power strips are relatively affordable when it comes to price. You can buy them for less than $20. In other words, if you are looking for additional electrical sockets, this is an appropriate option.
And surge protectors aren’t expensive either. If you are looking for a way to protect your devices, they are the right choice. The price range is more comprehensive as far as surge suppressors are concerned. There are some products on the market for less than $20, but there are also more expensive options that offer more protection.
There may be a need for commercial surge protectors for large operations with major appliances. It may be more expensive, but they are better suited to protecting your electronics in case of power spikes. Even though you may be looking at a higher investment, remember that it is still less than what you may have to spend on replacing your electronics if power spikes damage them.
Which Is Better, A Surge Protector or A Power Strip?
Power strips and surge protectors supply power to electronic devices, but they differ in meaningful ways. A power strip lets you connect several devices to one outlet simultaneously.
Surge protectors protect you from electricity damage to your electronics. Surge protectors provide power to the device and an extra layer of protection.
Which is better, a power strip or a surge protector? Your needs will determine the answer. You can use a power strip for plugging in multiple devices, but a surge protector is the better choice if you want your devices to be protected from electrical surges and spikes.
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