Before buying a power strip, you should first consider which devices will be connected to it. Do they have a regular plug? Or do they get their power from a USB connection? Only when these questions have been clarified can it be decided how large the power strip should be. The distance to the nearest wall socket should also be clarified. Because nothing is more annoying than when you want to connect a newly purchased socket strip and then the cable is a few centimeters too short.
The design of the power strip could be decisive for the purchase. While some power strips are on the floor, others can be mounted on the wall.
Safety plays a very important role when choosing the power strip. Because especially when many devices are connected here, a lot of energy flows. Before the power strip is overloaded, which in the worst case could lead to a fire, the maximum power should be checked. This is often 3,500 W and 16A. Information about this is usually on the back of the bar.
In order to protect the connected devices, for example in the event of a lightning strike, it is important that the power strip also has overvoltage protection. This prevents excess energy from being routed to the devices and potentially damaging them. Sometimes a device protection insurance is included in the purchase price of the power strip, the coverage amount of which can vary.
Speaking of security: When choosing the right power strip, it is also important where it is to be installed. Socket strips that are used in bathrooms and kitchens should at least have a splash guard. Most of the time in the living room, this isn’t necessary unless the power strip is near a spot where houseplants are watered regularly.
The last safety criterion is child safety. These are often small plastic discs that seal the openings in the socket strips in such a way that a plug can get in, but little children’s fingers can’t get in.
Once all these points have been clarified, the issue of convenience could also play a role. Because especially when the power strip is difficult to access, it is a blessing if it can be controlled via remote control or app. Some power strips are even so convenient that individual devices can be switched on and off remotely.