It seems that there aren’t enough outlets and electronic devices never come with a sufficient cord which is why extension cords and surge protectors can be useful. Are they compatible in conjunction?
Table of Contents
What You Need to Know About Surge Protectors and Extension Cords
Before we can get to the intricacies of connecting things to other equipment, it’s crucial to be aware of surge protection and extensions. If you don’t, you could be facing a world of trouble if you start daisy-chaining surge protectors.
The surge protectors as one can see from their name, shield electronics from power surges as well as spikes that result in sudden rises in voltage. These can occur in electrical outages, lightning strikes, or even a malfunction within electricity grids.
Consider voltage as the quantity of pressure that water exerts in the pipe. Electronics prefer a continuous flow of pressure from the source. However, when a sudden increase in pressure is unleashed on the electronic system, it can cause overload and destruction.
And you should note that not all power strips also surge protectors. Regular power strips just provide extra reach and outlets.
In terms of extension cords, they’re less complicated and more prevalent in homes. But, not all are made equal and you must be aware of certain factors before you purchase any extension cord and utilize the cord to charge your gadgets including your “gauge” of the cable (a.k.a. the wire’s thickness).
Of course, a major concern you may have is whether extensions cords or surge protectors can happily coexist. The answer is technically it is possible, however, you shouldn’t.
Can You Plug a Surge Protector Into an Extension Cord?
On paper, it is possible. The most important thing to do is make sure that the extension cord can take on the same loads that the surge protector can (or even more).
For instance, the Belkin surge protector features an extension cord of 14 gauge, which means it is important to ensure that the extension cord you choose to use is at least 14 gauge or higher. Otherwise, you’re putting too much strain on the cord and creating a fire risk for you.
In the final analysis but it’s really not advised to utilize the extension cord to do anything other than short-term use, mainly since you’re risking exposing an extension cord to long-term wear and tear that it was not intended for. Furthermore, that additional connection you make when you plug in your extension cable is an additional connection that may be loosened in time and pose a danger. Most importantly, it violates OSHA and NEC rules.
So what should you do instead? Either use a surge protector with a long enough cord to reach the nearest outlet or install an extra outlet closer to where you need it. These options aren’t the most convenient, but they’re the safest.
Can You Plug Extension Cords Into Another Extension Cord?
Technically, you can however, it’s not recommended because it’s a hazard to fire. Also, it’s against OSHA or NEC regulations.
It’s all about length since extension cords are only as long as they are. The longer cord, the higher electrical resistance that is created, which reduces the amount of power that is available to devices. If you decide to start adding extensions to your cords you risk running the cord too long and under-powering your devices, which is not wise.
Additionally, as stated in the previous section, the additional connections you plug extension cords to one another can be considered as additional points of failure that do not have to be present in the first instance.
Instead of tying extension cords with each other Do yourself a favor and use a single extension cord to meet your requirements.
Can You Plug a Surge Protector Into Another Surge Protector?
This could be the most significant rule of all the ones that’s been discussed, and if you’re at the point where you’re getting a shortage of plugs for the surge protector you have, you likely have too many plugs in any way. Therefore, adding another surge protector is just creating another issue in addition to the current one.
Furthermore, the protection abilities of the surge protector (as opposed to an ordinary power strip) could be compromised if an additional surge protector has been connected to it, perhaps to the point that no surge protector can perform its job efficiently.
Additionally, many surge protector manufacturers will void their warranty when you connect them daisy-chained. And did you know that this is in violation of OSHA as well as NEC regulations? There’s probably a frequent theme in this article.
At the end of the day, you will not cause any harm If you take the appropriate precautions (making sure that extension cords are properly rated for the power they deliver and, of course. ) However, it’s not an investment worth making, particularly considering that there are alternative (and more effective) methods to take advantage of.
Best Extension Cords For Surge Protector
It is possible to reduce the risks of daisy-chaining by acquiring the most suitable extension cord to protect your surge, or, even better, the best surge protector you can get. I think the best option is to purchase an extension cord that has surge protection.
Whatever route you decide to go no matter what route you take, everyone agrees that daisy chaining is the most secure method when you have surge protectors and extension cords like the ones below that are effective, functional, and reliable:
1). Kasa Smart Plug HS300 From TP-Link
This power strip is equipped with six outlets that can be independently controlled as well as enough USB ports to charge three different devices. It comes with the ETL certificate which means it is a reliable device to safeguard your appliances from surges of power. It comes with a sophisticated app that allows you to monitor the amount of power that each device is using. You can also use the app to manage the devices connected to the outlets and ports. If this wasn’t enough convenient the power strip is equipped with a voice control feature.
2). DoubleYI 12 Outlet ETL Listed Power Strip
This tower features 12 outlets that provide surge protection of up to 1000 joules This is more than enough to protect your devices from the effects of surges. The five USB ports available have an option to identify the device that is connected before making adjustments to ensure the most efficient charging speeds.
The horizontal shape of the power strip is extremely convenient. It will save space. It is not only fully ETL- and FCC Certified but it comes with a 30-day no-hassle return policy as well as a two-year warranty.
3). Tripp Lite 12 Outlet TLP1208TELTV
This product is covered by the insurance of $150,000 as well as an unbeatable warranty for life. It features twelve outlets and enough space to accommodate the requirements of four transformers with substantial dimensions. The cord measures 8 feet long. It provides the surge protector with the same reach as the extension cable. You can anticipate security that is 2880joules and diagnostic LEDs. 12A circuit breakers, as well as the safety certifications UL 1449.
4). Amazon Basics 8 Outlet 4,500 Joules
This power strip is shockingly affordable. But, it’s effective. It comes with the protection of 4,500 joules along with eight outlets, which are designed to shield the delicate devices you plug into it from damaging spikes and surges.
Look for LEDs that will indicate whether you have one with fireproof MOVs and a long, sturdy cord of 6 feet. The power strip is equipped with an on/off switch.
Read More: Lava Lamp Everything you need to know
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why not to daisy chain surge protectors?
Do not daisy chain outlet strips or extension cords. If you require additional outlets or a longer length of cord choose the correct cord or strip. The best ones are designed to handle the load ratings.
Daisy-chaining strips and cords also invite overloading circuits.
The potential to overload the first surge protector and the source outlet is too high. Could lead to nuisance trips of the outlet’s circuit breaker, could trip the breaker on the first surge protector. Also – never operate these on the floor.
Why should a laser printer be plugged into surge protectors?
Surge protection minimizes the frequency of harmonics that are generated by electronic devices such as DVD players, computers, and various other electronic equipment. A UPS is a non-interruptible power source, also known as a battery backup. Don’t connect your printer directly into a UPS as it’ll drain the battery more quickly than it normally would.
How long do surge protectors APC last?
You can make use of an APC surge protector battery for more than 5 years. If you keep it in good condition then you can utilize a UPS for 10 years or more. PS is an uninterruptible power supply that acts as it’s a backup battery. Don’t connect the printer to a UPS since it’ll drain the battery more quickly than it would normally.
Why are there ethernet ports on surge protectors have?
Surge protectors do not just protect the devices you use from electrical surges and power surges, they also feature Ethernet ports through which you can establish an Ethernet connection between all of your gadgets. By using surge protectors you’ll be able to safeguard your Ethernet switch as well as the connected devices from irreparable harm.
How to cover surge protectors from kids?
The easiest way to protect your children from the dangers posed by surge protectors is to use a guard. The type of guard you use will depend on your electrical outlet.
How to protect outdoor extension cord from rain?
It is possible to protect it by covering it with a plastic bag or protect it by covering it with a plastic case for the cord. You can also wrap electric tape, or even duct tape over your cord to ensure the cord dries for a few hours. This article will provide the most effective methods you can employ to safeguard your extension outside from the rain.
How far will the 30 amp extension cord go?
To handle the 3,600 watts 30 amp cords can handle, you’ll need a 10 AWG extension cord. Keep in mind that The longer the extension cord you choose, the smaller the AWG number needed.
What is an APC surge protector?
The APC SurgeArrest Home/Office series provides a premium level of surge protection for computers and other electronic devices in the event of large electrical surges.
