Power Strip vs. Surge Protector: The Dangerous Difference You Need to Know
IMAGE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY. We've all been there, staring at a mess of cords behind the TV and grabbing whatever plastic plug block we have lying around. But here is the hard truth: a power strip just gives you extra outlets, while a surge protector actively defends your electronics from destructive electrical spikes. Confusing the two is a very fast way to lose thousands of dollars of gear in a split second. They look exactly the same from the outside. They both have a row of outlets, a thick cord, and usually a little red power switch on the end. But what's hiding inside makes all the difference in the world. Let's break down exactly what you're dealing with so you don't make a very expensive mistake. The Basic Power Strip: Just an Extension Cord A power strip is basically just a multi-plug extension cord. That's its only job. It takes one wall outlet and turns it into six or eight. If you want to plug in a lamp, a fan, and an alarm clock all i...