Power Strips/Surge Protectors with more than 6 outlets

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cecseabee

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Are there any requirements (standards, i.e., NEC) to use power or surge strips that have only 6 outlets or less. This is a safety concern as to overloading, but can find no written standard forbidding.

Anyone have comments?

Thanks
 
Not that I know of; you could over load it by plugging one item in if it draws more than the opening let alone plug strip is rated for.
 
I have never understood how additional outlets create a safety hazard. If you apply too much load the OCPD will open the circuit. Assuming the electrical system was properly designed and installed there is only incovience, not a hazard.
 
cecseabee said:
Are there any requirements (standards, i.e., NEC) to use power or surge strips that have only 6 outlets or less. This is a safety concern as to overloading, but can find no written standard forbidding.

Anyone have comments?

Thanks
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Where did you get the six as the limit? They're not meant for circumventing the 15A limit on the outlet.


Monitor, computer box, cable modem, router, speaker, external HDD, USB hub AC adpater and printer. There, that's easily eight devices, probably using less than 500VA total.

A lot of computer peripherals don't use much more than 25VA, but like to use its own receptacle, so that's what they're meant for.
 
FWIW, I have and have installed many power strips with 5-15 or L5-20 plugs and over 10 receptacles. Just checked one from the junk pile- the label says "UL listed (can't read that small print) Temporary Power Tap". As far as I'm concerned, if it's listed, it's probably OK for most applications. (I wouldn't use this particular one on a work site, but it's perfect for under the computer table. Doesn't have enough outlets for mounting in a rack.)
 
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