Question: How do I choose the correct power strip?
The two most important parameters to understand when trying to choose a power strip are:
• What are you plugging it into?
• What are you pluggin into it?
The “source� you are plugging the power strip into determines what voltage and amperage you need the power strip to be compatible with. There are many options, but most are combinations of these amperages and voltages:
• 15Amp
• 20Amp
• 30Amp
• 110-125Volts
• 208 Volts
• 220-250Volts
Knowing the source will determine the amperage and voltage you need to match.
Then you need to look at the components you are going to plug into the power strip. Do they match the amperage and voltage of the power strip? If so, then what kind of plugs do the components have? The receptacle(s) on the power strip must be the mate of the plug(s) on the components.
Everything else is simply a “feature.� Available features include:
• Current monitoring
• Auto-switching
• Dual source
• Surge protection
• Rackmountable configuration
• Vertical configuration
• Dual voltage
• IEC or NEMA receptacles
• Receptacle orientation on the strip
• Location of receptacles on the strip
• Remote control of receptacles
Obviously the features are important in getting the strip to do exactly what you want, but the basics of understanding the source and what you are plugging into it are key.
