What Is a Power Strip?
A cord with several outlets on it. It adds outlets, not capacity, so everything plugged in still shares one circuit and its limit.
A power strip extends one outlet into several, often with a switch and a small breaker. The cord and the strip are rated for a maximum load, usually 15 amps (1,800 watts), and the wall circuit behind it has its own limit. A strip does not add capacity. A surge protector is a power strip with a part that absorbs voltage spikes, and it wears out, so a strip that is many years old or has lost its indicator light should be replaced.
Never plug a power strip into another power strip, and keep space heaters, hair dryers, and other heating appliances off them entirely. Those devices draw most of the strip rating on their own. A strip that is warm, discolored, or smells hot is overloaded and should be unplugged at once.
Fixes that use this
Electrical
How to Fix a Dead Outlet Before Calling an Electrician
A dead outlet is often a tripped GFCI, breaker, or switched receptacle. Check the safe resets first, then know when wiring needs a pro visit.
Time5–15 min Cost$0–$12 easy
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Electrical
Christmas Lights Keep Tripping the Breaker? Fix It Tonight
Holiday lights trip a breaker from overload, a wet plug, or one bad strand. Add up the watts, check the GFCI, and test strands one at a time. 20 minutes.
Time20–40 min Cost$0–$30 easy