Power Extension Boards: How to Choose the Right One for Your Needs

In today's electronic age, power extension boards are essential devices that provide multiple electrical outlets and USB ports to power and charge our devices. However, choosing the appropriate type or model for your needs can take time and effort because there are so many types and models available. 

Consider features like surge protection, overload protection, the number of outlets, cord length, and portability when selecting a power extension board. You can select the best Portronics power extension board to supply secure power for your electronic gadgets at home and at the office by carefully taking these considerations into account.

 

Definition of Power Extension Boards

An electrical accessory called a power extension board, commonly referred to as a power strip or surge protector, enables several electrical devices to be plugged into a single power outlet. The majority of the time, it consists of a long, rectangular box with a row of electrical outlets and a power cord connecting the strip to the wall outlet. When there aren't enough power outlets in a home or business to handle all the gadgets that need to be powered, power extension boards are employed. They enable the connection of numerous devices, including chargers and computers, to a single power supply.

 

Importance of Choosing The Right Extension Board

Choosing the right power extension board is important for several reasons.

Safety

A power extension board distributes electricity to multiple devices, which can be dangerous if improperly handled. Choosing a high-quality, well-made power extension board with safety features such as surge and overload protection can help prevent electrical fires and other safety hazards.

Compatibility

Different electrical devices require different amounts of power, and not all power extension boards are compatible with all devices. While choosing a power extension board with the correct voltage rating and wattage capacity ensures that they function properly and avoid damage.

Convenience

The right power extension board can make managing and organizing cords and devices in your home or office easier. Choosing a power extension board with enough outlets and a long enough cord ensures you have enough space to plug in all your devices and position them where you need them.

Energy efficiency

Some power extension boards are designed to be energy efficient. Choosing an energy-efficient power extension board can save you money on your electricity bill.

Types of Power Extension Boards

Basic extension boards

Using basic extension boards is a simple and affordable method of adding extra electrical outlets for gadgets. They have a number of outlets lined up in a row and a cord that plugs into a wall outlet powers all the attached gadgets. They lack extra functionality, such as USB charging ports or surge protection.

Surge-protected extension boards

Surge-protected extension boards are designed to protect electrical devices from power surges, spikes, and other disturbances that can damage sensitive electronics. They work by diverting excess voltage to the ground rather than allowing it to flow to the connected devices.

Smart extension boards

Smart extension boards are power strips offering advanced features and control options. They are typically connected to a home or office network. They can be controlled using smartphones or voice assistants. Smart extension boards offer remote control and energy monitoring features allowing users to manage their devices and power consumption more efficiently. Portronics has a wide range of Smart extension boards in the market.

USB extension boards

A form of power strip called a USB extension board has several electrical outlets and USB connections like Portronics Power Plate 7. They are made to give smartphones, tablets, and other USB-powered gadgets a centralized and practical charging point. There are many different shapes and sizes of USB extension boards, from small models with only a few USB ports to bigger models with both USB ports and conventional electrical outlets.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Power Extension Board

Several outlets

Consider how many devices you need to plug in and ensure the power extension board has enough outlets to accommodate them. Choosing a board with outlets spaced apart enough to fit larger plugs or adapters is also important.

Cord length

Choose a power extension board with a cord length long enough to reach the nearest outlet but not too long to become cumbersome. When selecting a cord length, it is important to consider the board's placement and the outlet's location.

Surge protection

Look for power extension boards with built-in surge protection to protect your electronic devices from power surges and spikes. This feature is essential for expensive devices like computers, televisions, and gaming consoles.

Clamping voltage

Check the clamping voltage of the power extension board, which is the voltage at which the surge protector will divert excess voltage to the ground. A lower clamping voltage provides better protection for your devices.

USB ports

If you want to charge your smartphones, e-readers, or wearables, decide whether you need USB ports. Use a power extension board with integrated USB ports to supply enough power for your gadgets.

Compatibility with devices

Ensure the power extension board can handle the power requirements of your devices and is compliant with the voltage and frequency of the country you intend to use it in.

Price

A power extension board that satisfies your needs and is within your price range should be chosen after considering your budget. While some expensive versions could come with extra features, less expensive options can give your devices dependable and secure power.

 

Different Scenarios for Power Extension Board Use

Home

A power extension board with multiple outlets can help organize and power various home entertainment devices, such as a TV, gaming console, sound system, and streaming devices. A power extension board with surge protection can also help protect expensive kitchen appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, or ovens from voltage spikes and surges.

Bedroom

A power extension board with USB charging ports can help charge mobile devices, e-readers, and smartwatches overnight without taking up all the outlets.

Office

Multiple electronics are required for an office desk area, including a computer, monitor, phone charger, lamp, and other gadgets. These devices can be organized and powered with the aid of a power extension board with numerous USB ports and outlets. Projectors, speakers, and teleconferencing equipment can all be powered by a power extension board with numerous outlets in a conference room. 

Travel

When traveling, especially if there are few outlets in the hotel room, a portable power extension board with several outlets and USB connections can be helpful. Lights, stoves, and other camping gear can be powered by a power extension board with weatherproof features. On lengthy road journeys, it can be used to power electronics like laptops, tablets, and portable DVD players. 

Outdoor

A power extension board with outdoor-rated features can power outdoor lighting, electric lawn tools, and other outdoor devices. A power extension board with a surge protector and multiple outlets can power audio equipment, lighting, and other devices during events. 

 

Safety Considerations When Using Power Extension Boards

Overloading protection

Always check the power extension board's maximum wattage and amperage rating before plugging in devices. Overloading a power extension board can cause overheating and create a fire hazard.

Avoid plugging high-powered devices like air conditioners, refrigerators, or space heaters into a power extension board.

Fire safety

Choose a power extension board with built-in surge protection, which helps prevent power surges and spikes that can cause fires.

Do not cover the power extension board with objects, such as blankets or rugs, as they can cause the board to overheat and potentially cause a fire. 

Child safety

Keep power extension boards away from children and pets. Children may accidentally touch or play with the cords, which can cause injury or damage. 

Choose power extension boards with child-safety features, such as tamper-resistant outlets or covers, to prevent children from inserting foreign objects into the outlets. 

Please do not allow children to handle power extension boards or their cords, and always unplug the board when not in use.

 

Conclusion

In today's digital age, power extension boards are necessary to keep our electronic devices powered and charged. Choosing the right power extension board can make all the difference in convenience, safety, and reliability. Portronics power extension board meets your needs by considering important factors such as the number of outlets, cord length, surge protection, USB ports, and device compatibility. Whether you're using a power extension board at home, in the office, or while traveling, it is essential to prioritize safety and choose a board with overload protection and child safety features.