4-way
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What should you consider when choosing a 4-way power strip?
The choice of the right 4-way power strip depends on your specific needs and the environment where it will be used. Take the following technical and practical considerations into account.
Earthing: protection for your devices
Earthing is an important safety feature of power strips. It ensures that in case of a fault in an appliance, current is safely conducted away. In the Netherlands the most common earthing systems are earth pin and earth strip. An unearthed power strip (Euro plug) is only suitable for double-insulated devices, often small devices like phone chargers.
| Type of earthing | Characteristic | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Earth Strip | Metal contact strips on the sides | Large and earthed devices (e.g. computers, fridges) |
| Earth Pin | A protruding metal pin in the socket | Common in Belgium and France, sometimes on Dutch fixtures |
| Unearthed | No metal contacts for earthing | Small, double-insulated devices (e.g. lamps without metal casing, phone chargers) |
Always check if the plugs of the devices to be connected match the earthing type of the power strip. It's generally safer to use an earthed power strip, even for unearthed devices.
Cord length and load capacity
The cord length of a 4-way power strip varies widely, from plug-through models without a cord to extension versions with 5 meters or more. Consider in advance how far the power strip will be from the wall socket to choose the right length. A too-long cord can create a tripping hazard and unnecessary cable clutter.
The maximum load capacity, expressed in Watts (W), indicates the total power consumption allowed by all connected devices. For most 4-way power strips this is around 2300W (unearthed) to 3680W (earthed, at 16A and 230V). Do not connect heavy consumers such as a heater, washing machine or kettle simultaneously to one strip; this may cause overloading, overheating or fire risk.
Features for increased comfort and safety
Besides basic power distribution, many 4-way power strips offer extra features that enhance ease of use and safety.
Switches and energy saving
A power strip with an on/off switch allows you to disconnect all connected devices from the mains at once. This is convenient for reducing standby power consumption and helps save energy. Some advanced models have a switch per socket so you can enable or disable devices individually.
[Also see our blog on "Reducing standby consumption with smart power strips"]
Surge protection and child safety
A power strip with surge protection protects connected electronics from damage due to voltage spikes, such as those caused by lightning or a power surge. This is a valuable addition for sensitive equipment like computers, televisions, and audio systems.
Child protection is an inbuilt safety feature that prevents children from inserting objects into the sockets. The openings are shielded and require that both pins of a plug are inserted at the same time to make contact. This feature is recommended for use in homes with children.
Extra connection options: USB ports
More and more 4-way power strips are equipped with USB-A or USB-C ports. These make it possible to charge smartphones, tablets and other USB-powered devices directly, without needing a separate USB adapter in one of the sockets. This saves space and keeps your sockets available for other devices.
Practical questions about 4-way power strips
Various practical questions may arise in everyday use of power strips. Here are answers to common usage situations:
- Can multiple power strips be connected to each other? No, daisy-chaining power strips (plugging one strip into another) is strongly discouraged. This increases the risk of overload and fire because the total current through one wall socket can become too high.
- What if a power strip gets warm? If a power strip feels warm, this indicates a (potential) overload. Immediately disconnect some devices. If a power strip gets warm regularly, it is probably under-dimensioned for your use and a heavier model or more sockets elsewhere is recommended.
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How to best place a power strip to save space? Choose a power strip where the sockets are angled (often 45 or 90 degrees). This prevents large adapters or right-angled plugs from blocking adjacent sockets. Some power strips also feature mounting eyes for easy wall or under-desk installation for a tidy workspace.
[Image: Power strip with angled sockets]. - Are there special power strips for outdoor use? A standard 4-way power strip is generally only suitable for indoor use (IP20). For outdoor use there are special garden power strips or cable reels with higher IP ratings (at least IP44, often IP65 for exposed locations) available.
Maintenance and lifespan of 3-way power strips
A 3-way power strip generally requires little maintenance. Regular visual inspection for damage to the cable or casing is sufficient. Make sure the power strip is not overloaded and that cables are not kinked or pinched. If there is visible damage, overheating, or a burning smell, the power strip should be immediately disconnected and replaced. A 3-way power strip used properly will generally last a long time.