What’s the Difference Between a Power Strip and a Surge Protector?
In the modern household, there are a variety of different devices that need the power to function. From computers and TVs to coffeemakers and space heaters, many gadgets plug into an outlet. But what do you need? What’s the difference between a power strip and a surge protector? Read on for more information about these two items. We will discuss everything from how they work to which one is best for your needs. Whether you have been confused by these terms or just want some additional information, this article has it all!
What is a Power Strip?
A power strip is a device that provides multiple outlets for you to plug in your devices. It doesn’t offer any protection against surges or other electrical problems, but it does give you the ability to add more plugs without having to deal with an overcrowded wall socket. The typical power strips have two or three vertical sockets and usually come with one extension cord. This allows users to get creative about how they organize their plugs by alternating between horizontal and vertical outlets as needed.
What is a Surge Protector?
Surge protectors are often confused for power strips because they both provide extra outlets on your wall outlet. However, some key differences make them different products: A surge protector protects from sudden surges in power, such as an electrical storm. A surge protector will typically have three prongs and a switch to turn it on or off.
Key Difference Between a Power Strip and a Surge Protector
There are some key differences worth noting between the two. In their most basic form, both devices work by diverting excess electricity around your electronics during an outage so that they don’t do any harm. The main difference is in how this diversion takes place – with a power strip; you need to plug all of your electronics into it one at a time (or use multiple plugs), while with a surge protector, each outlet can be used independently for different items without anyone else being affected if someone unplugs something on accident. Additionally, when using a power strip instead of a surge protector, you can’t plug in any new electronics that need protection.
Also, power strips do not offer protection against surges or other electrical problems; they just give users more outlets without overcrowding their wall sockets. A power strip is essentially just a long extension cord, while surge protectors will offer protection against any excess voltage and can be plugged in anywhere on the circuit without interfering with other sockets or outlets. The difference between these two components is partly what sets them apart, as well as their price tag and how you intend to use them around electronic equipment, so be sure to take this information carefully when shopping!
How to protect your electronics with a power strip or surge protector?
A power strip or surge protector is an appliance that has one or more of the following features: (a) it lets you plug in many electrical devices to outlets without taking up so much space, and includes a switch for turning devices on and off; (b) it provides physical protection against electric surges from lightning strikes, power grid malfunctions, and other damaging events by blocking these voltage spikes.
Which one do I need?
If money isn’t an issue, we recommend investing in both- because it can never hurt to have too much protection when living through storms or remembering that people are always on their phones these days! But realistically, most people would only need either one of them. If your budget is tight, then pick whichever looks best to go with your needs!
Are there benefits to using both types of devices?
Yes! One benefit would be that it offers more options for charging stations throughout your house, so you won’t have to worry about running out of plugs when everyone wants their phones charged at once. A power strip will allow you to plug in multiple devices at once, but they don’t provide the same protection as a surge protector. A surge protector is more expensive and takes up more space, though, so if you’re looking for something cheap and compact, then a power strip might be what’s right for you.
But If you’re looking for an easy way to safeguard your electronics against power surges and other electrical problems, a surge protector is an answer. These devices are designed with safety features like circuit breakers and can be installed quickly in any home or office environment without additional wiring. For more information on how they work or if you have questions about what kind of protection might best suit your needs, feel free to contact us today!
How to Pick the Best Surge Protector for You
There are many different things to take into consideration when picking out your surge protectors, and what matters most will depend on how much money you want to spend as well as how often or strenuous an environment they’ll be running in. For example, suppose you’re looking for something more long-term than a power strip because it’s going into a heavily trafficked fridge or server room with multiple pieces of expensive equipment plugged in at all times. In that case, the price tag might not matter so much, but energy efficiency would play an important part instead.
Surge protectors are available in different levels of protection: light, medium, heavy and industrial grade. The higher level of protection they provide from blackouts/surges will cost more money (light=least expensive). An inexpensive option is usually best for less intensive environments, such as in a home office or entertainment space with only one computer and phone plugged into it.
Electrical Installation in Chattanooga
Foster Electric is Chattanooga’s top choice for power strip installation and surge protector installation. All of our technicians are NECA certified, so you know that your electrical system is in the right hands with Foster Electric! We service residential homes as well as commercial buildings, now offering electrical protection services on request.
If you would like to learn more about what we can offer, please reach out to us today at (404) 855-4797 or visit our website: chattanoogaelectrician.net.
