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

A surge protector (SPD) and a power strip are related but distinct electrical accessories that serve different purposes. Here's a clear explanation of the differences between the two:

Power Strip:

1. Purpose:

   • A power strip is primarily designed to provide multiple outlets from a single wall socket, making it convenient to plug in several devices without needing additional wall outlets.

2. Features:

   • Power strips typically offer convenience by expanding the number of available outlets.
   • They may include on/off switches and sometimes have a circuit breaker to prevent overloading.

3. Protection:

   • Standard power strips do not offer any protection against voltage surges or spikes. They simply distribute the electrical current from the wall socket to the connected devices.

4. Construction:

   • Power strips are generally less expensive than surge protectors because they lack surge protection components.

5. Usage:

   • They are suitable for use with devices that do not require surge protection or in areas where power surges are not a significant concern.

Surge Protector:

1. Purpose:

   • A surge protector is designed to protect electronic devices from voltage spikes or surges that can damage or destroy them.

2. Features:

   • In addition to providing multiple outlets, surge protectors include components that absorb or divert excess voltage away from connected devices.
   • They often have indicator lights to show whether they are functioning correctly and may have a circuit breaker for added safety.

3. Protection:

   • The primary function of a surge protector is to safeguard devices from power surges by using components like Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs), gas tube arrestors, or silicon avalanche diodes.

4. Construction:

   • Surge protectors are more expensive than power strips due to the additional surge protection components they contain.

5. Usage:

   • They are essential for devices that are sensitive to voltage fluctuations, such as computers, televisions, home theater systems, and other high-value electronics.

Key Differences:

• Protection: The main difference is that surge protectors offer surge protection, while power strips do not.
• Cost: Surge protectors are generally more expensive due to the added protection.
• Components: Surge protectors contain specialized components to handle voltage surges, which power strips lack.

In summary, if you're looking to simply expand the number of outlets without concern for voltage surges, a power strip may suffice. However, if you want to protect your valuable electronics from potential damage caused by power surges, a surge protector is the right choice.