Power strips and extension cords for homes, offices, workshops and equipment racks: multi-socket strips and extension leads with different outlet counts and cable lengths. Brands in our range include Brennenstuhl, INLINE, Bachmann and Eaton. With over 600 products, the main task is matching outlet count, cable length and protection to the spot where the strip will sit.
How to choose a power strip or extension cord
Number of outlets. Count every plug you need today, then add one or two spare. Our range includes strips with 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 outlets, and the 3 and 6 outlet versions are especially well represented. Bulky power adapters can block neighbouring sockets, so a strip with a few spare outlets is more practical than one that is exactly full.
Cable length. Measure the distance from the wall socket to your devices and allow for the route around furniture. We stock lengths such as 1.4 m, 1.5 m, 1.8 m, 3 m, 5 m and 10 m, with 1.5 m the most common among the products we have specifications for. A cord that is too long adds clutter, while one that is too short tempts people to chain strips together.
Power switch. A built-in on/off switch lets you cut power to everything plugged in, which helps with devices that draw power on standby. Many strips in our range have one and some do not. A switch is useful on a desk or entertainment unit, but a strip for a freezer or a router should be left without one so it cannot be switched off by accident.
Surge protection and load rating. Some power strips include surge protection, which helps shield computers and televisions from voltage spikes. Check the maximum load printed on the strip, because heaters, kettles and power tools draw far more current than a laptop or a lamp.
Where it will be used. Indoor strips are not made for damp garages, patios or building sites. For those places, look for products that state a splash-proof or outdoor rating, and use a cord with a heavier cable.
Brands we carry
- Brennenstuhl: a German maker known for extension leads and power strips for workshops, homes and outdoor use, and the largest brand in this category in our range.
- INLINE: a German brand best known for IT cables and accessories, so its strips suit computer and network setups.
- Bachmann: an Austrian manufacturer specialising in power distribution and sockets built into desks and furniture.
- AS Schwabe: a German producer of electrical installation products, including extension cords and outdoor-rated equipment.
- Eaton: a power management company known for UPS units and rack power distribution, a good fit for server and network cabinets.
Also in our range: Micro Connect, LogiLink, Sygonix, Activejet, Maclean, Acar and Value.
Frequently asked questions about power strips and extension cords
What is the difference between a power strip and an extension cord?
A power strip has several sockets in one housing, usually on a short cable, while an extension cord normally extends a single socket over a longer distance. Some extension leads combine both and have multiple sockets at the end of a long cable. Pick the type by whether you need more outlets or more reach.
How many outlets do I need?
Count the devices you plug in now and add at least one spare. A desk with a monitor, laptop, charger and lamp needs four, and a home cinema corner often needs six. Strips with 3 to 6 outlets are the most common choice in our range.
Can I plug one power strip into another?
It is not recommended. Chaining strips can overload the first cord and the wall socket, which creates a fire risk. If you run out of outlets, buy one strip with more sockets or a longer lead instead.
Can I run a heater or kettle from a power strip?
Only if the strip is rated for the full load of the appliance, and even then a direct wall socket is safer. Heaters and kettles draw a lot of current for long periods. If you must use a lead, choose a heavy-duty cord, fully unwind it and check its maximum rating first.
