Power Strips & Surge Protectors

Expand available electrical outlets and protect compatible electronics from damaging transient voltage spikes with power strips and surge protectors from Hummingbird Networks. Available solutions include standard power strips, rackmount power strips, surge-protected outlet strips, USB charging stations, desktop power centers, medical-grade power strips, network surge protectors, and specialized power products for offices, IT environments, healthcare, communications, and business infrastructure.

Hummingbird Networks offers business power strips and surge protection from leading manufacturers including Eaton and Eaton Tripp Lite Series. Available configurations include NEMA 5-15R outlets, long-cord power strips, horizontal and vertical mounting, metal housings, USB and USB-C charging, circuit breakers, EMI/RFI filtering, and surge-protection ratings designed for different equipment and environments.

Power strips and surge protectors are one component of a broader power and cooling strategy. Organizations protecting servers, networking, security systems, collaboration equipment, and other business electronics should understand the differences between basic power distribution, surge suppression, UPS battery backup, and rack-level PDU infrastructure before selecting equipment.

Power Strips & Surge Protectors for Business Electronics

Power strips and surge protectors provide additional electrical outlets for compatible devices. Surge-protected models add circuitry designed to help protect equipment against transient voltage spikes.

Available products can support:

• Office electronics
• Network equipment
• Workstations
• Computer rooms
• Equipment racks
• Security systems
• Communications equipment
• Charging stations
• Healthcare environments
• Education
• Retail
• Laboratories
• Workbenches

The appropriate product depends on outlet quantity, electrical rating, cord length, mounting requirements, surge rating, equipment sensitivity, charging requirements, and installation environment.

What Is a Power Strip?

A power strip provides multiple electrical receptacles from a single compatible wall outlet or electrical source.

Power strips can be used when several low- or moderate-power devices need electrical connections in the same area.

Depending on the product, features can include:

• Multiple AC outlets
• Long power cords
• Right-angle plugs
• On/off switches
• Circuit breakers
• USB charging ports
• USB-C charging ports
• Metal housings
• Wall mounting
• Rack mounting
• Under-desk mounting

Not every power strip provides surge protection. Surge suppression should be verified in the product specifications.

What Is a Surge Protector?

A surge protector is designed to help protect compatible electronics against certain short-duration voltage spikes or transient electrical surges.

Surges can be caused by events such as:

• Utility switching
• Large motors switching on or off
• Electrical equipment
• Power restoration after outages
• Lightning-related electrical activity
• Other disturbances on the electrical system

A surge protector cannot guarantee protection against every electrical event, but it can provide an additional layer of protection for compatible electronics.

Power Strip vs. Surge Protector

A basic power strip and a surge protector are not necessarily the same product.

Power strip: Primarily adds additional electrical outlets.

Surge protector: Adds outlets and includes surge-suppression components designed to help protect connected equipment from transient voltage spikes.

Some products provide both functions. Always verify that the product specifically lists surge protection if that capability is required.

Surge Protector vs. UPS

A surge protector and an Uninterruptible Power Supply address different power-protection requirements.

A surge protector can help protect against transient voltage spikes but does not provide battery backup.

A UPS can provide temporary battery power during an outage and can include additional power-conditioning capabilities depending on the UPS topology.

If equipment must remain operating temporarily or shut down safely when utility power fails, explore UPS Uninterruptible Power Supplies.

Power Strip vs. PDU

Power strips and Power Distribution Units both provide multiple outlets, but rack PDUs are designed specifically for IT infrastructure and can provide higher outlet density, electrical capacity, mounting flexibility, and advanced monitoring or control.

A rack PDU can provide features such as:

• 0U vertical mounting
• High outlet counts
• 208V or 240V distribution
• Three-phase power
• Metering
• Remote monitoring
• Outlet-level switching

For dedicated rack power distribution, explore PDUs and Power Distribution Units.

Standard Power Strips

Standard power strips provide straightforward outlet expansion for compatible office, network, laboratory, workshop, and business equipment.

Common configurations can include:

• 2 outlets
• 4 outlets
• 6 outlets
• 8 outlets
• 12 outlets
• 16 outlets
• Higher outlet counts on selected models

Hummingbird Networks currently carries Eaton Tripp Lite Series power strips with multiple outlet counts, cord lengths, mounting formats, and electrical configurations.

2-Outlet Power Strips

Compact 2-outlet power strips and charging centers can be useful where only a small number of electrical devices need to be connected.

Selected models can also include USB-A or USB-C charging for mobile devices and other compatible electronics.

4-Outlet Power Strips

4-outlet power strips provide compact outlet expansion for desks, workstations, counters, cabinets, and other areas where larger power strips are unnecessary.

Available configurations can include longer cords, right-angle plugs, and mounting hardware depending on the product.

6-Outlet Power Strips

6-outlet power strips are widely used for office electronics, workstations, networking, and general business equipment.

Current Hummingbird Networks inventory includes Eaton Tripp Lite Series 6-outlet power strips and surge protectors with options such as:

• Standard AC outlets
• Long cords
• USB charging
• Surge suppression
• Antimicrobial housings on selected products

12-Outlet Power Strips

12-outlet power strips can support a larger group of devices from a common electrical source.

Current Eaton Tripp Lite Series models include long-format metal power strips designed for equipment racks, computer rooms, workbenches, raceways, and other professional environments.

Selected 12-outlet models also include surge suppression and circuit-breaker protection.

16-Outlet Power Strips

High-outlet-count power strips can help distribute 120V power to multiple low- and moderate-power devices.

Vertical 16-outlet strips can be useful for:

• Equipment racks
• Laboratory benches
• Network equipment
• Audio/video systems
• Technical workspaces

Total electrical load must remain within the power strip and branch-circuit ratings regardless of how many receptacles are available.

Rackmount Power Strips

Rackmount power strips are designed to install within or alongside equipment racks.

These products can provide practical power distribution for smaller rack installations that do not require advanced PDU metering or network management.

Rack-compatible power strips can support:

• Network switches
• Routers
• Firewalls
• Security equipment
• Audio/video systems
• Communications equipment

Horizontal Rackmount Power Strips

Horizontal rack power strips can mount across a standard equipment rack.

Depending on the model, they can occupy a conventional rack unit or mount in another horizontal location.

Horizontal strips can be useful in smaller network racks where a limited number of outlets is required.

Vertical Power Strips

Vertical power strips provide multiple outlets along an elongated enclosure and can be installed along racks, benches, walls, raceways, or other compatible surfaces.

Vertical mounting can place outlets closer to equipment and reduce the need for long device power cords.

Power Strips for Network Racks

Smaller network racks can use power strips to connect switches, routers, firewalls, media converters, and other low- or moderate-power equipment.

For larger or mission-critical racks, organizations should evaluate whether a dedicated PDU is more appropriate.

Selection should account for:

• Total electrical load
• Outlet quantity
• Rack mounting
• Surge protection requirements
• Circuit protection
• UPS integration

Surge Protector Joule Ratings

Surge protectors commonly include a joule rating that describes the amount of surge energy the protection components are designed to absorb over their operating life under specified conditions.

Current Hummingbird Networks products include surge protectors with ratings such as:

• 300 joules
• 1,000 joules
• 1,050 joules
• 2,880 joules
• Other ratings depending on the product

The appropriate rating depends on equipment value, electrical environment, surge-protection design, and application requirements.

What Does Joule Rating Mean?

A joule is a measurement of energy.

For surge protectors, the joule rating describes the amount of surge energy the protection system is designed to handle according to its specifications.

A higher number generally indicates greater cumulative surge-energy capacity, but joule rating should not be considered by itself.

Other important factors can include:

• Clamping or let-through characteristics
• Response design
• Surge-current capacity
• Electrical rating
• Protection status indicators
• Connected equipment requirements

300-Joule Surge Protectors

Compact surge protectors with ratings around 300 joules can provide basic transient protection for compatible office and charging applications.

Current Hummingbird Networks inventory includes Eaton Tripp Lite Series Safe-IT surge products with 300-joule ratings and combinations of AC and USB charging outlets.

1000-Joule Surge Protectors

Surge protectors around the 1,000-joule range provide greater cumulative surge-energy capacity than basic low-joule products.

Current Hummingbird Networks charging stations include models with approximately 1,000 joules of surge protection together with AC, USB-A, USB-C, and wireless charging capabilities.

High-Joule Surge Protectors

Higher-joule surge protectors are available for electronics requiring greater surge-suppression capacity.

For example, current Hummingbird Networks inventory includes Eaton Tripp Lite Series Protect It! products rated at 2,880 joules with protection for AC power as well as selected communications lines.

Surge Protection Status Indicators

Many surge protectors include status lights or indicators that show whether surge protection and grounding are functioning as expected.

Selected products can provide indicators for:

• Protection status
• Ground status
• Power status

If a surge protector indicates that its protection circuitry is no longer functioning, replacement may be required.

Audible Surge Protection Alarms

Some surge suppressors include an audible alarm that indicates when the protection circuitry has been damaged or exhausted.

This can provide an additional warning that the unit may no longer offer its intended surge protection.

EMI/RFI Noise Filtering

Selected surge protectors include filtering designed to reduce electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference carried through AC power lines.

This is commonly referred to as EMI/RFI filtering.

Line-noise filtering can be useful for sensitive electronics, audio/video systems, communications equipment, and other applications where electrical noise is undesirable.

Surge Protectors with Circuit Breakers

Many business power strips and surge protectors include a resettable circuit breaker.

The breaker is designed to interrupt power when electrical load exceeds supported limits.

A circuit breaker is not a substitute for proper load planning. Connected equipment should remain within the power strip's specified amperage and watt capacity.

15-Amp Power Strips

15A power strips are common in 120V North American business environments.

A typical 15A strip can use a NEMA 5-15P input plug and multiple NEMA 5-15R receptacles.

Selected current products are rated up to approximately 1,800 watts at 120V, subject to their specifications and applicable electrical requirements.

20-Amp Power Strips

Higher-current power strips are available for applications requiring compatible 20A electrical service.

The plug, wall receptacle, circuit, strip, and connected equipment must all be appropriate for the intended current and voltage.

NEMA 5-15 Power Strips

NEMA 5-15 is one of the most common electrical connection formats in North American offices and business environments.

Many Hummingbird Networks power strips use:

• NEMA 5-15P input plugs
• NEMA 5-15R output receptacles
• 120V AC operation
• 15A electrical ratings

Right-Angle Power Plugs

Right-angle plugs can reduce the amount of space required directly in front of a wall receptacle.

This can be useful where furniture, cabinets, equipment, or other objects are positioned close to the outlet.

Current Eaton Tripp Lite Series products include power strips and surge protectors with right-angle NEMA plugs.

Long-Cord Power Strips

Power strips are available with different cord lengths to accommodate equipment placement.

Common cord lengths can include:

• 6 feet
• 8 feet
• 10 feet
• 15 feet
• Longer cords on selected products

The cord should be long enough to reach the electrical source without creating unnecessary cable slack or unsafe routing.

15-Foot Power Strips

15-foot power strips can be useful in equipment rooms, workbenches, laboratories, racks, and other environments where devices are positioned farther from available wall outlets.

Current Eaton Tripp Lite Series products include 12- and 16-outlet power strips with long cords for professional installations.

Metal Power Strips

Metal power strips use rugged housings designed for professional environments such as racks, workbenches, laboratories, computer rooms, and technical workspaces.

Current Hummingbird Networks inventory includes heavy-duty Eaton Tripp Lite Series strips with all-metal housings.

Metal construction can provide greater physical durability than lightweight consumer-style enclosures.

Power Strips with Protected Power Switches

Selected power strips include a power switch with a protective cover or guard designed to reduce accidental shutoff.

This can be useful where connected devices should not lose power because someone inadvertently contacts the switch.

USB Power Strips

USB power strips combine AC receptacles with USB charging ports.

These products can reduce the number of separate wall chargers required for compatible devices.

Available charging configurations can include:

• USB-A
• USB-C
• Multiple USB charging ports
• Power Delivery on selected USB-C ports
• Wireless charging on selected products

USB-A Charging Power Strips

USB-A charging ports can supply power directly to compatible mobile devices, accessories, and other USB-powered electronics.

Current Eaton Tripp Lite Series power products include multiple AC and USB-A configurations for offices, healthcare, hospitality, education, and shared workspaces.

USB-C Power Strips

USB-C charging has become common across laptops, tablets, phones, and other modern electronics.

Selected current power centers and charging stations include USB-C ports with higher-wattage charging capability.

The available power should be checked against the charging requirements of the connected device.

USB-C Power Delivery

USB-C Power Delivery, commonly abbreviated USB-C PD, can provide higher charging power to compatible devices.

Current Hummingbird Networks Eaton Tripp Lite Series charging products include USB-C outputs rated up to 60 watts on selected models.

Actual charging speed depends on both the charging product and connected device.

Power Strips with Wireless Charging

Selected desktop and charging-station products combine AC power, USB charging, and wireless device charging.

These products can create centralized charging locations for shared spaces, offices, classrooms, conference rooms, hospitality environments, and other business applications.

Desktop Power Strips

Desktop power centers provide easy access to electrical and charging connections without requiring users to reach underneath desks or furniture.

Desktop configurations can include:

• AC outlets
• USB-A ports
• USB-C ports
• Wireless charging
• Surge protection

Pop-Up Power Centers

Pop-up power centers are designed to provide accessible electrical and charging connections while minimizing permanent desktop clutter.

Selected Eaton Tripp Lite Series products can combine AC outlets with USB charging in pop-up or desktop-mounted designs.

In-Desk Power Centers

In-desk power centers integrate outlets and charging ports directly into a desk, conference table, counter, or work surface.

These solutions can help create a cleaner workspace while keeping electrical and charging connections accessible.

Power Grommets

Power grommets fit into compatible openings in desks or work surfaces and can provide AC and USB charging directly at the workstation.

Current Eaton Tripp Lite Series products include in-desktop power grommets with surge protection and USB charging.

Charging Stations

Charging stations centralize electrical charging for multiple devices.

Selected products can support combinations of:

• AC outlets
• USB-A charging
• USB-C charging
• Wireless charging

Charging stations can be useful in offices, conference rooms, classrooms, hotels, healthcare facilities, reception areas, and shared workspaces.

Medical-Grade Power Strips

Healthcare environments can require power strips designed and tested for medical applications.

Current Hummingbird Networks inventory includes Eaton Tripp Lite Series Safe-IT medical-grade power strips for patient-care environments.

Medical power strips can include features such as:

• Hospital-grade outlets
• Hospital-grade plugs
• Outlet safety covers
• Antimicrobial protection on selected models
• Construction designed around healthcare requirements

Medical applications should use products specifically rated for the required healthcare environment.

UL 2930 Medical-Grade Power Strips

UL 2930 applies to relocatable power taps used in certain healthcare environments.

Current Hummingbird Networks inventory includes Eaton Tripp Lite Series Safe-IT UL 2930 medical-grade power strips with 4- and 6-outlet configurations.

Always verify the specific product's certifications and intended application before use in patient-care areas.

Hospital-Grade Power Strips

Hospital-grade power strips can use specialized plugs, outlets, construction, and safety features intended for healthcare applications.

The term hospital-grade should not be applied to a general office power strip solely because it has a durable enclosure.

Use products specifically identified and certified for the intended healthcare application.

Antimicrobial Power Strips

Selected Safe-IT power products feature antimicrobial protection on product surfaces.

These products can be useful in shared environments where many users may interact with the power strip or charging station.

Antimicrobial treatment does not replace regular cleaning or infection-control procedures.

Power Strips for Offices

Office workstations often require power for computers, monitors, docking stations, phones, chargers, and other electronics.

Office power-strip selection should consider:

• Number of devices
• Electrical load
• Surge protection
• Cord length
• USB charging
• Desk mounting
• Plug orientation

Power Strips for Conference Rooms

Conference rooms can benefit from accessible charging and power connections for laptops, phones, tablets, displays, conferencing equipment, and other devices.

Desktop, pop-up, in-table, and charging-station products can help reduce cable clutter while making power easier to access.

Power Strips for Education

Classrooms, libraries, laboratories, computer rooms, and shared study environments can require numerous charging and electrical connections.

Products with USB charging, protected switches, durable enclosures, and appropriate outlet spacing can help support shared educational environments.

Power Strips for Retail

Retail locations can use power strips for point-of-sale equipment, network devices, displays, charging equipment, and back-office electronics.

Surge protection can be particularly useful for electronics connected in areas where power quality or switching loads are a concern.

Power Strips for Workbenches

Long metal power strips can provide distributed outlets along technical workbenches, repair areas, laboratories, and manufacturing workstations.

Outlet spacing, enclosure durability, cord length, mounting options, and circuit capacity should be considered when selecting a workbench power strip.

Power Strips for Computer Rooms

Computer rooms can require multiple AC connections for computers, monitors, peripherals, network equipment, and charging devices.

Long-format power strips can reduce cabling clutter by distributing outlets closer to the equipment.

Power Strips for Equipment Racks

Power strips can be appropriate for selected rack environments where advanced rack-PDU features are unnecessary.

Organizations should evaluate:

• Rack mounting
• Total equipment load
• Outlet count
• Surge protection requirements
• Electrical voltage
• Cord routing

High-density server racks or environments requiring metering and remote management should generally be evaluated for dedicated PDUs.

Surge Protection for Network Equipment

Network electronics can be sensitive to power disturbances.

Surge protection can be used with compatible:

• Switches
• Routers
• Firewalls
• Wireless equipment
• Communications systems

Critical network equipment may also require UPS battery backup rather than surge suppression alone.

Ethernet Surge Protectors

Electrical surges can potentially enter equipment through data cabling as well as AC power connections.

Ethernet surge protectors are designed to help protect compatible network equipment through the Ethernet data path.

Current Hummingbird Networks inventory includes Eaton Tripp Lite Series in-line Ethernet surge protectors supporting high-speed network connections.

10 Gigabit Ethernet Surge Protection

Selected Ethernet surge protectors support high-speed network standards, including 10 Gigabit Ethernet over compatible cabling.

Current Hummingbird Networks inventory includes in-line surge protection for Cat6a and Cat8 network connections with up to 10 Gbps data rates.

The surge protector should support the required Ethernet speed, cable category, PoE requirements when applicable, and installation environment.

Network Surge Protection

Network surge protectors install in the data path between network devices.

Applications can include protecting compatible:

• Ethernet switches
• Routers
• Network appliances
• Wireless access points
• Outdoor networking equipment
• Other Ethernet-connected devices

Network protection should be evaluated separately from AC surge protection because power and data paths are different.

Surge Protectors with Ethernet Protection

Selected AC surge protectors include RJ45 Ethernet protection in addition to AC outlets.

This allows compatible network cabling to pass through the surge-protection device before reaching connected electronics.

The supported Ethernet data rate should be verified because older surge protectors may not support current high-speed network standards.

Telephone & Modem Surge Protection

Selected surge protectors include RJ11 telephone or modem line protection.

This can help protect compatible equipment connected to traditional telephone, modem, or fax lines from transient electrical events entering through those cables.

Coaxial Surge Protection

Some surge protectors include coaxial connectors for cable, satellite, broadband, or other compatible coaxial services.

Current Eaton Tripp Lite Series products include combinations of AC, telephone, Ethernet, and coaxial surge protection in a single unit.

Multi-Line Surge Protectors

Multi-line surge protectors can protect several connection types simultaneously.

Depending on the model, protection can include:

• AC power
• Ethernet
• Telephone
• Modem
• Fax
• Coaxial connections

This can be useful when equipment has multiple physical connections that could potentially carry electrical surges.

Surge Protection for Security Systems

Security infrastructure can include cameras, recorders, network switches, access-control equipment, displays, and network devices.

Depending on the environment, protection can be considered for both AC power and data cabling.

Mission-critical security systems may also require UPS battery backup to remain operational during power outages.

Surge Protection for Communications Equipment

Communications infrastructure can depend on AC power and network cabling at the same time.

Surge-protected power strips and compatible data-line surge protectors can help reduce exposure to certain transient electrical events.

Transformer-Friendly Power Strips

Large AC adapters and power transformers can block adjacent outlets on conventional power strips.

Selected surge protectors use wider spacing or specially positioned outlets so multiple transformer-style plugs can be connected without blocking other receptacles.

Current Eaton Tripp Lite Series Protect It! products include designs intended to accommodate several transformer plugs.

Power Strips with Safety Covers

Outlet safety covers can help limit accidental contact with unused receptacles.

They are particularly common on medical-grade and shared-environment power products.

Safety features vary by product and should be selected according to the installation environment.

Power Strips with Mounting Hardware

Many professional power strips support mounting to walls, racks, workbenches, desks, counters, or other surfaces.

Mounting options can include:

• Keyhole slots
• Mounting clips
• Rack brackets
• Adjustable mounting hardware

Verify the included mounting hardware and supported installation orientations before purchasing.

Wall-Mount Power Strips

Wall-mounted power strips can provide outlets closer to equipment while reducing cable clutter across floors and work surfaces.

They can be useful in:

• Workbenches
• Laboratories
• Computer rooms
• Network environments
• Education
• Industrial workspaces

Under-Desk Power Strips

Under-desk mounting can keep power strips out of sight while providing organized connections for computers, monitors, docking stations, chargers, and peripherals.

Users should retain reasonable access for maintenance and avoid installations that interfere with ventilation or cable routing.

Power Strip Cord Management

Power-strip placement can affect cable organization throughout a workspace or equipment area.

Consider:

• Cord length
• Plug orientation
• Mounting location
• Distance from equipment
• Cable strain
• Trip hazards
• Access for maintenance

Surge Protector Replacement

Surge-suppression components can degrade as they absorb electrical events over time.

A surge protector may still provide electrical power after its surge-protection capability has been reduced or lost.

Protection-status lights or alarms can help indicate when selected models should be replaced.

How Long Does a Surge Protector Last?

There is no universal replacement interval for every surge protector.

Service life depends on:

• Surge-protection design
• Electrical environment
• Number and magnitude of surge events
• Product condition
• Manufacturer recommendations

Products with protection-status indicators should be replaced if the manufacturer indicates that protection is no longer active.

Can a Surge Protector Wear Out?

Yes. Surge-suppression components can degrade as they absorb transient electrical energy.

This is one reason status indicators and alarms are useful on surge-protection products.

Do Power Strips Wear Out?

Basic power strips do not contain the same sacrificial surge components as surge protectors, but receptacles, switches, cords, and circuit breakers can still wear or become damaged.

Power strips showing physical damage, loose outlets, overheating, damaged cords, or other abnormal conditions should be removed from service.

Daisy-Chaining Power Strips

Power strips generally should not be connected to additional power strips unless the product manufacturer and applicable electrical requirements specifically permit the configuration.

Daisy-chaining can create:

• Overload risk
• Excessive current on an upstream strip
• Poor cable management
• Unexpected circuit conditions

Where many outlets are required, a properly sized power-distribution solution is preferable.

Can I Plug a Power Strip into a UPS?

Whether a power strip can be connected to a UPS depends on the UPS manufacturer, electrical ratings, output receptacles, connected equipment load, and intended configuration.

Never use a power strip to exceed the UPS maximum watt or VA capacity.

For rack equipment, a compatible rack PDU is often the better downstream distribution solution.

Can I Plug a Surge Protector into a UPS?

UPS manufacturers can have specific requirements regarding downstream surge suppressors.

Additional surge components can interact with the UPS electrical design, so manufacturer guidance should be followed rather than assuming all surge strips are appropriate downstream from a UPS.

Electrical Load Planning

The number of available outlets does not determine how much electrical power a strip can safely deliver.

Before connecting equipment, verify:

• Input voltage
• Maximum amperage
• Maximum wattage
• Branch circuit capacity
• Connected equipment load

A 12- or 16-outlet strip can still have the same overall electrical limit as a strip with fewer outlets.

How Many Devices Can I Plug into a Power Strip?

You can connect only as many devices as the outlet count and electrical capacity safely support.

Even when open outlets remain, the combined equipment load must remain within the power strip's electrical rating and the upstream circuit capacity.

How to Calculate Power Strip Load

Identify the expected wattage or current draw of connected equipment and calculate the combined load.

Consider:

• Equipment startup current
• Maximum operating power
• Power adapters
• Future devices
• Branch circuit limits

High-power equipment can consume most of a strip's available capacity even when only one or two outlets are occupied.

Devices That May Require Dedicated Power

High-power appliances can require dedicated circuits or specialized electrical connections rather than standard office power strips.

Always follow equipment and electrical-installation requirements for devices with significant power demand.

How to Choose a Power Strip

Start by identifying the equipment and environment where the strip will be used.

Determine the Number of Outlets

Count the equipment connections required and consider reasonable future needs.

Determine Whether Surge Protection Is Required

If electronics require protection against transient electrical spikes, choose a product specifically identified as a surge protector.

Check Electrical Capacity

Verify voltage, amperage, and wattage ratings.

Choose the Cord Length

Select a cord long enough to reach the electrical source safely without unnecessary excess.

Check Plug Orientation

A right-angle plug can be useful where space around the wall outlet is limited.

Consider Outlet Spacing

Wider spacing can help accommodate large transformers and power adapters.

Consider Mounting

Determine whether the strip needs to mount on a rack, wall, bench, desk, or other surface.

Consider USB Charging

USB-A and USB-C ports can reduce the number of individual charging adapters required.

Check Surge Rating

When choosing a surge protector, review joule rating, protection status, line-noise filtering, and other protection specifications.

Consider Specialized Requirements

Healthcare, network, rack, industrial, and other environments can require specialized products rather than standard office power strips.

How to Choose a Surge Protector

When selecting surge protection, evaluate more than outlet quantity.

Consider:

• Joule rating
• Electrical voltage
• Maximum load
• Protection indicators
• EMI/RFI filtering
• Telephone protection
• Ethernet protection
• Coaxial protection
• Cord length
• Outlet spacing
• Mounting requirements

Power Strip Selection Checklist

Before purchasing, verify:

• Product type
• Number of AC outlets
• Input voltage
• Maximum amperage
• Maximum wattage
• Plug type
• Receptacle type
• Cord length
• Mounting options
• Surge protection
• Joule rating
• Circuit breaker
• Protection indicators
• USB-A ports
• USB-C ports
• Special certifications when required

Building a Complete Power Protection Strategy

Power strips and surge protectors are only one part of protecting business technology.

A complete environment can include:

• Surge-protected power strips
• UPS battery backup
• Rack PDUs
• Replacement UPS batteries
• Extended-runtime batteries
• Transfer switches
• Transformers
• Cooling
• Power monitoring

The correct combination depends on equipment criticality, electrical load, required runtime, rack design, and installation environment.

Why Buy Power Strips & Surge Protectors from Hummingbird Networks?

Business power products range from simple outlet expansion to specialized surge protection, USB charging, rack power, healthcare power distribution, and network data-line protection.

Hummingbird Networks offers power strips and surge protectors for offices, racks, network environments, technical workspaces, healthcare, education, retail, and other business applications.

Customers can turn to our team for:

• Standard power strips
• Surge protectors
• Rackmount power strips
• Vertical power strips
• Long-cord power strips
• Metal power strips
• USB power strips
• USB-C charging stations
• Desktop power centers
• Medical-grade power strips
• Ethernet surge protection
• Telephone and coaxial surge protection
• Eaton Tripp Lite Series power products
• Product and compatibility guidance

Whether you need simple outlet expansion for a workstation, rack-compatible power distribution, high-joule surge protection, USB-C charging, medical-grade outlets, or network surge protection, Hummingbird Networks can help identify power products based on your equipment and environment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Power Strips & Surge Protectors

What is a power strip?

A power strip provides multiple electrical receptacles from one compatible electrical source.

Is every power strip a surge protector?

No. Some power strips only distribute electrical power. Surge protection should be specifically listed in the product specifications.

What is a surge protector?

A surge protector includes electrical components designed to help protect connected equipment against certain transient voltage spikes.

What is the difference between a power strip and surge protector?

A basic power strip primarily provides additional outlets. A surge protector includes surge-suppression circuitry in addition to outlet expansion.

What is the difference between a surge protector and UPS?

A surge protector can help protect equipment against transient electrical spikes but does not provide battery backup. A UPS provides temporary battery power when utility power is interrupted.

What is the difference between a power strip and PDU?

A power strip provides basic outlet expansion, while rack PDUs are designed for IT infrastructure and can provide higher density, higher voltage, metering, monitoring, and switching depending on the model.

What does joule rating mean on a surge protector?

The joule rating describes the amount of surge energy the protection components are designed to absorb according to their specifications.

Is a higher joule rating better?

A higher joule rating generally indicates greater cumulative surge-energy capacity, but overall protection design, electrical rating, equipment requirements, and other specifications should also be considered.

What is EMI/RFI filtering?

EMI/RFI filtering is designed to reduce certain electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference carried through electrical power lines.

What is a 15-amp power strip?

A 15A power strip is designed around a maximum current rating of 15 amps according to its specifications. Many 120V North American models use a NEMA 5-15P plug and NEMA 5-15R outlets.

How many devices can I plug into a power strip?

The number of devices is limited by both outlet quantity and total electrical capacity. The connected load must remain within the strip and upstream circuit ratings.

Can I use every outlet on a 12-outlet power strip?

Possibly, if the combined electrical load remains within the supported rating. Open outlets do not mean additional electrical capacity is necessarily available.

Can I connect one power strip to another?

Daisy-chaining power strips is generally discouraged unless specifically permitted by the manufacturer and applicable electrical requirements. A properly sized distribution solution is preferable where additional outlets are required.

Can I plug a power strip into a UPS?

This depends on UPS manufacturer guidance, electrical ratings, connected load, and intended configuration. For IT racks, a compatible PDU is often the more appropriate downstream distribution solution.

Can I plug a surge protector into a UPS?

Follow the UPS manufacturer's requirements. Additional surge-suppression devices can interact with UPS electrical systems and should not automatically be assumed compatible.

Do surge protectors wear out?

Yes. Surge-suppression components can degrade as they absorb transient electrical energy over time.

How do I know when a surge protector needs replacement?

Check protection-status indicators or alarms when provided. Physical damage, abnormal operation, or a manufacturer's indication that protection is no longer active are reasons to replace the product.

How long does a surge protector last?

There is no universal lifespan because service life depends on the product design, electrical environment, surge events, and manufacturer recommendations.

What is a metal power strip?

A metal power strip uses a durable metal enclosure and is commonly designed for workbenches, racks, computer rooms, laboratories, and other professional environments.

What is a rackmount power strip?

A rackmount power strip is designed to mount within or alongside an equipment rack and distribute power to compatible rack equipment.

Should I use a power strip or PDU in a server rack?

Smaller racks with basic power needs can use compatible rack power strips. High-density, higher-voltage, monitored, remotely managed, or mission-critical environments generally benefit from purpose-built rack PDUs.

What is a USB power strip?

A USB power strip combines AC receptacles with USB charging ports for compatible devices.

Do power strips support USB-C?

Selected products include USB-C ports, including USB-C Power Delivery on some charging stations and desktop power products.

What is a medical-grade power strip?

A medical-grade power strip is specifically designed and certified for applicable healthcare environments and can include hospital-grade plugs, outlets, safety covers, and other specialized features.

Can a regular power strip be used in a patient-care area?

Healthcare environments can require power products meeting specific medical safety standards. Use products specifically certified for the intended application rather than ordinary office power strips.

What is an Ethernet surge protector?

An Ethernet surge protector is installed in the Ethernet data path to help protect compatible network equipment against certain transient electrical events carried through network cabling.

Do Ethernet surge protectors support 10 Gigabit Ethernet?

Selected products do. Verify the supported network speed and cable category before purchase.

Can surge protectors protect telephone lines?

Selected surge protectors include RJ11 protection for compatible telephone, modem, and fax lines.

Can surge protectors protect coaxial cables?

Selected products include coaxial surge protection for compatible cable, satellite, and broadband connections.

What is a right-angle power plug?

A right-angle plug positions the cord closer to the wall, which can reduce clearance requirements behind furniture or equipment.

What cord length should I choose?

Select a cord long enough to reach the electrical source safely without unnecessary excess or hazardous routing.

Does Hummingbird Networks carry Eaton Tripp Lite Series power strips?

Yes. Hummingbird Networks carries Eaton Tripp Lite Series standard power strips, surge protectors, rack power strips, charging stations, medical-grade power products, and network surge protection.

Can Hummingbird Networks help me choose a power strip or surge protector?

Yes. Providing the equipment being powered, outlet count, electrical load, desired surge protection, cord length, mounting requirements, and charging needs can help identify appropriate products.

Shop Power Strips & Surge Protectors

Power and protect business electronics with standard power strips, surge protectors, rackmount power strips, USB charging products, medical-grade power strips, and network surge-protection solutions.

From basic outlet expansion and long metal power strips to high-joule surge suppression, USB-C charging, healthcare power products, and Ethernet data-line protection from Eaton Tripp Lite Series and other compatible infrastructure manufacturers, Hummingbird Networks can help organizations select power products for offices, networks, equipment racks, technical workspaces, and specialized business environments.