403:
302:(earthed), so there will be a live (hot) wire, a neutral wire, and a ground wire. Low-cost power strips often come with only one MOV mounted between the live and neutral wires. More complete (and desirable) power strips will have three MOVs, connected between each possible pair of wires. Since MOVs degrade somewhat each time they are triggered, power strips using them have a limited, and unpredictable, protective life. Some power strips have "protection status" lights which are designed to turn off if protective MOVs connected to the live wire have failed, but such simple circuits cannot detect all failure modes (such as failure of a MOV connected between neutral and ground).
373:
423:
are). Therefore, in many cases the only protection against overload is the branch circuit fuse which may well have a rating higher than the adapter. The weight of the plugs pulling on the adapter (and often pulling it part way out of the socket) can also be a problem if adapters are stacked or if they are used with brick-style power supplies. Such adapters, while still available, have largely fallen out of use in some countries (although two- and three-way adapters are still common in the US, UK, and
Ireland).
477:
502:
337:" (in a series, with each power strip plugged into a previous one in the chain) does not necessarily increase the protection they provide. Connecting them in this manner effectively connects their surge protection components in parallel, in theory spreading any potential surge across each surge protector. However, due to manufacturing variations between the MOVs, the surge energy will not be spread evenly, and will typically go through the one that triggers first.
20:
99:
440:
198:
536:
326:
485:
Statutory
Instrument 1994 No. 1768, The Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994. This regulation lists the requirements for all domestic plugs and sockets; including socket outlet units (power strips), see Electrical Equipment - Requirements for Plugs & Sockets etc. - Guidance notes on the UK Plugs & Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/1768).
237:
91:
489:
independent approval under the regulations. Any plug fitted to the socket outlet unit must comply with the requirements of BS 1363-1 Specification for rewirable and non-rewirable 13A fused plugs. Plugs must also be independently approved and marked in accordance with the requirements of the regulation.
422:
Power strips are generally considered a safer alternative to “double adapters”, “two-way plugs”, “three-way plugs”, or “cube taps” which plug directly into the socket with no lead for multiple appliances. These low-cost adapters are generally not fused (although more modern ones in the UK and
Ireland
205:
In some countries where multiple socket types are in use, a single power strip can have two or more kinds of sockets. Socket arrangement varies considerably, but for physical access reasons there are rarely more than two rows. In Europe, power strips without surge suppression are normally single row,
156:
Some power strips have energy-saving features, which switch off the strip if appliances go into standby mode. Using a sensor circuit, they detect if the level of power through the socket is in standby mode (less than 30 watts), and if so they will turn off that socket. This reduces the consumption of
165:
However, there can be problems detecting standby power in appliances that use more power in standby mode (such as plasma televisions) as they will always appear to the power strip to be switched on. When using a master–slave power strip, one way to avoid such problems is to plug an appliance with a
509:
Outlet multipliers with the same purpose as power strips go back at least to the early 20s. However, these were usually not in a long "strip" like in modern devices. Examples of power strips exist in the U.S. patent system dating back as far as 1929, starting with the creation of Carl M. Peterson's
488:
The regulation requires all socket outlet units to comply with the requirements of BS 1363-2 Specification for 13A switched and unswitched socket-outlets and with the requirements of BS 5733 Specification for
General requirements for electrical accessories. Sockets and socket outlets do not require
169:
A different power strip design intended to save energy uses a passive infrared (PIR) or ultrasonic sound detector to determine if a person is nearby. If the sensors don't detect any motion for a preset period of time, the strip shuts off several outlets, while leaving one outlet on for devices that
353:
Where the current rating of the socket outlet, plug and lead of the power strip is equal to the rating of the circuit breaker supplying the circuit concerned, additional overload protection for the power strip is unnecessary, since the existing circuit breaker will provide the required protection.
380:
In
Australia and New Zealand the rating for a standard socket outlet is 10 Amperes but these outlets are provided on circuits usually protected by circuit breakers of 16 or 20 A capacity. Also, it is possible to insert an Australian/NZ 10 A plug into socket outlets rated at up to 32 A. Hence, all
312:
More-elaborate power strips may use inductor-capacitor networks to achieve a similar effect of protecting equipment from high voltage spikes on the mains circuit. These more-expensive arrangements are much less prone to silent degradation than MOVs, and often have monitoring lights that indicate
221:
at its end may cover up multiple sockets. Various designs address this problem, some by simply increasing the spacing between outlets. Other designs include receptacles which rotate in their housing, or multiple short receptacle cords feeding from a central hub. A simple DIY method for adapting
316:
In the
European Union, power strips with surge suppression circuits can demonstrate compliance with the (LVD) Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC by complying with the requirements of EN 61643-11:2002+A1. The standard covers both the performance of the surge suppression circuit and their safety.
484:
In Europe, plugs and sockets without additional control or surge protection circuits are outside the scope of the Low
Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC and controlled by National regulations, and therefore must not be CE marked. In the UK the legal requirements for plugs and sockets are listed in
492:
If a socket outlet unit contains additional control circuits or surge protection circuits they will fall within the scope of the Low
Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC and must be CE marked. Socket outlet units with control circuits also fall within the scope of the EMC Directive 2004/108/EC.
161:
used by computer peripherals and other equipment when not in use, saving money and energy Some more-sophisticated power strips have a master and slave socket arrangement, and when the "master" socket detects standby mode in the attached appliance's current it turns off the whole strip.
110:
to turn all devices on and off. This can be used with simple devices, such as lights, but not with most computers, which must use shutdown commands from the software first. Computers may have open files, which may be damaged if the power is simply turned off.
410:
Electrical overloading can be a problem with any sort of power distribution adapter. This is especially likely if multiple high-power appliances are used, such as those with heating elements, like room heaters or electric frying pans. Power strips may have a
458:
1.1 These requirements cover cord-connected, relocatable power taps rated 250 V AC or less and 20 A AC or less. A relocatable power tap is intended only for indoor use as a temporary extension of a grounding alternating-current branch circuit for general
430:
to occur. This generally doesn't pose much of a risk in a non-explosive atmosphere, but explosive atmospheres (for example, near a gasoline refueling station or a solvent cleaning facility) require specialized explosion-proof sealed electrical equipment.
354:
However, where the rating of a socket outlet (and, hence, the plug and lead of the power strip) is less than the rating of the circuit breaker supplying the circuit concerned, overload protection for the power strip and its supply cable is necessary.
309:(UPS), which typically sees an overload condition while the surge is being suppressed. Therefore, it is recommended not to connect a surge-protected power strip to a UPS, but instead to rely solely on surge protection provided by the UPS itself.
181:
be plugged into a slave socket on such a strip as it can damage them if they are switched off incorrectly (for example the inkjet printer may not have capped the print head in time, and consequently the ink will dry and clog the print head.)
147:
indicator light or one per output socket to show when power is on. Better-quality surge-protected strips have additional lights to indicate the status of the surge protection system, however these are not always reliable as an indicator.
340:
Daisy chaining of power strips (known in building and electric codes as multi-plug adapters or relocatable power taps), whether surge protected or not, is specifically against most codes. As an example, the
International Code Council's
381:
power strips sold in
Australia and New Zealand with three or more 10A socket outlets are required to have overload protection so that if the total current drawn exceeds 10 A the inbuilt circuit breaker will operate and disconnect
286:
across their terminals. By design, MOV surge limiters are selected to trigger at a voltage somewhat above the local mains supply voltage, so that they do not clip normal voltage peaks, but clip abnormal higher voltages. In the
365:
legislation requires that plug-in domestic electrical goods must be provided with plugs to BS 1363, which include a fuse rated at not more than 13 A. Hence, in the UK and in other countries using
50:
on the other end), allowing multiple electrical devices to be powered from a single electrical socket. Power strips are often used when many electrical devices are in proximity, such as for
402:
520:
One early iteration, called a "power board", was invented in 1972 by Australian electrical engineer Peter Talbot working under Frank Bannigan, managing director of Australian company
388:
On some power strips, the red, lighted rocker switch actually controls a thermal circuit breaker which flips to off when tripped. Resetting is done by flipping the switch back on.
1172:
366:
358:
121:" strips can detect one "master" device being turned off (such as the PC itself in a computer setup, or a TV in a home theatre) and turn everything else on or off accordingly.
222:
problematic power strips arrangements to large "wall warts" is to use a three-way socket adapter to extend the socket above its neighbors, providing the required clearance.
385:
connected devices. These power strips have a reset button for the circuit breaker, which is used to return the strip to service after an overload has caused it to trip.
963:
185:
Within Europe, power strips with energy-saving features are within the scope of the Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC and the EMC Directive 2004/108/EC and require a
317:
Likewise, power strips with telecoms surge suppression circuits can demonstrate compliance with the LVD by complying with the requirements of EN 61643-21:2001.
170:
should not be powered off. These so-called "smart power strips" are intended to be installed in offices, to shut down equipment when the office is unoccupied.
369:, this fused plug provides overload protection for any power strip. The fuse must be replaced if the power strip is overloaded, causing the fuse to operate.
131:, to allow computer systems or other devices to be remotely restarted, often over the Internet (although this leaves them vulnerable to outside attacks).
1019:
267:
cable coax, or network cable. Unprotected power strips are often mistakenly called "surge suppressors" or "surge protectors" even though they may have
78:
in case of an overload or a short circuit. Some power strips provide protection against electrical power surges. Typical housing styles include strip,
804:
334:
243:
surge protected power strip (this model is unlikely to incorporate an inductor-capacitor network, due to lack of internal physical space)
51:
1190:
524:. The product was hugely successful, however, it was not patented and market share was eventually lost to other manufacturers.
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and sockets are rated at 13 A but are provided on circuits protected by circuit breakers of up to 32 A. However, UK
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in 605.4.2 states, "Relocatable power taps shall be directly connected to permanently installed receptacles."
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lower standby wattage (such as a DVD player) into the master socket, using it as the master control instead.
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integrated to prevent overload. In the UK, power strips are required to be protected by the fuse in the
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778:
299:
174:
362:
291:, this is (nominally) 120 VAC. It should be borne in mind that this voltage specification is
42:
and many other variations) is a block of electrical sockets that attaches to the end of a flexible
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808:
517:, which filed two patents in 1970 for designs that were close to designs used in the modern day.
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1013:
329:
North American surge suppressor power strip with separate protection status indicator lights
206:
but models with surge suppression are supplied both in single and double row configurations.
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The surge-induced triggering of MOVs can cause damage to an upstream device, such as an
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510:"Table Tap". Another early example was created by Allied Electric Products in 1950.
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Perhaps the first modern designs for the power strip were created by the U.S. firm
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When plugging a device into a power strip, a buildup of carbon or dust can cause
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23:
A North American power strip with two USB power ports that includes a built in
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Australian/NZ 10 A, 6 Outlet Power Board, with resettable overload protection
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964:"Plugs and Sockets etc (Safety) Regulations 1994, SI 1994 No. 1768 - BERR"
755:
521:
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67:
59:
897:"Museum of Plugs and Sockets: Australasian heavy duty plugs and sockets"
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283:
282:. These act as very high speed switches, momentarily limiting the peak
186:
240:
107:
295:, not peak, and also that it is only a nominal (approximate) value.
90:
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475:
455:. Included in the scope section of the standard is the statement:
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Surge suppression is usually provided by one or more metal-oxide
467:
recognizes power strip as Multioutlet Assembly in Article 380.
144:
505:
Australian / New Zealand power board with individual switches
419:
plug. Some also feature a 13A BS1362 fuse in the socket end.
209:
If sockets on a power strip are grouped closely together, a
830:"APC Knowledgebase - using surge strips with UPS devices"
722:""Smart" Power Strips: Helping to Stop Idle Current Now!"
173:
It is recommended that appliances that need a controlled
915:"C1005B-Series Combination Thermal Protector and Switch"
263:. Some also provide surge suppression for phone lines,
201:
Italian power strip with two different types of socket
114:
Some power strips have individually switched outlets.
313:
whether the protective circuitry is still connected.
748:"BITS Energy Saving Smart Strip Surge Protectors"
102:German master-slave remote controlled power strip
456:
298:Mains electrical power circuits are generally
832:. Jpaa-en.apc.com. 2010-07-13. Archived from
8:
333:Connecting MOV-protected power strips in a "
278:(MOVs), which are inexpensive two-terminal
255:filters: these are sometimes described as
807:. Noprobo.com. 2008-12-24. Archived from
779:"Are Smart Power Strips Worth the Money?"
177:sequence (such as many ink-jet printers)
94:Illuminated power switch on a power strip
855:"Official Journal of the European Union"
451:standard 1363 contains requirements for
152:Energy-saving features and standby power
805:"Power Adapter Outlet Liberator Method"
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586:
480:British power strip with neon indicator
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1144:
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1018:: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (
1011:
406:Multiple power strips and AC adapters
7:
343:International Fire Code 2009 Edition
82:, under-monitor and direct plug-in.
321:Daisy chaining and surge protection
106:Some power strips include a master
785:. Verde Sustainable Solutions, L3C
14:
951:15 amp resettable circuit breaker
777:Morris, Tyler (6 February 2018).
700:"Dan's Data - Power Conditioning"
534:
247:Many power strips have built-in
1139:"Multiple electric outlet unit"
783:Verde Energy Efficiency Experts
70:. Power strips often include a
1104:"Multiple electric outlet bar"
754:. Bits Limited. Archived from
226:Surge protection and filtering
1:
933:"TRIPP-LITE TLP404 datasheet"
269:no ability to suppress surges
1175:, 17 Sep 2012, IP Australia.
307:uninterruptible power supply
261:electrical line conditioners
1217:
702:. Dansdata.com. 2011-12-03
686:"Power Strip Buying Guide"
550:AC power plugs and sockets
443:US power strip with switch
395:
229:
449:Underwriters Laboratories
139:Many power strips have a
878:. 0051d9e.netsolhost.com
570:Remote power boot switch
465:National Electrical Code
901:www.plugsocketmuseum.nl
876:"Surge Protection FAQs"
565:Power distribution unit
1191:Mains power connectors
1154:Cite journal requires
1119:Cite journal requires
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1196:Australian inventions
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472:EU and UK regulations
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398:Domestic power safety
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125:Remote control strips
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62:systems, appliances,
22:
1069:"Extension cord tap"
940:assets.tripplite.com
357:In the UK, standard
16:Electrical component
1201:Energy conservation
919:www.carlingtech.com
363:Consumer Protection
349:Overload protection
1173:"Powerful patents"
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193:Socket arrangement
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74:to interrupt the
34:(also known as a
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857:. Ec.europa.eu
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758:on 4 June 2013
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728:. MNN HOLDINGS
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1141:. 1969-04-16.
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1106:. 1969-04-16.
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756:the original
752:Bits Limited
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184:
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164:
155:
138:
129:data centers
127:are used in
123:
119:Master/slave
116:
113:
105:
39:
36:multi-socket
35:
31:
29:
1034:"Table tap"
335:daisy chain
219:transformer
64:power tools
40:power board
32:power strip
1185:Categories
1005:2009-06-28
974:2009-06-28
882:2012-03-09
861:2012-03-09
840:2012-03-09
815:2012-03-09
726:Treehugger
706:2012-03-09
673:References
663:polysocket
655:super plug
611:pivot plug
607:plug board
560:Power cord
135:Indication
80:rack-mount
48:mains plug
643:multi-box
639:multigang
635:multiplug
603:power bar
276:varistors
215:wall wart
1014:cite web
647:multibox
623:plug bar
528:See also
522:Kambrook
428:sparking
300:grounded
175:shutdown
68:lighting
60:computer
762:14 June
732:14 June
497:History
417:BS 1363
284:voltage
253:EMI/RFI
187:CE mark
86:Control
945:4 July
789:Feb 6,
515:Fedtro
392:Safety
241:Schuko
108:switch
66:, and
999:(PDF)
992:(PDF)
936:(PDF)
593:Also
581:Notes
211:cable
56:video
52:audio
44:cable
1160:help
1125:help
1090:help
1055:help
1020:link
947:2023
791:2018
764:2013
734:2013
459:use.
141:neon
653:,
383:all
293:RMS
259:or
251:or
179:not
145:LED
143:or
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289:US
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