Power Strip

[LunarMist]

Does anyone know where to get a reliable US 6-outlet, 3-prong power strip that is fine with 240VAC? Most of them have surge protection and or power indicators that can trip the breakers in foreign countries. A plastic body is preferred for lower mass. Thanks.

 

[Stereodude]

Uh... I guess I'm a little confused. In foreign countries they won't have the same plug in the wall as the US, so what good will a US power strip do?

Typically the surge protection in a power strip doesn't trigger until 330V, so I don't think that will be a problem.

 

[mubs]

I'd suggest you buy one wherever you're going. Many places outside the U.S. make extension strips with universal sockets; that can accept any type of plug. Where is it you will be going?

 

[udaman]

Does anyone know where to get a reliable US 6-outlet, 3-prong power strip that is fine with 240VAC? Most of them have surge protection and or power indicators that can trip the breakers in foreign countries. A plastic body is preferred for lower mass. Thanks.

You mean an UL cert power strip/power bar? Don't trust a Chinese made one, without a UL cert, will burn down your residence?

Google is your friend ; probably should add laptop/notebook as a keyword if you want compact/lightweight

http://www.shopwiki.com/Travel+Surge+Protector+-+220+Volts

 

[LunarMist]

Uh... I guess I'm a little confused. In foreign countries they won't have the same plug in the wall as the US, so what good will a US power strip do?

I will use a versatile plug adapter for the input.

Typically the surge protection in a power strip doesn't trigger until 330V, so I don't think that will be a problem.

We've had several incidents. It's not cool to blow out the power for multiple units.

 

[LunarMist]

I'd suggest you buy one wherever you're going. Many places outside the U.S. make extension strips with universal sockets; that can accept any type of plug. Where is it you will be going?

Several smaller, underdeveloped countries. There will be no time to buy anything at the destination, and I'd prefer a power strip that I can use in the long term.

 

[Fushigi]

I picked up one of these for $8 at Radio Shack awhile back. It does have a built-in breaker but I'm not sure at what point it triggers.

 

[Stereodude]

You could get one without any surge protection, or you could open it up and take out the MOV's.

 

[LunarMist]

Yes, but I was hoping to avoid that. I may check around the local stores.

This is the closest to what I want found online, but it is rather bulky. Still, it could be used to replace a local table lamp or something and still use that in one of the taps. Why is electrical life so complicated? :blue:

 

[Fushigi]

As near as I can tell, the Ikea "Koppla" power strips are not surge protectors. 2 6-plug strips for like $5 or 6. They have a relatively short cord and an on/off switch but I don't see anything indicative of a surge capability. While they are in stores (bought a pack yesterday), Ikea's site doesn't seem to list them.

On second thought, maybe not. They specify 125V, 15A on the label so they may not do "world" voltages. That's a little surprising given Ikea's multinational bent.