What is a Power Strip and How Does it Differ from a Power Plug?
Electrical appliances need a source of power to function, and that source often comes from a power outlet. A power strip, also known as an extension block, power board, or surge protector, is a multiple outlet extension cord, which is commonly used to power several electrical devices simultaneously from the same wall socket. But how does it differ from a power plug?
Function of a Power Strip
A power strip provides more outlets than the single socket that comes with most homes, offices, or buildings. Power strips come with either three or more plug-ins, always with a long cord that allows for convenient placement in the room and ease of access to many electrical devices. Power strips can also protect your electronic devices from power surges and can be vital in distributing energy to a specific area where each device needs electricity to function, such as a home entertainment system.
Differences Between a Power Strip and Power Plug
The primary difference between a power strip and a power plug is the number of electrical devices they can accommodate at one time. Power plugs are typically single outlets that you connect to the wall socket. They are designed to power only one device at a time and are not suitable for connecting multiple devices simultaneously. Power strips, on the other hand, provide multiple outlets to power many devices simultaneously from the same socket.
Importance of Power Strips
Power strips are an essential component in many electrical systems, including workstations, home entertainment systems, computer networks, and data centers. They allow you to connect several devices simultaneously, and in many cases, to ensure that your electronic devices are protected from power surges. As electrical surges can damage devices connected to them, power strips come with surge protectors to protect the connected devices from unexpected power fluctuations.
In summary, power strips differ from power plugs in their ability to accommodate multiple electrical devices at once. Power strips are perfect for powering devices in a specific area and provide a centralized power supply to many devices simultaneously. While power plugs are suitable for powering only one device at a time, power strips are a vital addition to an electrical system that requires multiple devices to function.
