Power strips (also known as plug boards, powerboards, or multiboxes) are now common due the proliferation of mains powered appliances and devices.

They vary in quality with some of the cheaper, newer ones of such poor quality that they cuase fires.  It is recomended that good quality, higher priced ones from a reputable manufacturer are purchased.  Older power power strips, those that are over twenty years old, are generally of a good condition and reliability.

Heaters should not be plugged into power strips since they are usually at the maximum loading capability of them.  Also, the high loading on one outlet can lead to overheating of the power strip socket and subsequent damage or fire.

Power strips can easily be recycled.  The basic ones consist of the outer plastic shell, brass contact strips, a thermal cutout, and a power cable with a plug. The less simple ones may have at least one ON/OFF switch, LED or neon indicators, a surge protection circuit, and a USB power circuit.

Care should be taken if repairs or modifications are carried out on power strips.  Repairs are generally limited to replacing the power cord.

In order to reduce standby power demand it is recommended that power strips with at least one switch is used so that when the connected devices that are not being used can be turned off.  Power strips with individually switched outlets are more versatile for this since individual devices can be turned off when not in use.

Further information

• Appropriate use of powerboards at Worksafe
• Power strip at Wikipedia

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