Technik
Extension socket 1.5m 6-way
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White
50
6-Way
In households and offices, we increasingly need more power outlets. A 6-way power strip is super convenient: it turns a single wall socket into six connections. This way, you can easily supply power to your computers, monitors, chargers, and lamps all at once. Whether you need it for your home office, entertainment corner, or workbench, a quality 6-way power strip brings order and efficiency to your power management and prevents chaos, ensuring a safe electrical environment.
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Understanding the Features of a 6-Way Power Strip
A 6-way power strip is more than just a collection of outlets. Different models offer additional features that enhance usability and safety. It's useful to know the key properties to make an informed choice.
Earthing: An Important Safety Measure
Many 6-way power strips come with earthing. This safety feature channels excess or stray electricity safely to the ground through a separate connection. Devices with a metal casing, like washing machines, refrigerators, or computers, require an earthed socket to minimize the risk of electric shock in the event of a defect. Always ensure both the power strip and the device are earthed for optimal protection.
Surge Protection: Safeguarding Your Devices
Some 6-way power strips are equipped with surge protection. This feature protects connected devices from sudden voltage spikes, such as those caused by nearby lightning strikes or power fluctuations in the network. If the voltage spikes too high, the power strip absorbs the surge, protecting your valuable electronics from damage. This is especially useful for sensitive equipment like TVs, computer systems, and audio equipment.
Switches: Central or Individual
A common addition is an on/off switch. This can be a central switch that turns all six outlets on or off at once, which is convenient for reducing standby power consumption when devices are not in use. There are also models with individually switchable sockets, allowing you to operate each outlet separately. This provides more flexibility and is ideal for devices you don't want to power continuously.
Choosing the Right 6-Way Power Strip
When purchasing a 6-way power strip, practical considerations go beyond just the number of outlets. Cable length, design, and the presence of child safety features are important aspects to watch for.
Cable Length and Placement
The cord length determines how flexibly you can position the power strip. Standard lengths vary, but versions with longer cords are available for hard-to-reach sockets. Decide ahead of time where you want to use the power strip and choose a length that offers enough freedom of movement without excess cable clutter. An overly long cord can create a tripping hazard or look messy.
Design and Ease of Use
Some 6-way power strips have sockets placed at a 45-degree angle. This design is meant to prevent large or angled plugs from blocking adjacent outlets, allowing you to use all six sockets simultaneously.
Child Safety: Extra Safety at Home
Many power strips come with child safety, a mechanism that prevents small objects or only one prong from being inserted into the socket. This is an important feature for households with young children to prevent accidents. The contacts will only open when pressure is applied to both openings simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions and Key Points
To use your 6-way power strip optimally and safely, we answer some frequently asked questions here and share practical tips.
Can I overload my 6-way power strip?
Yes, that's possible. Every power strip has a maximum load capacity, usually expressed in Watts (W) or Amperes (A). This is often mentioned on the strip itself or in the specifications. If you connect devices that together exceed the maximum load, this can lead to overheating, short circuits, or at worst, fire. Always take into account the total wattage of the appliances you connect. Avoid plugging in several high-power devices (like heaters, kettles, or deep fryers) into a single power strip.
Why are plugs sometimes difficult to insert into the power strip?
This is often due to the child safety feature. New power strips may have tight openings that only open when both prongs of a plug are inserted evenly and with some force. This is a safety measure and not a defect. After a few uses, the contacts will become smoother. Never force a plug.
Is it wise to connect multiple power strips together?
No, it's strongly discouraged to connect multiple power strips in series (the so-called 'Christmas tree setup'). This increases the risk of overloading the first power strip and the associated wall socket, which can lead to dangerous situations. If needed, choose a power strip with more outlets or distribute devices across several wall sockets.
Choosing a 6-Way Power Strip: Summary Tips
When selecting a 6-way power strip, it's important to find the right balance between functionality and safety. Pay attention to the presence of earthing and surge protection, especially if you're connecting valuable or sensitive equipment. Consider if individually switchable sockets are beneficial for your situation. And always check the maximum load capacity of the power strip to avoid overloading. A well-considered choice contributes to a safe and organized electrical setup in any space.