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Apr 12, 2023

Power Strips: Best Picks for Your Business

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Power strips and surge protectors have become an integral part of our lives, often more so than we realize. Power strips can make all the difference for small businesses, ensuring that all the essential devices are powered up and functioning seamlessly. This guide will take you through the world of power strips, surge protectors, smart power strips, and USB power strips, providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Table of Contents

A power strip, sometimes known as an extension block, is a block of electrical sockets attached to the end of a flexible cable (power cord) that plugs into an electrical receptacle. Power strips offer a practical solution when you need to plug several devices into a single wall outlet. They are typically equipped with a power switch and offer anywhere from two to twelve outlets, making them an ideal choice for running multiple devices simultaneously.

A surge protector power strip, as the name suggests, is a power strip that offers surge protection. Power surges, or sudden spikes in voltage, can potentially damage or destroy electronic devices. The surge protector within these power strips detects such spikes in electricity and redirects the excess energy into the grounding wire, protecting the connected devices.

While all surge protectors are power strips, not all power strips are surge protectors. The primary difference lies in the level of protection they offer. Most surge protectors offer more protection than regular power strips by safeguarding your devices against power surges. They typically have a joule rating, indicating how much energy they can absorb before failing. The higher the joule rating, the more protection the surge protector offers.

Smart power strips are a modern evolution of the traditional power strip. These devices can be controlled remotely using a smart home app, allowing you to switch on or off any device plugged into it. They can also detect when a device is not in use and cut off power, helping conserve energy.

Smart power strips offer numerous benefits. They provide superior control over connected devices, allowing you to manage your devices more efficiently. For small businesses, this could translate to significant energy savings. Furthermore, smart power strips often have surge protection, ensuring your devices are protected from sudden voltage spikes.

USB power strips are a recent addition to the power strip family. They come equipped with USB ports in addition to the traditional electrical outlets. This feature allows you to charge devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops directly, without needing an adapter.

The key advantage of USB power strips lies in their versatility. They provide extra outlets for plugging in regular devices and USB ports for charging smaller electronics. For small businesses with a variety of powered devices, a USB power strip could be an ideal choice.

When selecting a power strip, consider the number of outlets you need, the cord length, whether you need surge protection, and if you would benefit from having USB ports. For businesses with large plugs or oversize plugs, a power strip with ample space between outlets is preferable. Below are our Top Three picks for power strips and surge protectors available on Amazon, as well as 10 more product recommendations.

Top Pick: Designed with the needs of small businesses in mind, the Belkin Circular Surge Protector offers a seamless blend of power and protection. It's not just a power strip, but a comprehensive energy management tool designed to keep your work devices safe while ensuring they’re always ready to perform.

Whether you’re running a meeting, working on a crucial project, or setting up your entertainment center, this surge protector has you covered. Its 1080-Joule energy rating ensures effective surge protection, shielding your computers, peripherals, and other vital equipment from the unpredictability of power surges.

Key Features:

Belkin Circular Surge Protector with USB Ports

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Runner Up: The Kasa Smart Plug is a surge protector that redefines control and convenience for small businesses. This smart power strip is an essential tool for managing your office's energy usage and ensuring the longevity of your equipment, all while providing you with unprecedented control over each connected device.

This power strip offers more than just power outlets; it is a hub for your connected devices. With six smart outlets and three built-in USB ports, you can power multiple devices and charge your electronics simultaneously. But what truly sets this power strip apart is its capacity for individual control over each outlet, allowing you to manage your devices as you see fit.

Key Features:

Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip

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Best Value: The SMALLRT Power Strip Surge Protector is a robust, affordable power solution for multipurpose usage. With 12 AC outlets and 4 USB ports, including 1 USB-C, this power strip tower caters to a variety of devices. It supports a wide voltage range of 110V-250V and features a 10A heavy-duty extension cord rated at 2500W. The design of this power strip is vertical, which proves to be more efficient than traditional horizontal strips, particularly when dealing with large power supplies.

Key Features:

SMALLRT Power Tower Desktop Charging Station

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The One Beat Desktop Power Strip is an essential power companion for small businesses. It's compact, yet mighty, offering the right mix of AC outlets and USB ports to power everything from your computer to mobile devices. Engineered to work with a wide voltage range, it's a perfect fit for offices, home setups, and even for travel purposes including cruise ship cabins.

Key Features:

One Beat Power Strip with 5 ft. Extension Cord

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Featuring six outlets, this surge protector offers ample space to easily accommodate adapter-style plugs, allowing you to connect multiple devices simultaneously. The standout feature is the extra-long 15-foot power cord, providing the flexibility to position the surge protector where it's needed most in your workspace.

Key Features:

Kensington Guardian 6 Outlet Premium Surge Protector

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Designed to work seamlessly with Alexa, this smart power strip provides power to your devices and brings voice control to your home. This is not your traditional power strip – it's an upgrade to a smarter, more convenient lifestyle.

The power strip offers three individually controlled outlets and two always-on USB ports, providing diverse power options for your devices. You can control each outlet individually through voice commands or remotely via the Alexa app, or group devices together for combined control.

Key Features:

Amazon Basics Smart Plug Power Strip

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The Belkin Power Strip Surge Protector provides a comprehensive solution for powering multiple devices. Its compact design accommodates 12 AC outlets, making it a versatile charging station for organizing your workspace. The surge protector also features integrated protection for telephone or fax lines and coaxial cable protection for safeguarding cable box and satellite connections.

Key Features:

Belkin Power Strip Surge Protector

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This pack of 2 Amazon Basics 6-Outlet Surge Protectors can power your business with peace of mind, knowing that your devices are safeguarded from potential power surges.

Key Features:

Amazon Basics 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip – Pack of 2

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The Anker Power Strip Surge Protector is a comprehensive power solution for all your devices. It features 12 AC outlets, 1 USB-C port, and 2 USB-A ports, ensuring you have all the power you need to run your appliances and mobile devices. The device is designed with a 20W USB-C port that can fast charge an iPhone 13 from 0-53% in just 30 minutes. The power strip's safety system includes surge protection, fire resistance, overload protection, temperature control, and more.

Key Features:

Anker Power Strip Surge Protector

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The GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector provides a centralized hub for your electronics. It features a black finish and a 20ft. braided fabric power cord that prevents bends and tangles. The surge protector has a surge protection rating of 840 Joules and includes an integrated circuit breaker with a reset switch and automatic shutdown technology. These features offer ultimate protection from voltage spikes and circuit overloads. The design also includes keyhole slots for easy mounting on a desk, table, or counter.

Key Features:

GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector

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The EIGSO USB Outdoor Power Strip surge protector is a versatile weatherproof outdoor or indoor use solution. It includes 6 waterproof outlets and 3 USB ports, allowing you to charge up to 9 devices simultaneously. The AC outlets provide a rated power of 1875W/15A, while the USB ports each deliver 5A/2.4A/12W, sharing a total of 5A/3A/15W power. This surge protector is IPX6 rated, meaning it can withstand rain, water splashes, and even water flow, although it cannot be fully submerged in water. Importantly, it has electric shockproof outlets that only allow power through when a US standard plug is inserted, enhancing safety.

Key Features:

EIGSO USB Outdoor Power Strip

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The QINLIANF USB Wall Charger and Surge Protector is a multifunctional device designed for convenience and safety. This device features 5 AC outlet splitters that are designed to secure onto a duplex outlet. The design includes wide spaces between each outlet, larger than standard sockets, making it easier for all kinds of equipment. In addition, it has 4 USB charging ports, including a USB-C port, that offer smart charging technology, automatically detecting your devices and delivering optimal charging speed.

Key Features:

QINLIANF USB Surge Protector

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The VINTAR USB Wall Charger and Surge Protector is a multi-function device designed for safety and convenience. This device features 6 AC outlets with wide spacing in between, larger than standard sockets, making it easier to use for various equipment. It also includes 3 USB charging ports, one of which is a USB-C port, offering fast charging capabilities.

Key Features:

VINTAR USB Wall Charger

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While power strips can provide multiple outlets for your devices, most power strips do not inherently offer protection against power surges. However, surge protector power strips are designed specifically to protect your devices from sudden spikes in voltage. It's crucial to check the product's specifications before making a purchase.

The lifespan of a surge protector power strip can vary widely, depending on its joule rating and how often it experiences power surges. When the joule rating is depleted, the surge protector will continue to function as a power strip, but it will no longer offer surge protection. Regularly check the LED indicators, if available, to ensure your surge protector is still providing protection.

The number of devices you can safely plug into a smart power strip depends on its design. Some models offer as many as eight outlets, plus USB ports. However, it's important to avoid overloading the power strip to prevent overheating or potential electrical issues.

Yes, USB power strips are designed to charge multiple devices simultaneously. They typically come with two or more USB ports, enabling you to charge several devices at once. However, always check the total power output of the USB ports to ensure they can handle your devices’ combined energy needs.

Choosing the right power strip depends on your specific needs. Consider how many outlets you need, the type and number of devices you need to power, whether you require surge protection, and if having USB ports would be beneficial. For small businesses, a power strip with surge protection and USB ports is often a versatile choice.

Power strips are no longer just about providing extra outlets. From offering protection against surges to enabling smart control of connected devices and providing USB charging options, power strips have evolved to meet the changing needs of today's businesses. As you determine the best power solution for your small business, remember that the right power strip can offer more than just power delivery. It can provide a level of control and protection that can significantly contribute to your valuable equipment's smooth functioning and longevity.

In a world where most people depend heavily on a multitude of devices, from laptops to printers, having a reliable power strip is a must. Whether you choose a surge protector power strip, a smart power strip, or a USB power strip, make sure it offers the right mix of features to suit your small business needs. From powering your tools to protecting your electronics, the right power strip can truly power your business's future.

Remember, the best seller is not always the best choice for your specific needs. Always consider the specific demands of your equipment and the setup of your work area, whether it's a home office, a storefront, or a sprawling office space. From wall mount designs for easy access to designs with extra-long cords for reaching distant wall outlets, there are power strips to suit every need. So, take your time, do your research, and make a choice that will keep your business powered, protected, and productive for years to come.

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