Well, it depends. A power strip is usually a secondary outlet with multiple electrical inputs. This means you can plug more devices into it, but it doesn’t have its own electrical output as an extension cord does. So whether you can plug a power strip into an extension cord or not depends on the type of power strip you have and what you plan to use it for. If you’re planning to use a power strip as an extension cord, then the answer is no, you cannot do that. However, if you are only using the power strip to plug in more devices than usual and don’t intend to use it as a long wire that extends your electrical output, then yes! You can plug a power strip into an extension cord.
Can You Plug A Power Strip Into An Extension Cord?
If you have a power strip that you can plug into the extension cord, then you can use it to plug the extension cord into your outlet. If not, then you need to get an extension cord with a power strip built in.
What Is The Difference Between A Power Strip And Extension Cord?
- A power strip is a device that connects multiple plugs into one outlet.
- An extension cord is a device that connects to an outlet and then goes from the outlet to a power source (such as another outlet, or a wall socket).
- A surge protector protects your equipment from power spikes and surges.
- An electrical receptacle is the part of your wall that you plug things into; it’s an actual piece of metal in your wall.
- A grounded receptacle can provide protection against power surges and spikes by grounding the electricity to the building’s electrical system instead of allowing it to travel through the walls and fixtures, which can cause damage to connected equipment and wiring in your home or office (example: refrigerator).
- Lightening rods are used in places where there are high chances of getting struck by lightning, such as tall trees near homes, telephone poles, chimneys, etc., by connecting a metal rod with wire at each end to trees or other structures that are away from buildings; they prevent lightning strikes on the objects they attach to.
- Power strip outlets must be placed on a flat surface using only one screw hole; if you have more than one screw hole for the power strip outlets, then you must use two screws per outlet for stability purposes so that it does not fall over when plugged into an extension cord or surge protector because there is no ground connection for them (example: 2-prong plug vs 3-prong plug).
- Extension cords must be plugged in at least 3 inches away from any type of obstruction (example: outlet, wall, appliance, etc.) to prevent it from being damaged by the electrical current that is traveled through the extension cord (example: extension cord plugged into a power strip will travel through that power strip and hence cannot be damaged by the electrical current that is traveled through it).
- Extension cords must have a ground wire connection; this connection should be made to an outlet or another grounded receptacle so that it does not cause damage to connected equipment and wiring in your home or office (example: extension cord with no ground connection will not protect your connected equipment and wiring from damage caused by voltage surges and spikes)
- Surge protectors protect against power surges and spikes; they do not protect against lightning strikes or the power surge that comes out of a bad fuse.
When Can You Plug A Power Strip Into An Extension Cord?
- If the power strip is built into the extension cord.
- If you are using an extension cord with a power strip built into it.
- If you have a power strip that you can plug into the extension cord, then you can use it to plug the extension cord into your outlet. If not, then you need to get an extension cord with a power strip built in.
- You may be able to use your own existing electrical wiring (such as the wires in your wall outlets that are connected to other electrical devices) and plug in an existing appliance to use as an extension cord (such as a light).
- You may be able to use your existing electrical wiring (such as the wires in your wall outlets that are connected to other electrical devices) and plug in an existing appliance to use as a power strip (such as a lamp).
- The extension cord must be long enough to reach all the way from the outlet that you are using, to where you want the power strip or appliance plugged into.
- If you have an electrical problem, such as a blown fuse or circuit breaker, then you should replace the extension cord with a new one.
- If you are using an extension cord with a power strip built into it, then make sure the power strip is compatible with your type of outlet and/or power strip (if different from your current outlet).
- You may be able to use your existing electrical wiring (such as the wires in your wall outlets that are connected to other electrical devices) and plug in an existing appliance if it is compatible with your type of outlet and/or power strip (if different from your current outlet).
- The length of the extension cord does not matter if you do not need it to reach all of your rooms, such as if it will only be used for one room or two rooms and there is no need for it to reach across rooms; instead, just get an appropriate length for each room that needs it and plug into each room’s corresponding outlet(s) on that side of the room where they are located.
Final Words
A power strip and an extension cord are both useful for increasing the number of devices you can plug into your wall outlets. They can also be used to safely power high-powered appliances. Be sure you know the difference between a power strip and an extension cord before plugging one into the other.
