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All of us spend hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on electronic devices that we use all day, every day. Phones, laptops, TVs, microwave, just to name a few. So spending a fraction of that cost to protect these things should be a no-brainer. That’s where a good power strip comes in.
What Are the Best Power Strips?
Not only will the best power strips provide a convenient and organized place to plug everything in, but the power strip’s built-in surge protection will be your last line of defense against electrical damage. When electrical voltage suddenly swells or spikes, it can be too much for your devices that are plugged directly into the wall to handle, which can result in damage or even fires. A surge protecting power strip steps up and sacrifices itself, suppressing the surge and transferring that power away from your appliances. This is especially crucial during power outages, when your home’s breaker box may not switch off in time.
Though they may look similar, not all power strips are alike. Some offer spacing for extra bulky AC plugs, others have USB and ethernet ports along with the standard outlets. Most importantly though, is how much they can handle. A “joule” is the standard unit of measurement used in electronics, and different strips can only handle varying joule amounts.
It’s extremely important to take into consideration what you’ll be using your power strip for, and if it’s up to the job you need it to do. Smaller devices, like phone chargers or lamps, work well with a low joule count – about 200 and up. If you’re plugging in your entire battle station with a computer, two monitors, fish tank and a mini-fridge, your best bet is a bigger strip that can handle up to 2100.
No matter your needs, these four picks will effortlessly protect your electronics in every room of your house, giving you a space to plug in your devices and keep them protected.
