Beatrice Lang
Wall-mounted electrical strips, also known as power strips, power boards, or multi-sockets, are devices that provide multiple electrical sockets for distributing power to various tools and devices. They are often used to accommodate multiple electrical devices in close proximity, such as audio equipment, computers, appliances, and lighting. Power strips can be directly mounted on walls or plugged into existing wall outlets, allowing users to power multiple devices from a single outlet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Names | Wall-mount power strip, wall mount surge protector, power strip wall mount, wall mount power strip surge protector, power strip, power board, multi-socket, electrical outlet, outlet, receptacle, socket, plug socket |
| Description | A block of electrical sockets that attaches to the end of a flexible cable, allowing multiple electrical devices to be powered from a single electrical socket |
| Use Cases | Used when many electrical devices are in proximity, such as for audio, video, computer systems, appliances, power tools, and lighting |
| Features | May include a circuit breaker to interrupt the electric current in case of an overload or a short circuit, protection against electrical power surges, and a master switch to turn all devices on and off |
| Housing Styles | Strip, rack-mount, under-monitor, and direct plug-in |
| Current Ratings | Vary by region, with different ratings for socket outlets, plugs, and leads |
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What You'll Learn
Wall-mounted power strips are also known as 'surge protectors'
Wall-mounted power strips are also known as surge protectors. They are a block of electrical sockets that attach to the end of a flexible cable, typically with a mains plug on the other end. This allows multiple electrical devices to be powered from a single electrical outlet. Power strips are often used when many electrical devices are in proximity, such as for audio, video, computer systems, appliances, power tools, and lighting.
Power strips often include a circuit breaker to interrupt the electric current in case of an overload or a short circuit. Some power strips also provide protection against electrical power surges. A higher joule rating indicates greater protection and a longer life expectancy for the surge protector.
In American English, a power strip is sometimes referred to as a "surge protector", especially if it has this functionality. In other parts of the world, such as the UK, a power strip may be called a "multi-socket" or a "power board".
Wall-mounted power strips or surge protectors are useful when you need to plug in multiple devices in close proximity to each other, such as on a desk or entertainment centre. They provide a convenient way to access multiple outlets without the need for an extension cord.
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They can be called 'power sockets'
Wall-mounted electrical strips are often referred to as power sockets. This term encompasses a range of variations, including power strips, power boards, and multi-sockets. Power sockets provide multiple electrical sockets, allowing numerous electrical devices to be powered from a single outlet. They are particularly useful when multiple devices are in close proximity and need to be connected to a power source.
Power sockets, or strips, are typically designed with a flexible cable that can be attached to a wall or other surface. This cable usually ends in a mains plug, enabling it to connect to a power source. The number of sockets included in a power strip can vary, with some offering three or more outlets.
The term "power socket" is commonly used to refer to the wall-mounted variety, as evidenced by various online sources and product listings. This terminology is reflected in regions such as North England, where the wall-mounted version is often called a "plug socket."
It is worth noting that the specific terminology can vary based on regional dialects and preferences. For example, in American English, the term surge protector is commonly used for power strips, especially those with a shut-off feature during power surges. In Northeast Tennessee, the wall-mounted variety might be called a "receptacle."
Regardless of the specific terminology, the core function of these devices remains the same: to provide a convenient and safe means of powering multiple electrical devices from a single source.
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'Receptacles' is another name for wall-mounted power strips
Receptacles, also known as outlets or power outlets, are another name for wall-mounted power strips. They are built into walls and are a type of power socket. Power strips, on the other hand, are portable devices with multiple sockets that allow users to plug in several electrical devices into a single outlet. They are often used when multiple electrical devices are in close proximity.
Power strips typically consist of a flexible cable with a mains plug at one end and a block of electrical sockets at the other. They are sometimes referred to as multi-sockets, power boards, outlet multipliers, or simply "strips". The term "power strip" generally refers to the portable version, while "receptacle" or "outlet" is used for the wall-mounted version.
In some regions, such as North England, the wall-mounted version may also be called a "'plug socket'. The portable version may be referred to as an extension lead or extension cord, especially if it has a long wire used to provide power at a distance from the outlet.
It is worth noting that a surge protector is a special type of power strip that includes a shut-off feature to protect sensitive electronics during a power surge. This term is sometimes used interchangeably with "power strip", but technically refers to a power strip with additional functionality.
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'Power boards' is a term used for power strips
A power strip, also known as a multi-socket, power board, or by many other names, is a block of electrical sockets that attaches to the end of a flexible cable, typically with a mains plug on the other end. Power strips are often used when multiple electrical devices are in close proximity, such as for audio, video, computer systems, appliances, power tools, and lighting. They are designed to allow multiple devices to be powered from a single electrical socket.
Power boards, or power strips, are often equipped with a variety of features. Some power strips include a master switch to turn all connected devices on or off. This feature is suitable for simple devices like lights but not for computers, which require software shutdown. More advanced power strips have a master-slave socket arrangement, where the "master" socket detects standby mode in the attached appliance and turns off the entire strip. This feature is particularly useful for saving energy and money by reducing standby power consumption.
Some power strips also offer protection against electrical power surges, while others have individually switched outlets. "Master/slave" strips can detect when a "master" device, such as a PC or TV, is turned off and will automatically turn the other devices on or off accordingly. Remote control strips are also available and are commonly used in data centers to allow for remote device restarts, although they introduce a vulnerability to outside attacks.
In terms of design, power strips typically have a single row of sockets, but models with surge suppression may have single or double-row configurations. To address the issue of large "wall wart" transformers blocking multiple sockets, some designs increase the spacing between outlets, while others include receptacles that rotate in their housing or use multiple short receptacle cords from a central hub. Power strips may also include a circuit breaker to interrupt the electric current in the event of an overload or short circuit.
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'Multi-socket' is a name for power strips
A power strip, also known as a multi-socket, is a block of electrical sockets that attaches to the end of a flexible cable, typically with a mains plug on the other end. Power strips are often used when multiple electrical devices are in proximity, such as for audio, video, computer systems, appliances, power tools, and lighting. They allow multiple electrical devices to be powered from a single electrical socket.
Power strips often include a circuit breaker to interrupt the electric current in the event of an overload or short circuit. Some power strips also provide protection against electrical power surges. It is important to note that power strips without built-in overload protection can lead to electrical overloading if multiple high-power appliances are used simultaneously. This is a common concern with appliances that have heating elements, such as room heaters or electric frying pans.
To address the issue of electrical overloading, some power strips have individual switches for each socket, allowing users to activate only the socket they are currently using. This feature helps prevent tripping the circuit breaker and ensures that only the required sockets are active, reducing the risk of overloading.
In addition to the standard strip design, power strips come in various housing styles, including rack-mount, under-monitor, and direct plug-in options. Some power strips also include a master switch to control all devices simultaneously, although this may not be suitable for computers that require specific shutdown commands.
Power strips are a convenient way to expand the number of electrical sockets available, especially when multiple devices need to be powered in close proximity.
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Frequently asked questions
Wall-mounted electrical strips are called power strips, power boards, or multi-sockets. They are blocks of electrical sockets that attach to the end of a flexible cable, typically with a mains plug on the other end.
Other names for power strips include rack-mount, under-monitor, and direct plug-in. In American English, a power strip with a shut-off feature during power surges is called a surge protector.
Power strips are useful when many electrical devices are in proximity. They often include a circuit breaker to interrupt the electric current in case of an overload or a short circuit. Some power strips also provide protection against electrical power surges.
