I'm looking for a dependable outlet strip to buy in bulk. Ideally it should be black, have a 7–10 foot power cord, and provide good spacing for bulky plugs and adapters. I used to purchase APC strips, but the models I relied on appear to be discontinued. What replacements have held up well for you?
5 Answers
Tripp Lite has several models with cords ranging from about 6 to 15 feet. I’ve generally preferred the older APC strips, but Tripp Lite is probably the closest replacement. Their Waber-branded units are worth checking too.
Make sure to choose a heavy-duty model if people might plug in space heaters, dehumidifiers, mini fridges, or other high-draw equipment. For normal computer and desk equipment, focus on outlet spacing, cord length, and a suitable electrical rating rather than just the number of outlets.
Belkin makes a solid option with six widely spaced outlets along the edge and six more standard outlets down the middle. They’re available with or without coax and RJ11 surge protection, and the 90-degree plug is convenient. I’ve bought roughly a hundred for work over the years and haven’t had one fail. They usually run around $30, depending on the seller.
I use the same style. It has plenty of room for cable management, and the offset plug doesn’t block the other wall outlet.
Anker has reasonably priced strips in 5-foot and 10-foot versions, and the one I recently bought has worked well so far. Furman and Isobar are also worth considering if you want a more rugged or higher-end unit.
For desk setups, the Fellowes Mighty 8 was excellent because it handled chunky power bricks and adapters well, but it appears to be discontinued too. Metal strips with generous spacing are another good direction if you can find them in the right length.
That’s exactly the problem I keep running into—many of the best models seem to disappear once you need to replace them.
That sounds like the kind of layout I’m after. The outlet spacing and long cord are especially useful for desk setups.