Outdoor Power Strip

Outdoor power strips bring electrical power outdoors using a strip of outlets on a single power cord. Outdoor power strips have a circuit breaker that protects the outlet and the source from shortages and electrical overloads. Outdoor surge protectors are designed to achieve the same thing. Both power strips for outdoor use and heavy duty outdoor surge protectors are made using durable waterproof materials with a metal or plastic casing. The flexible cord varies in length, covering anywhere from 1 foot to as long as 100 feet.

Outdoor power strips vs indoor power strips

Heavy duty outdoor power strips are designed to withstand extreme outdoor elements, including inclement weather, moisture, wind, and UV rays from the sun. Although indoor water resistant power strips may repel some water, they don't protect against harsh outdoor elements the way an outdoor waterproof power strip does. Using the wrong type of powerstrip could result in an electrical shortage or damage to appliances and other items being powered through the cord. Outdoor power strips are made using a protective coating and are thicker and more durable than thin indoor power strips.

How is a surge protector different from an outdoor power strip?

Outdoor surge protectors are a type of power strip designed to keep appliances and electronics safe by preventing power surges. A power surge occurs when there's a sudden increase in voltage that exceeds the standard amount. Electricity flowing into homes, offices, and other buildings is approximately 120 volts. During a power surge, this flow increases significantly, causing damage to appliances, electronics, HVAC equipment, and other equipment. Waterproof and water resistant surge protectors placed outside of homes and buildings can prevent this from happening using a metal oxide varistor (MOV). The MOV absorbs any excess voltage, diverting the current to the ground and preventing the electrical influx from reaching electronics or appliances.

How to use outdoor power strips and surge protectors

Power strips for outdoor use have between 3 and 24 available outlets. The more outlets it has, the higher capacity of electricity it offers. Overloading any power strip could create a fire hazard. It's important to invest in a heavy duty outdoor surge protector or power strip that can handle the electrical draw without shorting out. All power strips should be plugged into a grounded wall outlet. Never plug an outdoor power strip into another power strip or surge protector. Most outdoor power strips work well with low-voltage electronics. These include stereos or speakers, LED lights, small ice makers, mini refrigerators, and tablets or computers. Avoid large appliances or electronics, including full-sized refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, generators, or power tools.