Power Strip Vs Surge Protector vs UPS

Shambles Bank · 2026-10-04T09:19:12-0400

I guess different countries, different building/electrical regulations. I live in a 5 year old house in the UK that is fitted with a consumer unit (fuse box) that is entirely populated with Residual Current Circuit Breakers with Overcurrent Protection. Additionally, the consumer unit is fitted with a surge protection device designed to blow in the event of an overload from a sub station/lightening strike etc. I also use surge protection strips to obviously plug in a number of devices at the same time. So far, never had an issue.

TairikuOkami · 2026-10-04T11:30:54-0400

Josey Wales said:
I understand that and well I forgot about the kitchen having new wiring. I did check with an Electric Company and the cost to rewire the house was almost as much as I paid for it.

I live in 70+ year old building and we found out that there was a problem, when we bought a new fridge using 800W and it blew out every fuse constantly. We had aluminum wiring, in some places it was so burnt out, that it was as thin as a single hair. My brother replaced it "illegally" with copper wiring, ever since everything works just fine, we have even replaced gas and we use electricity only.

kelper · 2026-10-04T11:44:59-0400

I wonder how many surge protectors would actually do any good if lightning struck nearby; many have quite low ratings.

TairikuOkami · 2026-10-04T11:50:23-0400

kelper said:
I wonder how many surge protectors would actually do any good if lightning struck nearby; many have quite low ratings.

I read that lightning is like 100-1000x faster than a circuit breaker or a surge protection could react in a close proximity.
In case of the lightning, a landline or even a shower could kill you. Disconnecting sensitive devices is still the best option.

newmann · 2026-10-04T13:17:40-0400

Brink said:
@newmann

In addition, it's not just about the number of outlets for a surge protector. The most important part is how many watts and amps the surge protector is rated for so you don't overload it. You also have to keep in mind what the wall outlet is rated for.

A UPS can be good if you need battery backup power. A UPS can also include line filtering to protect connected devices more from current dips and spikes.

Do you mean joules? You want something with 1000 joules and up usually right but preferably 2000 joules and up?

The thing I currently use is a power strip. It doesn't have any joules right? The thing is assuming no bad weather and no power outage, there is still a concern if you plug too many electronics into it right?

These are the things I normally have connected to the old power strip. So only 3 of these things are on when I'm using the laptop. I never had any issue at all. Now if I had a Samsung gaming monitor, would that make a big difference?

Now what about if addition to the gaming monitor... now I want to charge my iphone... but then use the last outlet to charge an electric shaver? Assuming I have all 6 things powered on... is that a risk with the old power strip?

So I should get at least a surge protector if I'm going to connect a new gaming Samsung monitor right?

I had a UPS before. The battery went bad and I never replaced it and I used the UPS as a surge protector. So I was fine connecting 2 laptops and 2 monitors to it without any issue. But if a power outage happens, obviously everything turned off immediately but I knew that. The thing is I don't think I need a UPS here now because where I'm at in the US, I don't think there has been a power outage in a long time. But I should not use an old power strip if I want to connect 2 laptops and 2 monitors especially if one monitor is a Samsung gaming monitor right?

XPS 15 9520 Laptop
Asus Chromebook
Dell 2007FP Old Monitor
Apple 20W Charger

newmann · 2026-10-04T13:18:46-0400

TraderGary said:
I have a small UPS, but the only connected devices are my modem and router.

I've not had a desktop computer for more than 25 years, our home is all laptops. The laptops themselves already have excellent protection against power failures.

Are you using your laptop unplugged? What do you plug your laptop charger into if you are using your laptop inside the house for long hours then? You aren't connecting it to your small UPS?

Brink · 2026-10-04T13:22:27-0400

newmann said:
Do you mean joules? You want something with 1000 joules and up usually right but preferably 2000 joules and up?

The thing I currently use is a power strip. It doesn't have any joules right? The thing is assuming no bad weather and no power outage, there is still a concern if you plug too many electronics into it right?

These are the things I normally have connected to the old power strip. So only 3 of these things are on when I'm using the laptop. I never had any issue at all. Now if I had a Samsung gaming monitor, would that make a big difference?

Now what about if addition to the gaming monitor... now I want to charge my iphone... but then use the last outlet to charge an electric shaver? Assuming I have all 6 things powered on... is that a risk with the old power strip?

So I should get at least a surge protector if I'm going to connect a new gaming Samsung monitor right?

I had a UPS before. The battery went bad and I never replaced it and I used the UPS as a surge protector. So I was fine connecting 2 laptops and 2 monitors to it without any issue. But if a power outage happens, obviously everything turned off immediately but I knew that. The thing is I don't think I need a UPS here now because where I'm at in the US, I don't think there has been a power outage in a long time. But I should not use an old power strip if I want to connect 2 laptops and 2 monitors especially if one monitor is a Samsung gaming monitor right?

XPS 15 9520 Laptop
Asus Chromebook
Dell 2007FP Old Monitor
Apple 20W Charger

It's a regional thing, but it's how many watts it would be rated for here. You can just add up the watts each device is reported to use to get an average idea of what you need.

For example, some printers (ex: laser) pull a lot of watts when they first power up. This could trip a surge protector or UPS if it's not rated for that many watts in addition to any other device connected to it.

newmann · 2026-10-04T13:24:13-0400

hsehestedt said:
As far as UPS backups go, I have a huge preference for new models using LiFePo4 batteries. These can get several thousand charge and discharge cycles and should last way over ten years unlike the old clunky lead acid batteries. My current favorite is the EcoFlow River 3 Plus with an added expansion battery. I use it not only as a UPS but I use it every day to charge my various electronic devices while I'm sitting in front of the PC.

The ecoflow river 3 plus and those things are power stations though. Are you telling me you can use it as a UPS? So have electronics connected to it at all times like your laptop when using your laptop charging?

I thought power stations like that wasn't meant to be used all the time? I thought it was meant to be put on the side... so if you do have a power outage... now you connect whatever devices you want to it?

I thought people who have UPS connect all their electronics to their UPS. Then when power goes out, they either continue doing what they doing until their UPS runs out of battery... or they just save whatever documents they have and then shut down? Only then if they have a power station... now they connect their electronics to the power station?

I'm somewhat confused but are there people that have a jackery or ecoflow power station with like 1000W or 2000W and just have say their laptop and 2 monitors connected to it at all times? So if power outage happens, well they still have power and don't have to now unplug their cables from the surge protector or UPS and then connect to the jackery or ecoflow power station?

newmann · 2026-10-04T13:30:33-0400

Brink said:
It's a regional thing, but it's how many watts it would be rated for here. You can just add up the watts each device is reported to use to get an average idea of what you need.

For example, some printers (ex: laser) pull a lot of watts when they first power up. This could trip a surge protector or UPS if it's not rated for that many watts in addition to any other device connected to it.

Well these are the items I have currently connected to the old power strip.

Dell XPS 15 9520
Asus Chromebook
Dell 2007 FP Monitor
Apple 20 W Charger - Unless I'm charging my iphone, obviously this isn't using any power in the outlet

Will be Adding

Samsung 37' or 40' Gaming Monitor

The last outlet would be used occasionally like when charging an electric razor or something else.

So if I'm using my Dell XPS 15 9520 laptop, 3 or 4 of the outlets of this 6 outlet old power strip would be used. That would be

Dell XPS 15 9520
Asus Chromebook (Not always charging so not always)
Dell 2007 FP Monitor
Samsung 37' or 40' Gaming Monitor

Would you say it's safe to use my laptop with these 2 monitors on this old power strip or would you say it's risky doing it? I should really have a minimum of a surge protector with 1000 joules at least if I have these electronics connected? What about if I just have the Dell XPS laptop and Samsung gaming monitor? Would those 2 items still be fine for this old power strip or just get a surge protector?

Brink · 2026-10-04T13:34:49-0400

newmann said:
Well these are the items I have currently connected to the old power strip.

Dell XPS 15 9520
Asus Chromebook
Dell 2007 FP Monitor
Apple 20 W Charger - Unless I'm charging my iphone, obviously this isn't using any power in the outlet

Will be Adding

Samsung 37' or 40' Gaming Monitor

The last outlet would be used occasionally like when charging an electric razor or something else.

So if I'm using my Dell XPS 15 9520 laptop, 3 or 4 of the outlets of this 6 outlet old power strip would be used. That would be

Dell XPS 15 9520
Asus Chromebook (Not always charging so not always)
Dell 2007 FP Monitor
Samsung 37' or 40' Gaming Monitor

Would you say it's safe to use my laptop with these 2 monitors on this old power strip or would you say it's risky doing it? I should really have a minimum of a surge protector with 1000 joules at least if I have these electronics connected? What about if I just have the Dell XPS laptop and Samsung gaming monitor? Would those 2 items still be fine for this old power strip or just get a surge protector?

Those should be fine to have all connected at once with most standard surge protectors.

newmann · 2026-10-04T13:36:13-0400

Is the Anker one below the best one? What about the Belkin one? Avoid other non brand names right like the 3rd one below even though it has good ratings? Some of the bad ratings are bad though in those products. What about rocket fish brand from best buy?

Anker Power Strip with 2100J Surge Protector, Outlet Extender, 20W, 12 AC

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Protector-Multiple-Extension-Essential/dp/B09SG2Q23M/ref=sr_1_3?crid=26VBW6FA2Z33W&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GaUDJu_n4gewZoCVlsXRnOKnidhYusOaUpDrYeOpsRsn_ciEbWCA149eU77BlsqaFPfG8PLMn0bVQwGJlNNz8Ymkacg-XYm2j5KwrwQoXg1A9fX1BJkceDzrW6owb33ruRJsLdYBRkIqHgPv__qTxl61l90VFFcM9mXDjrb0MzOiTkfwtFuIbeKS6vPoQmtQ8AXPL8OqOrQGArjza_p-8X4OwBBsaxX_pXZZVrwW3n4.auTjp6v-Moj5sD20_AW2FsubqiPAQ2skDjukVDssJHU&dib_tag=se&keywords=surge%2Bprotector&qid=1791135161&sprefix=surge%2Bp%2Caps%2C211&sr=8-3&th=1

Belkin 12-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip w/ 12 AC Outlets & 8ft Flat Plug, UL-Listed Heavy-Duty Extension Cord for Home, Office, Travel, Computer, Laptop, Charger - 3,780 Joules of Protection

https://www.amazon.com/Belkin-12-Outlet-Protector-Heavy-Duty-Extension/dp/B0C6S6TPRH/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1GR8H700G17W3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LFh2iyDRG7Z-htOeBPz-D38NyOAVoBNkUO1Z3wlZuBVQ5AbZXKvs4uDvVGvhJOSSsZyLLOU2iEdTgJ3gWRfvhOJwKp_u-ZzakL4fg4cT8ABVIumxaBBWBQ6XM8qbr6h52RYu9G2OGIrnKOWSWScEUROtibsCdgLPJfXXLj7lZcngC3U3sIcRss6OahLzFxFcuSYYui0J2if7PqR9NTtAfe2QQqTSVib76K7nsSrtvwk.kuHnSLfLR3vpGCY5gSsX1_f9SAL7A3_DwsJ6qAjXD2s&dib_tag=se&keywords=belkin%2Bsurge%2Bprotector&qid=1791137310&sprefix=belkin%2Bsur%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-3&th=1

Surge Protector Power Strip - Nuetsa Flat Plug Extension Cord with 8 Outlets and 4 USB Ports, 6 Feet Power Cord, 2700 Joules, ETL Listed, Black

https://www.amazon.com/Protector-Nuetsa-Extension-Outlets-Joules/dp/B09F2XPJ47/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=2JL06QGMSGFVF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.h8tojv5EH_VWsZTVWvAF_9GpmgwgQ3RT-Ks5SJNgVJjI_ix2w3U4XLHi_xk2KpTL2UV-e86bH350qFvwVH6kB-BbQJqJotCB_zsBkrHnuHAUn087D_D8LEvPQE_D2nB8jDFoovvW2v5f_AuRb569DpuVlWQVWF9s70RyDg-8UEeNQW1cW6ZuTaCffKFNuMh61KjLqn3jTytOzPjIURxVCShkIZ8PU70RCZL3gqrBpHGRzrxqLaqBCyzyzznh-XHc8X8aLQwdYsy7VSVa4fh71huxyghL3naw9yF3CZHWM4M.G0uFI1KIlYAcfI4EKBXE5ZL9ttfV55T1ZV33MqIhkqU&dib_tag=se&keywords=surge%2Bprotector&qid=1791135276&s=electronics&sprefix=sur%2Celectronics%2C96&sr=1-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

newmann · 2026-10-04T13:39:19-0400

Brink said:
Those should be fine to have all connected at once with most standard surge protectors.

But you would not recommend having these things connected to my old power strip right?

Back then when I was in the US for a short time, I would connect those devices to the old power strip and it was never an issue. But now that I'm in the US full time now, it would be risky if I use these devices everything connected to the old power strip right? But especially if I plan to buy a new Samsung gaming monitor which will most likely draw a lot of watts?

Brink · 2026-10-04T13:44:37-0400

newmann said:
But you would not recommend having these things connected to my old power strip right?

Back then when I was in the US for a short time, I would connect those devices to the old power strip and it was never an issue. But now that I'm in the US full time now, it would be risky if I use these devices everything connected to the old power strip right? But especially if I plan to buy a new Samsung gaming monitor which will most likely draw a lot of watts?

It should still be fine. Monitors usually don't pull a ton of watts.

The only way to be certain is to look at the specs per device, and add up all the watts/joules each is rated to use on average to see if the surge protector can handle it.

TraderGary · 2026-10-04T13:55:09-0400

newmann said:
Are you using your laptop unplugged?

Quite often I do. I'm very mobile. Coffee shops, etc.

newmann said:
What do you plug your laptop charger into if you are using your laptop inside the house for long hours then?

I do have several chargers I keep in strategic places I frequent. They are plugged in to whatever is convenient.

newmann said:
You aren't connecting it to your small UPS?

No. My laptops don't need the protection of the continuous power feed of a UPS.

newmann · 2026-10-04T14:05:17-0400

Brink said:
It should still be fine. Monitors usually don't pull a ton of watts.

The only way to be certain is to look at the specs per device, and add up all the watts/joules each is rated to use on average to see if the surge protector can handle it.

You mean my current old power strip right? I don't even see a brand name on it anywhere. I know it's very old.

Brink · 2026-10-04T14:06:28-0400

newmann said:
You mean my current old power strip right? I don't even see a brand name on it anywhere. I know it's very old.

Yes. Those items are most likely fine to use with most surge protectors.

newmann · 2026-10-04T14:06:59-0400

TraderGary said:
Quite often I do. I'm very mobile. Coffee shops, etc.

I do have several chargers I keep in strategic places I frequent. They are plugged in to whatever is convenient.

No. My laptops don't need the protection of the continuous power feed of a UPS.

How many hours do you get on your laptop while unplugged? I'm surprised by this because I believe you use an XPS right? You had I believe a similar XPS to mine last time... I think you said 9510 but bought a new one? My 9520 might get 1 hour of battery if I use it continuously unplugged.

If you had to use your laptop at home for 10 straight hours, what outlets would you plug it into?

newmann · 2026-10-04T14:08:46-0400

Brink said:
Yes. Those items are most likely fine to use with most surge protectors.

Would you say it's probably best to buy a surge protector though? The reason why I actually like this old power strip is because it's been working for a long time. It might even be for 20 years or so. However, my main concern is adding a Samsung gaming monitor to it.

TraderGary · 2026-10-04T14:23:35-0400

newmann said:
How many hours do you get on your laptop while unplugged? I'm surprised by this because I believe you use an XPS right? You had I believe a similar XPS to mine last time... I think you said 9510 but bought a new one? My 9520 might get 1 hour of battery if I use it continuously unplugged.

I've had several laptops since then. My current laptops will easily run an entire workday on battery. Click on "My Computers" for my current laptops.

newmann said:
If you had to use your laptop at home for 10 straight hours, what outlets would you plug it into?

As mentioned previously, I have a number of chargers strategically placed throughout the house. The chargers are plugged in to wherever its convenient.

Brink · 2026-10-04T14:35:34-0400

newmann said:
Would you say it's probably best to buy a surge protector though? The reason why I actually like this old power strip is because it's been working for a long time. It might even be for 20 years or so. However, my main concern is adding a Samsung gaming monitor to it.

I don't think it'll be an issue.

Just remember a power strip is not always also a surge protector.

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Is the Anker one below the best one? What about the Belkin one? Avoid other non brand names right like the 3rd one below even though it has good ratings? Some of the bad ratings are bad though in those products. What about rocket fish brand from best buy?​

Anker Power Strip with 2100J Surge Protector, Outlet Extender, 20W, 12 AC​

Belkin 12-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip w/ 12 AC Outlets & 8ft Flat Plug, UL-Listed Heavy-Duty Extension Cord for Home, Office, Travel, Computer, Laptop, Charger - 3,780 Joules of Protection​

Surge Protector Power Strip - Nuetsa Flat Plug Extension Cord with 8 Outlets and 4 USB Ports, 6 Feet Power Cord, 2700 Joules, ETL Listed, Black​

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