European power strip

Types of European power strips

Power strips can be classified according to the number of outlets they have, whether they are surge protected, whether they are mounted, or whether they have USB outlets. Based on outlet types and configurations, here are some common types of European power strips.

• Standard power strips

  These strips, which have several standard Type C, E, and F sockets, are the most commonly used. They are used in home and office settings to connect multiple devices to one power source.

• Surge protector power strips

  These strips add surge protection, which protects devices from voltage fluctuations. Such strips are typically used in places where sensitive electronic devices—like computers, TVs, and other home entertainment systems—are regularly used.

• USB power strips

  Many recent power strips include USB ports for charging electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, without needing a separate adapter. Such strips are commonly used in homes, offices, and public places, such as airports and hotels, where charging devices are regularly required.

• Remote control power strips

  As the name suggests, one does not need to switch on or off these power strips manually. They can be switched on or off remotely, which is very convenient for hard-to-reach outlets or for controlling multiple devices simultaneously. These strips are often used in home automation systems or for managing equipment in professional settings.

• Heavy-duty power strips

  These strips are designed to handle larger loads and are often used in industrial or commercial settings. They have reinforced casings, more robust electrical components, and extra sockets.

• Travel power strips

  These are compact, lightweight power strips often featuring multiple USB and adapter Type C, E, and F sockets. They are specially designed for travelers to ensure that their multiple devices can be charged simultaneously.

• Rotating power strips

  These strips have rotating or swiveling outlets that allow users to adjust the orientation of the sockets to fit different plug types. This is particularly helpful when some plugs block adjacent sockets.

Durability and material of European power strips

What materials a European power strip is made from directly influences its durability and overall performance. Below are the typical materials used in the construction of power strips and how durable they are.

• Plastic casings

  Hard and rigid plastics like polycarbonate or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) are commonly used to make a power strip's outer casing. These materials are quite durable, although they do not have such excellent heat resistance. Because of this, they are recommended primarily for indoor use.

• Metal casings

  Iron, aluminum, or steel are the materials usually used for the outer casing of heavy-duty power strips. These strips are more robust and can withstand greater wear and tear than their plastic counterparts. While metal casings also provide shield against electrical surges better than plastic, they also have the disadvantage of increasing the strip's weight and making it harder to carry about.

• Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) components

  These are softer, more flexible materials than plastic. They are usually used to cover the power cords and certain parts of the strip to provide cushioning. Because of their flexibility, TPE components resist wear and tear better and are more durable than rigid plastics.

• Copper conductors

  Copper is the material of choice for the internal wiring of power strips because of its high conductivity. While other materials like aluminum are cheaper to use, nothing beats copper for flexibility and corrosion resistance. Copper wiring is therefore, the predominant choice for power strips, especially those designed for high performance.

• Rubber insulation

  Natural or synthetic rubber is used as insulation over the internal copper wires. Rubber is very durable and flexible, even at low temperatures. Because of these qualities, rubber makes for excellent electrical insulation, which is why it is commonly found on power strips.

• Heat-resistant materials

  Since they possess heat-resistant properties, thermosetting plastics like phenolic resin are sometimes used in making the casings of power strips intended for industrial or heavy-duty use. They can withstand greater temperatures, and at the same time, are not likely to degrade or warp over the years.

How to choose European power strips

When purchasing a power strip, customers should consider the following key factors that can help them choose the correct power strip for their various devices.

• Number of outlets

  European buyers will want to get a power strip with enough sockets to meet their regular plugging needs. Buyers should bear in mind that with more outlets usually comes demand for more space on the strip, and this can affect how compact the design is.

• Type of outlets

  Buyers should ensure that the power strip they are getting has Type C, E, or F sockets that can accommodate their electronics. They may also consider getting strips with rotating or sliding sockets for added convenience.

• Surge protection

  For buyers who frequently plug in devices such as computers and home theater systems that are sensitive to spikes, surge protection should be a priority consideration. A European power strip with built-in surge protection will have its surge protectant denoted by the surge protectant rating of the power strip. This is usually measured in joules.

• Wattage and amperage

  To avoid overheating and provide safe operation, customers should ensure that the power strip they intend to buy has the same wattage and amperage ratings as their highest-power appliance. Customers can find this information on most appliances on a small label. For any electronic device that requires high power, such as a refrigerator, a customer should get a power strip that has been specifically designed for heavy-duty use.

• Cord length

  The cable length is a very important consideration when customers want to place their power strip in a certain location. Buyers will need to measure that distance and get a power strip that has a cord long enough for that intended distance. While shorter cords can provide for a neater arrangement with fewer tangles, they can also be less convenient if the distance to an outlet is relatively far.

• Portability

  For buyers who regularly travel, such as for work or internship, or who want to use the strip in different locations, they should look for a USB power strip that is compact and has adapters for various plug types.

• Certification and standards

  Customers should ensure that the power strip they intend to buy meets European safety standards. Look for brands that have CE markings and other certifications to ensure that the product complied with electrical safety and thermal management regulations.

Use cases of European power strips

The purpose of a power strip is to increase the number of electrical sockets someone can plug their devices into. But its specific applications across various environments can be pretty varied. Below are typical scenarios where power strips are frequently employed.

• Home offices

  With people spending more time working at home, it has become quite a common practice for power strips to be used in home offices where computers, printers, and other devices are regularly plugged into one outlet. A power strip with a surge protector is particularly useful here because it protects sensitive electronics from power surges.

• Entertainment systems

  Power strips are also widely used in home theaters and living rooms, where TVs, gaming consoles, sound systems, and other devices are plugged into one outlet. Customers commonly use strips with multiple USB ports to reduce the clutter of cables and adapters for charging remote controls, tablets, and smartphones.

• Traveling

  European power strips are useful because they can plug multiple devices into one outlet. Power adapters for different plug types make this particularly useful when travelers have gadgets that require different plug types. This means travelers won't need to find an outlet for each device individually.

• Workspaces

  There are often several devices a person needs to plug into an electrical outlet in commercial offices, cubicles, and co-working spaces, such as computers, printers, and phones. USB power strips, especially those integrated into furniture, simplify the cord management problem and ensure devices are constantly charged.

• Industrial settings

  Power strips with heavy-duty construction are used in factories, workshops, and construction sites. These power strips are designed to withstand rugged conditions and provide power for tools and machinery in multiple locations.

• Events and exhibitions

  At trade shows, conventions, and other events, power strips are vital for exhibitors to power their displays, laptops, and other equipment. Floor-mounted power strips are temporarily installed to provide easy access to power throughout the event space.

Q & A

Here are some common questions and answers that buyers might have about European power strips.

• Q1. What kind of electrical systems are power strips in Europe designed for?

  A1: European power strips are specifically designed for the 230-volt electrical system. They are suitable for any appliance designed for 220-240Volts. However, using it on appliances designed for any other electrical system than this can cause serious damage. Always check if a dual voltage or voltage converter is used.

• Q2. Do USB ports on power strips provide fast charging?

  A2: Most USB ports on power strips are of the intelligent type that automatically adjust the power output to the device's requirements. This means the device is charged as fast as possible without it being overheating or other damage; its internal charging system handles this adjustment. However, the charging speed will always be limited by the charging technology the device has.

• Q3. What is the meaning of the joule rating on a power strip?

  A3:Surge protectors usually have a rating expressed in joules. This represents the amount of energy the power strip can absorb during a power spike before the spike starts affecting devices. The higher the joule rating, the better the power strip will be at protecting against surges and spikes. This is particularly important for power strips with surge protection, protection circuits, or power conditioners.

• Q4. Can power strips be used outdoors?

  A4: Power strips are typically designed for indoor use because their components are not resistant to harsh weather, water, and dust. There are a few power strips that are specially designed and rated for outdoor use, with protection against moisture and dust. One should consider such strips if they need a power strip for outdoor use.

• Q5. What is the maximum number of devices that can be plugged into a power strip?

  A5:It depends on other factors as well, such as the amperage rating of the power strip and the power requirement of the devices. In general, one should avoid plugging too many devices simultaneously into a single power strip, as this can lead to overheating and, in some cases, even fire. For guidance, always observe the power strip's load capacity and divide this by the power requirement of each device before plugging them in.