Power strip turning off in the middle of an important task is a bummer. And understanding what a powerstrip is and what it’s not may save the day.
Why does the power strip keep turning off?
The power strip is simply a strip with multiple outlets. This means that it won’t just automatically control the power surge or low voltage hit. And this is the most common reason for power strips to turn off. The permanent solution would be to use surge protectors instead of plain power strips.
But there are also ways to save your power strip as well. Let’s first dive and see the reason why power strips turn off.
5 Common Reasons Why Power Strips Turn Off
Simply put, a power strip allows multiple devices to be connected from a single socket. And they don’t have any circuit breakers or protection against surges inside them.
That’s why, in case of a short circuit or overload, there is a chance that they turn off.
But there is a type of power strip that has built-in protection inside them. That’s why, whenever anything goes wrong with power or voltage, they shut off. These power strips are known as surge protector power strips.
Power strips and surge protection power strips look exactly alike. And most of them won’t have any information about it anywhere on them. If you wanna know whether your power strip is a surge protector or not.
Check its packaging for the joule rating. Sometimes people get confused while choosing between a surge protector and surge suppressors.
If your power strip has surge protection it may be turned off because of that. If it is not a surge protector power strip, then check out other reasons.
Reason 1: Overloaded Because of the Appliances
We love power strips because they let us connect multiple appliances with them. But there are certain appliances that your power strip can’t handle. Because they tend to turn on and off repeatedly.
Besides that, there are appliances that need a lot of electricity to power devices. Even if these appliances are electric tools.
That’s why, these devices will easily fry up, heat up, and eventually turn off your power strip.
Solution
Check out those electrical appliances that we should never plug into the power strip:
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Coffee Maker
- Toasters
- Hair Dryers and Curling Wands
- Air Conditioners
- Air Compressors
- Pumps
- Hot Plates
Most appliances like refrigerators or air conditioners would have their own wall sockets dedicated to them.
They should only be plugged directly into them instead of the power strip.
Reason 2: Using Power Strips In Conjunction
Using a power strip in conjunction would generally seem fine and wise as well. But this “ “daisy-chaining” is not just not fine, but dangerous too.
Solution
Daisy Chaining is the improper use of power strips which can even cause a fire hazard. And this is known to be the fastest way to overload your power strip. If there is an outlet shortage, exchange your connected device from time to time.
Or Simply just plug your devices directly into the wall outlet. This would prevent your protection-less power strip from turning off or even tripping.
Reason 3: Overloading by Surge of Electricity
If your power strip is a surge protector then during overloading it may just turn off. Some types of surge protectors would stay turned off while some would switch back on.
Also, there are surge protectors that have on and off power buttons too.
But if your power strip is just a simple multi-socket outlet. A power surge can destroy power strips along with all the appliances attached to them. And you will then be left with no power to the outlet.
Solution
Simply balances the amount of device attached. Plug them one by one and not all at once. Or Just use a surge protector power strip that comes with an on and off button.
And ensure that the devices attached do not exceed the rating of the power strip.
That way your power strip won’t turn off by itself. Besides that, you can also use a stabilizer to regulate voltage and avoid power surges.
Reason 4: Faulty Wiring
Faulty wiring is also one of the many reasons for the power strip turning off. If your wires are connected loosely, electricity won’t flow stably into them.
That’s why, when a power surge hit this instability, the surge-protected power strip would turn off.
If the light power strip is dimming or flickering, this is an indication of faulty wiring. Other signs include a darkened switch, a shock-emitting outlet, and a burning smell.
Solution
Check out for any loose connections and don’t forget frayed wires. Lighten up some load on individual receptacles. Cover any open receptacles and junction boxes.
If the issue is serious, then we suggest consulting a licensed electrician.
Reason 5: Using Incompatible Power Strips with Appliances
You can’t plug in a microwave, coffeemaker, and even a mini-fridge into one power strip. All of these require high and different sources of electricity.
And this incompatibility is also a common reason for power strips turning off.
Solution
For instance you can’t plug an air compressor into a power strip of 1-13 Amp rating. Air compressor would stably run only on 16-20 Amp rating power strip.
To further help you we have listed some of the power strips with different Amp ratings:
| Product 1 | |
| Product 2 |
For power-up light-duty appliances like a lamp or fan, a 1-13 Amp rating is fine. Hope your confusion regarding the sudden power strip turning off is clarified.
7 Quick Safety Tips for Using Power Strip
Before you go, check out these 7 things to avoid when using a power strip. They will be required to ensure the safety of your power strip for the long term:
- Avoid plugging appliances into them which requires constant load.
- Avoid using power strips at places where a stable power supply is vital.
- Avoid Using Power Strips in outdoor setups
- Avoid stapling power strips, instead, use proper techniques for mounting.
- Avoid Using power strips for heavy power requirement appliances.
- Avoid covering power strips with rugs, they will heat up.
- Use hard wiring when using power strips in uncontrolled climate areas like a garage.
These measures, if taken, will relieve your worries about the power strips in the long run.
FAQs
Question: Do surge protectors still use electricity when turned off?
Answer: Plainly no, surge protectors do not use electricity when turned off. They are just monitors. They keep in check the amount of electricity flowing into them. So, when you turn OFF its power switch, the appliance will stop consuming electricity.
Question: How much electricity does something plugged in use leave?
Answer: The same or maybe slightly less amount when you are actually using the device. Even if they are turned off and you’re not using them. They will still suck electricity like a vampire. Whether it’s your office equipment or kitchen appliances. Ensure that everything is plugged off if they are not in use.
Question: How to fix an electric pressure washer from turning on and off?
Answer: Simply check its cable and wall plug And do not forget the unloader valve. The unloader valve will cause it to turn off and on repeatedly. Also, check for capacitors if they need replacement.
Conclusion
Now you know the reason why the power strip keeps turning off and its solution. If power strips are forced to flow more electricity than their limit, they will turn off.
Make sure that you specifically check for compatibility while plugging in any device. This power strip and appliance both will be safe and away from any damage.
That’s all.