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The modern home now has a variety of electronics and home equipment that all need to be plugged in somewhere. That’s why extension cords and power strips are essential for everyone, whether you live in a house or run a business. Below, we will present you with some great power strips and extension cords to fulfill all your needs.
You also need to know how to stay safe, so you can also learn some valuable tips that can help you keep your home safe while using these devices. Let’s start by going over some of the basics.
The power of a power strip
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The power strip has multiple sockets and a power plug, attaching it to an existing outlet. It can give power to a variety of electrical devices that are in the same room. Saving a lot of space is crucial, and a power strip is a great way to do it! It fits anywhere because of its shape.
Now, we will go over the different variations. Which model is suitable for your needs will depend on several criteria. The first model features several sockets with a switch and is, without a doubt, the most well-known variation.
These come in many sizes and configurations and with customized equipment. The power switch that turns the power distributors on and off is a valuable feature of this model. It’s great for saving a lot of energy because the gadgets must not be constantly on.
There are also beneficial extensions for a power strip, and those are multiple sockets with a USB connection. It enables mobile devices – such as smartphones or tablets – to charge their batteries via a USB charging cable.
Surge protection strips may be a good option if you want to pay more attention to safety. Surge protection is usually used when lightning strikes during a storm. In this case, a high voltage can destroy all devices.
What to consider when buying power strips?
There is a diverse selection of multiple sockets on the market, so you need to follow a few simple rules to avoid unpleasant surprises when shopping for power stips. Here’s what to look out for:
- Select the tape to adjust it to the desired number of devices easily. This way, you won’t need to locate virtual devices to turn them on.
- Some models may have different plug sizes. The power strip must match the device’s existing connectors, and individual sockets are always 45° or 90° apart. If your devices’ plugs are thick, we propose multiple sockets with a 45-degree layout.
- Make sure the power distributor has parental control if possible and is equipped with a test shutter.
With the basics of power strips out of the way, let’s take a look at extension cords.
All about extension cords
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Extension cords are the essential components of any electrical system. There are different types of extension cords available on the market, and only you can decide which ones are right for you.
Several factors influence the selection of specific types of cords for specific purposes.
To choose the right option for you, you must first consider the technical requirements. Copper is a far better conductor of electricity than aluminum, by an impressive 60%. However, an aluminum wire of the same conductivity is twice as light and a good deal cheaper than its copper counterpart.
People also think that their current cord capacity will remain stable forever. However, the capacity of your extension cords will change throughout their lifespan.
Another common myth is that the seemingly thick sheathing makes extension cords resistant to moisture and physical damage. The problem is that the sheath isn’t intended to protect the cable from water or excessive physical damage and should be handled with care.
How to pick an extension cord?
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When choosing extension cords, make sure they are products from reputable manufacturers.
Each electrical device comes with an adequate declaration to see its total power in watts. The type of extension cord you select determines the total energy of the devices.
That way, you will know what type of extension cable you should be looking for.
Conclusion
As we saw in the article, power strips and extension cords come in various forms and options, making an excellent team for resolving space-related issues.
Before buying one of these, make sure you know how many devices you have and where they will be positioned. Then you can choose what is suitable for you. It will help you make better use of your space and save you some money. It will be easy to make the right choice with all the information you now have. Hopefully, this article has helped you obtain a better understanding of power cords and that you can now walk away with greater knowledge of how to choose the one that is best for you.
References:
https://primewirecable.com/blogs/news/good-better-best-which-extension-cord-should-i-buy
https://www.guidingtech.com/best-energy-efficient-power-strips-surge-protection/
https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/not-all-surge-protectors-are-created-equal/
