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Although the terms "power strip" and "surge protector" are often used interchangeably, these are two vastly different products. A power strip just gives you more outlets, but a surge protector can shield your valuable electronics from excess voltage. Knowing the difference could save you a ton of money and heartache.
Power Strips Give You Extra Outlets and Nothing More
Your standard power strip is just an extension cord connected to an electrical box. It gives you extra outlets, allowing you to power more than two devices from the same receptacle.
Power strips are incredibly convenient, of course. Not only do they let you plug in a ton of electronics, but they're affordable and often have a built-in power switch that may help you save electricity or quickly turn off a handful of devices simultaneously.
But on their own, basic power strips do nothing to protect valuable electronics from outside forces. If you experience a power surge during a huge thunderstorm, for example, anything connected to a power strip, extension cord, or wall outlet may receive excess voltage (even if the power strip is turned off).
Certain devices, especially computers and other expensive toys, are very sensitive to voltage. Repeated exposure to small power surges can reduce the lifespan of these products. And unfortunately, a large power surge can outright destroy these expensive electronics, which may lead to a fire if you're unlucky.
GE 6-Outlet Power Strip, Two-Pack
This space-saving bundle brings you two power strips for a price lower than most single options.
Surge Protectors Are a Shield for Your Electronics
The average surge protector looks identical to a power strip. But internally, surge protectors contain something called a metal oxide varistor (MOV). This component prevents excess voltage from reaching your electronics during a power surge.
In a way, a surge protector's MOV is kind of like a sponge. Excess voltage is soaked up by the MOV and sent to ground before it can reach connected devices. This keeps electronics safe and can reduce the risk of a house fire.
There's just one problem; like a sponge, a surge protector's MOV wears out over time. If a surge protector is rated for 1,000 joules, its MOV will die after "soaking up" that amount of energy. And the effects are cumulative; dozens of small power surges will eventually wear out any surge protector.
When a surge protector's MOV is worn out, it offers no protection for your devices and could overheat during a power surge. That's why you should find a surge protector with a high joule rating for your valuable devices (and regularly replace old surge protectors).
I should also note that surge protectors can correct a drop in voltage, which may keep electronics from going offline if the power grid momentarily "sags." And some power strips "scrub" your electric signal of noise or irregularities---this is most noticeable when using audio equipment, which may hiss or hum when plugged into a "noisy" power source.
Belkin 6-Outlet Surge Protector (1,080 Joules)
This affordable surge protector features a six-foot power cord (with a flat plug), six outlets, and 1,080 joules of surge protection.
