What Is the Difference Between a Surge Protector and a Power Strip?
From Solana Electrical, AZ ROC #341966
The short answer
A power strip only gives you more outlets. A surge protector also absorbs voltage spikes before they reach your electronics. The two often look alike, so read the label. A surge protector will list a joule rating and a UL 1449 listing. Neither one adds power to a circuit, and neither should be plugged into another.
What each one does
A power strip is an extension of the wall outlet with more places to plug in. It does nothing about voltage spikes.
A surge protector has parts inside that soak up a voltage spike and keep it from reaching what is plugged in.
Both usually have an on and off switch and a built-in breaker, which is why they are easy to mix up.
How to tell them apart
Look at the package or the label on the bottom. A surge protector will say surge protector and show a joule rating, which is how much surge energy it can absorb. It should also show a listing to UL 1449, the safety standard for surge protective devices. If the label shows none of that, assume it is a plain power strip.
Surge protectors wear out as they absorb spikes. Many have a light that shows protection is still working. If that light is off, the strip may still pass power but no longer protect.
Do not chain them
Plugging one strip into another, or into an extension cord, is called daisy-chaining. It lets too much load run through one outlet and one cord, which can overheat. If you need that many outlets in one spot, that is a sign the room needs another outlet or circuit, which is a job for an electrician.
Where whole-home protection fits
A plug-in surge protector only protects what is plugged into it. It cannot protect the air conditioner, the range, the water heater or the pool pump. A whole-home surge protector is installed at the panel and covers every circuit. The two work as layers: the panel device handles large surges from outside, and plug-in units give sensitive electronics a second line of defense. Our guide on whole-home surge protection explains whether it is worth it for your home.
Talk to a real person
Call (602) 999-2770 and a person answers, any hour. We will tell you plainly whether whole-home surge protection makes sense for you, and you will hear the price before anyone drives out.
A power strip or surge protector that feels hot, smells like burning or has a melted plug should be unplugged, if safe, and thrown away. If you see smoke or fire, call 911.
Common questions
Does a surge protector protect against lightning?
Not from a direct strike. It helps with smaller spikes. A whole-home device at the panel plus plug-in units gives more layers of protection.
Can I plug a space heater into a power strip?
No. Plug heaters and other high-power appliances straight into a wall outlet.
How do I know my surge protector still works?
Many have a protection light. If it is off, replace the unit, even though it may still power your devices.
Want it checked?
A real person answers any hour, and we tell you honestly whether it can wait.
