Power Strips Buyer's Guide

Advanced power strips can sense when your electronics are inactive or idle and shut off their power supply. This feature allows you to prevent wasted energy without having to worry about unplugging all of your devices.

A power surge occurs when the voltage in an energy circuit jumps to unsafe levels, often during lightning storms. An advanced power strip directs a surge away from your devices to extend their lifetimes and preserve their functionality.

Number of Outlets: How many outlets will you need on your new power strip? 

• This answer depends on the number of devices you plan on plugging into it. Advanced power strips typically have between 4 and 12 outlets.

Types of Outlets: What combination of different outlet functions do you need for your device? Advanced power strip models differ in the number of each of these types of outlets.

• Always On: All advanced power strips include at least one outlet that's always on. These are great for appliances or devices that you won't want to turn off, like your modem. 

• Best for: Wi-Fi router, cable box, DVR

• Master-Current Sensing Outlet: This outlet uses current or infrared sensing to detect when a device is not in use and will automatically shut it off. For instance, if you fall asleep watching a movie, your power strip can cut off the power to your TV after 1, 2, 3 or 8 hours of inactive use. 

• Best for: TV, computer, surround sound

• Controlled Outlets: These outlets are controlled by the master-current sensing outlet. When you power off a device connected to the master, devices connected to the controlled outlets will also shut down. This way, when you shut off your computer, you can power off your printer, monitor, etc. all at the same time.

• Best for: video game consoles, DVD players, monitors, speakers, printers

Energy absorption ratings for devices sold on our site range from 30,000 to 144,000 Amps. The higher the number, the greater the protection. 

Remember, don't daisy-chain multiple power strips together. It can put an unsustainable amount of load on a single outlet and isn't recommended. It may also void any manufacturer warranties.

While advanced power strips are typically more expensive than regular power strips, they can save more money in the long-term, making them a worthy investment.

Advanced power strips are categorized into two savings tiers. Both tiers of power strips cut power to appliances that are turned off, but only tier 2 models are equipped with infrared sensing. This ability lets them detect when your devices are inactive by listening to infrared signals, like the ones from your television, satellite or cable remotes. So if you often fall asleep in front of the TV, look for tier 2 devices.

Tier 1 models are well-suited for your home office electronics, and may be labeled as "PC" for PC/IT environments.

Because of infrared sensing, tier 2 models tend to work best for your entertainment systems. These devices may be labeled as "AV" for "audio video" or as "multi-sensing."