How to choose workshop power strips?

When you are managing the tools of a workshop it is quite likely that you will be working with a wide range of tools that are considerably expensive and tools that can draw a large degree of power. Workshop tools are products that deserve protection and proper support in your day to day usage. While you likely would not consider running your workshop without the help of your electric saw, drill press or belt sander, one of the most commonly overlooked aspects of a workshop are power supply items.

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Workshop power strips and their importance:

A good power strip for your workshop is crucial to protecting your equipment. A workshop will run many types of electronics at any given time and when all these electronics are connected to a cheap power strip, you could be putting them at risk. A power strip that comes with a surge protector will help to keep your devices safe from damage and prevent the chance that unstable power could risk your workshop as well as the devices that you are using on a regular basis. Surge protectors don’t all deliver the same level of protection and with the right rating on a surge protector, you can make sure that you will be able to protect the devices you use every day and the devices that are most important for keeping your workshop up and running.

Surges explained:

A surge can occur when there are irregularities flowing from your outlet to various devices. In a workshop where activating workshop appliances takes a great deal of power, there are often instances of unstable power that can affect the performance of devices, your electrical grid inside the workshop and more.

Some components for your workshop can have very sensitive circuits so even something as simple as turning on your device will lead to some irregularities in unstable power that can affect the performance of your workshop devices. A surge protector will act as a barrier to prevent the surge from making its way into your devices to damage them. Devices get a consistent flow of power and you can protect even expensive devices that are in your workshop.

When you are seeking a surge protector that works well for your workshop, you need to find a product that has enough room for your appliances, and that will carry enough power through the power strip to meet manufacturer recommendations to protect your devices.

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Joules rating:

When looking at any workshop power strip, you need to consider the joules rating and make sure that the device is properly certified. ETL certification in the United States stands as one of the best forms of certification for a power strip that you may use in industrial settings or for use with any sensitive electronics. You will also need to consider the Joules rating which is the maximum amount of energy that the workshop power strip will be able to handle before it fails. When you are working with workshop appliances, choosing a higher number here is advantageous so that you can receive a better form of protection.

With electronics that require a light form of energy like a lamp or a clock, a surge protector with a 1000 rating is usually fine, choosing a workshop power strip will mean finding a product that has at least a joule rating of 2000 or above.

Response time:

Response time is also an important factor to consider with workshop power strips. This is a rating on how long the surge protector will take before it kicks in to protect the devices that are plugged into it. A surge response for a heavy duty power strip should be less than a nanosecond, especially when you are using any type of sensitive electronics plugged into the power strip.

The number of ports:

With a workshop, you need versatility. For any given job, you might be required to plug in more devices for your electric saw, drill, sander, shop lighting, music speakers and more. With more than 6 ports and a very high rating, you can have a power strip that is ready to handle any task in your workshop.

Using extension cords with your workshop power strips:

Workshops are usually vast areas and if you are planning on plugging in an extension cord with your surge protector, it is important to think about the load of the surge protector strip and the type of cord you are going to use with your extension cord. If you have an extension cord that is not properly rated to handle the load, this could lead to a fire hazard. It can often be advantageous to organise your workshop in such a way that the workshop power strips in use are closer to your main power source.

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If you do plan on using any type of extension cord with your power strip, you need to keep the connection as a temporary choice. It can be a way to give you the reach you need with a hand tool or to do a quick cut with an electric saw, but it is not designed to handle a consistent load. Install outlets closer to the area where you are using workshop power strips or consider the use of multiple workshop power strips to handle the reach you need across your working area.

Don’t leave your workshop unprotected:

If you aren’t currently using any form of protection in your workshop, now is the time for you to upgrade your power supply and look at the best rating in terms of joules so that you can live up to the needs of your power consumption. Power tools can be expensive but taking the best measures to protect them and protect your workshop can make sure that you will be able to save yourself hassles in the future. If you want to make sure that you can have the best rating for your protection, ensure that you are working with the right tools. Don’t leave your workshop unprotected and consider using a power strip that is located well in your workshop and properly rated to protect your space and your electronics.

For more information on workshop power strips, contact us today at CRST to find out more about our heavy duty products.

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