Too few outlets and a tangle of cables behind your desk or media console. Sound familiar? It's a common problem in homes and offices. A good power strip is more than just an extension cord; it's the foundation for a safe, organised, and efficient power supply for all your devices.
As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I'm here to help you make the right choices. In this article, we'll look at the key specifications and present some practical options for various situations, without the unnecessary marketing jargon.
Before you make a choice, it's helpful to know which features truly matter. Here are three key points to consider.
Safety comes first. A crucial feature is surge protection, which shields your valuable electronics from voltage spikes, such as those caused by a nearby lightning strike. Also, pay attention to the maximum load capacity, expressed in Watts (W) or Amps (A). For most household applications, a power strip with a maximum load of 3680W (16A) is standard. Child safety shutters on the outlets are an important extra for families.
The days when a power strip only had outlets are long gone. A power strip with USB is almost indispensable today. For fast-charging modern smartphones, tablets, or laptops, a USB-C power strip with Power Delivery (PD) is a smart choice. Another useful feature is a power strip with a switch. This allows you to turn off all connected devices at once to prevent standby power consumption. Some models even have individual switches for each outlet for maximum control.
The shape and cable length determine where and how you can use the power strip. A standard strip is fine for behind the TV. A desk power strip with a clamp can be attached directly to your tabletop, ensuring a tidy workspace. For longer distances in a workshop, garage, or during a DIY project, a cable reel or an extra-long extension cable is the most suitable solution.
Based on the criteria above, we have selected several popular choices that cater to different needs.
Why it stands out This model from Dewenwils combines a large number of outlets with the flexibility of individual switches and an extra-long cable. The 90-degree rotated outlets provide space for larger adapters without blocking adjacent ports.
Pros
Who is it for? Ideal for users with an extensive home office or entertainment setup. The individual switches are perfect for preventing standby power consumption from devices like printers, speakers, or game consoles, while the long cable offers placement flexibility.
Why it stands out When a standard extension cord isn't enough, this cable reel from Aigostar offers a solution. With a 25-metre cable length, you can effortlessly cover long distances within a room.
Pros
Who is it for? This is a practical choice for DIY enthusiasts, professionals in a workshop, or for situations where temporary power is needed over a greater distance. Please note: the manufacturer specifies this product for indoor use only.
Why it stands out This desk power strip from Neomounts is designed for a clean and modern desk. The smart clamp mount and the combination of hidden outlets with easily accessible USB ports make this a highly functional solution.
Pros
Who is it for? Perfect for professionals and remote workers who want a minimalist and organised workspace. The fast USB-C ports are ideal for directly charging the latest smartphones, tablets, and other compatible devices without separate adapters.
The products mentioned above are intended for general home and office use. For more heavy-duty applications or specific industrial environments, a standard power strip may not be sufficient.
Check out our range of industrial plugs and sockets for more robust solutions designed for demanding conditions.
A regular power strip only distributes power. A model with surge protection has a built-in circuit that detects and diverts sudden, short voltage spikes. This protects the sensitive electronics of connected devices, such as computers and televisions, from damage.
This depends not on the number of devices, but on their total power consumption (wattage). Most power strips in the Netherlands are rated for a maximum load of 3680 Watts. Add up the wattage of all the devices you want to connect. As long as the total remains below 3680W, it is safe. Avoid plugging high-consumption appliances like electric heaters or washing machines into a standard power strip.
Generally, yes, provided the USB-C port supports a fast-charging protocol like Power Delivery (PD). A power strip with USB-C PD can deliver much higher power (e.g., 20W or more) than a standard USB-A port (typically 5W to 12W). This allows compatible devices, such as modern smartphones and laptops, to be charged significantly faster. Always check the port's specifications.