Technik
Extension socket 3m 4-way
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White
50
4-Way
A 4-way power strip is super handy when you need more outlets than your wall provides. Whether you want to connect your computer, tools, or household appliances, it allows you to efficiently and safely power more devices. There is a wide variety available: from simple models to those with switches, surge protection, and USB ports.
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What should you consider when choosing a 4-way power strip?
The choice of the right 4-way power strip depends on your specific needs and the environment where it will be used. Take the following technical and practical considerations into account.
Earthing: protection for your devices
Earthing is an important safety feature of power strips. It ensures that in the event of a defective grounding in a device, electricity is safely diverted. In the Netherlands, the most common earthing systems are 'randaarde' (side earth) and 'penaarde' (pin earth). An ungrounded power strip (Europlug) is only suitable for devices with double insulation, often smaller appliances such as phone chargers.
| Type of Earthing | Feature | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Randaarde (Side earth) | Metal contact strips on the sides | Large and grounded devices (e.g. computers, refrigerators) |
| Penaarde (Pin earth) | A protruding metal pin in the socket | Common in Belgium and France, sometimes also found on Dutch fixtures |
| Ungrounded | No metal contacts for earthing | Small, double insulated devices (e.g. lamps without metal housing, phone chargers) |
Always check whether the plugs of your devices are compatible with the earthing type of the power strip. It is usually safer to use a grounded power strip, even for ungrounded devices.
Cord length and load capacity
The cord length of a 4-way power strip can vary significantly, from directly pluggable splitter sockets without a cord to extension leads of 5 meters or longer. Consider in advance how far the power strip will be from the wall outlet so you can choose the right length. An excessively long cable can cause tripping hazards and unnecessary cable clutter.
The maximum load capacity, expressed in Watts (W), indicates how much power all connected devices may use together at most. For most 4-way power strips this is around 2300W (ungrounded) up to 3680W (grounded, at 16A and 230V). Do not connect heavy users like a heater, washing machine, or kettle to a single power strip at the same time; this can cause overloading, overheating, and fire hazards.
Features that provide comfort and safety
In addition to the basic function of power distribution, many 4-way power strips offer extra features that increase ease of use and safety.
Switches and energy saving
A power strip with an on/off switch allows you to disconnect all connected devices from the grid at once. This is practical to prevent standby power consumption and helps with energy saving. Some more advanced models have a switch for each socket, letting you individually turn specific devices on or off.
Surge protection and child safety
A power strip with surge protection guards connected electronics against damage from power spikes, for example caused by lightning strikes or disturbances in the power grid. This is a valuable addition for sensitive equipment such as computers, TVs, and audio systems.
Child safety is a built-in feature that prevents children from inserting objects into the socket openings. The openings are shielded and require both prongs of a plug to be inserted simultaneously in order to make contact. This is a recommended feature for use in households.
Extra connection options: USB ports
More and more 4-way power strips are equipped with USB-A or USB-C ports. This allows you to charge smartphones, tablets, and other USB-powered devices directly from the power strip, without needing a separate USB adapter in one of the outlets. This saves space and keeps your outlets free for other devices.
Practical questions about 4-way power strips
Various questions may arise regarding everyday use of power strips. Here are answers to common practical situations:
- Can multiple power strips be connected together? No, daisy-chaining power strips (plugging one power strip into another) is strongly discouraged. This increases the risk of overloading and fire hazards, because the total current through a single wall outlet can become too high.
- What if a power strip becomes warm? If a power strip feels warm, this indicates a (potential) overload. Disconnect some devices immediately. If the power strip regularly becomes warm, it is probably underrated for your use, and it is advisable to use a heavier model or additional outlets elsewhere.
- How can I place the power strip to save space? Choose a power strip where the sockets are positioned at an angle (often 45 or 90 degrees). This prevents large adapters or angled plugs from blocking adjacent outlets. Some power strips also have mounting eyes, allowing them to be attached to a wall or under a desk for a tidy workspace.
- Are there special power strips for outdoor use? A standard 4-way power strip is generally only suitable for indoor use (IP20). For outdoor use, special garden power strips or cable reels with higher IP ratings (at least IP44, often IP65 for exposed locations) are available.
Maintenance and lifespan of 3-way power strips
A 3-way power strip generally requires little maintenance. Regular visual inspection for cable or housing damage is sufficient. Ensure that the power strip is not subjected to overloading and that cables are not kinked or pinched. In case of visible damage, overheating, or a burning smell, the power strip should be unplugged and replaced immediately. A 3-way power strip that is used correctly will typically last a long time.