15 Important Safety Tips For Outlet Strips

Falconer Electronics
2 min readJan 24, 2024

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Safety for Outlet Strips

Outlet strips have many different uses in everyday life. They have many safety features as well. These features keep everyone safe. Extension cord, power strip or surge protector devices provide temporary power to electrical devices. Especially those that need to be used in areas not located near a wall outlet. Therefore, these are a temporary fix. They shouldn’t be in use for more than 90 days in a single spot.

Most light duty extension cords have a rating for a maximum of 10 amps or 1200 watts. Whereas most strip cord, power strip, and surge protectors have a 15 amps (1875 watts) rating. All Outlet strips contain surge protectors. A surge protector is a device who’s purpose is to protect electrical devices. This protection is from voltage spikes. Also a surge protector attempts to limit the voltage supplied to an electric device. This is done by either blocking or shorting to ground any unwanted voltages above a safe limit. In conclusion, all outlet strips also include an on/off switch and are made to be as safe as possible.

15 Important Safety Tips

  1. The total watts should not exceed the rated capacity of the extension cord. This is also true for power strips as well as power tap or surge protectors.
  2. Power cords are designed for computers as well as audio and video equipment. They are also for use with musical instruments and home movie lighting. They are also designed for home workshops and laboratory equipment.
  3. Ensure that you purchase power strips with an internal circuit breaker.
  4. Use power strips sparingly.
  5. Look for Outlet strips that are UL or ETL Certified.
  6. Do not knot or twist the cord.
  7. High voltage items can cause an overload to outlet strips. Objects such as refrigerators, microwaves or space heaters.
  8. Do not locate a surge protector in a moist or wet environment.
  9. Also, don’t locate a power strip in any area where carpet, furniture, or any other item will cover it. These items will limit or prevent air circulation.
  10. Never use a cord that feels hot.
  11. Additionally, do not use a cord that is showing signs of damage in any way.
  12. Never nail, staple, or tape power cords. This includes to desks, walls, ceilings, or another object.
  13. Furthermore, use exterior rated cords for outside use.
  14. Also do not use indoor extension cords outdoors.
  15. Do not extend extension cords by plugging into another. Overloading can occur when multiple devices are plugged into one cord.

Wrapping Up

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Want to learn more about ETL and UL? Check out these blogs:

For additional information on Wire Harness Manufacturing, please check out these helpful links below:

Finally, for more information on Ground Straps, please click these helpful links:

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Falconer Electronics
Falconer Electronics

Written by Falconer Electronics

Making Great Products in the U.S. to Electrify Our Customers: Wire Harnesses, Ground Straps & Commercial Power Strips