The best power strips in 2022

A wide variety of household appliances gives rise to the variability of their connection to the network. A new garden appliance may well not work if connected to a low power extension cord. A power strip is needed for electrical appliances whose power is so high that they cannot be installed directly into the outlet or through a standard extension cord.

As a rule, such a need arises during repairs: most power tools have a lot of power. The next aspect that attracts users in power extension cords is the length of the wire; without a wire of sufficient length, it is almost impossible to work in a summer cottage.

What is the difference between a household extension cord and a power cord?

Popular models of power extension cords are very different from their household counterparts:

1. The power of the connected equipment - devices with a power of 3 kW or more can be connected to a power extension cord, such high rates are not required in everyday life, but will be very useful for repair or garden work;
2. Cord length - a power extension cord can be moved away from a stationary power point even by 50 m, this is useless in an apartment, but for outdoor work, a long length becomes a real salvation;
3. Reliability - the power extension cable is much better protected from the factor of external influences. With double-insulated cables and sockets with enhanced protection, the risk of electric shock is reduced to zero.

How to choose a power extension cord, taking into account individual characteristics

The first thing that the future owner of a power extension cord should pay attention to is the cross section of the wire and its marking. This factor will directly affect the possible load, the maximum allowable for a particular extension cord.

• Wire with a cross section of 0.75 mm² able to withstand loads up to 6 A, which is equivalent to 1.3 kW - such a cable will not withstand the load of powerful tools and is only suitable for household appliances;
• Wire with a cross section of 1 mm² withstand loads up to 10 A, which is equivalent to 2.2 kW - this cable will withstand the voltage from the operation of small tools;
• Wire with a cross section of 1.5 mm² withstand loads up to 16 A, which is equivalent to 3.5 kW - professional equipment remains beyond the capabilities of the cable, but it is best suited for any personal construction tools.

Subsequent sizes from 2.5 to 120 mm² - the best options for people whose careers are related to construction and repair, in which powerful tools and equipment cannot be dispensed with. In order to determine which cable section will be ideal for a particular person, room and tasks, you can use a simple calculation scheme:

1. Calculate the power of all electrical appliances in the apartment: the value will turn out to be impressive, and hardly anyone will use all the appliances at once, but you need to know the upper limit for safety reasons;
2. Add the previous value and the sum of the powers of all lighting fixtures in the room. The final figure will reflect the maximum load limit. For example, the indicator is 10 kW;
3. Use the table below, find the desired section, for an indicator of 10 kW, you can choose a cable with 4 mm copper conductors² power 380 V.

Among the brands of wires, you can most often find PVA options, although their characteristics are far from ideal. A summary table will help you choose the brand of wire depending on your needs.

The best manufacturers of power strips

If the issue has been resolved with the technical parameters of power extension cords, you should pay attention to the manufacturer: buying a product of a well-known brand is more reliable, since there is less risk of getting a defective product, and if this happens, there is a higher chance of getting a replacement, for large corporations reputation is more expensive than quick earnings.

Which company is better to buy a power extension cord:

1. Glanzen is a large corporation that produces not only extension cords, but also LED lamps, spotlights and panels. Modern laboratories and workshops are located in Kolomna near Moscow. The brand has proven itself in the modern Russian market, and the popularity of the models allows us to believe in the bright future of the Russian industry;
2. Lux is a Russian brand that produces decent, but at the same time, budget power extension cords.The company does not save on raw materials, and reduces costs due to a simple design;
3. Inforce - over the 8 years of its existence, the company managed to enter the top ten best manufacturers of tools and accessories for them in our country. The company closely follows all the novelties on the world market and makes them available to the Russian consumer, studying his needs according to sociological surveys and correspondence.

The best power extension cords on a reel

Power extension cords on a reel are convenient and, as a rule, have a fairly long cord length. These devices are often used by repair professionals due to the large number of outlets - there can be from 3 to 4.

1st place - power extension Glanzen EB-50-007

An extension cable from the leader of the Russian market will be an ideal solution for owners of large summer cottages - a wire length of 50 meters will allow you to work at a decent distance from a stationary power source. A special handle is provided for winding the cable, which will facilitate the process. The plastic case is light - the specific weight of the entire product is only 5 kg, but it is reliable, which is supported by the manufacturer's warranty. The 4 sockets are equipped with covers and integrated into the body of the reel - perfect protection against splashes. The reel has a portable handle and a metal base that stands steady even on uneven surfaces.

Maximum power - 3500 watts.

Cable section - 3x1.5.

The average price is 2300 rubles.

• Excellent design;
• The coil is made of impact-resistant plastic;
• The presence of a carrying handle, a handle for winding the cable, a metal base;
• Cord length 50 meters;
• There is a thermal switch that protects against overloads;
• There is grounding;
• Affordable price.

• Not very high power;
• Before each use, the entire length of the cable must be completely unwound.

2nd place - LUX K4-E-50

A powerful power strip that even professionals can use. The KG brand cable allows safe use in severe frost conditions: the wire does not crack and does not deteriorate its technical characteristics. A sufficiently high power - 3500 watts - gives the product wide functionality. The coil is made of metal, has 4 sockets, is equipped with a carrying handle, a handle for winding the wire and a solid base. Among the significant drawbacks, users note that the load of the declared 3500 W extension cable is still not up to the task.

• Wire length 50 meters;
• Sufficiently high power, suitable even for professionals;
• Metal coil;
• KG brand cable is resistant to frost;
• 4 sockets allow you to use several devices at once.

• Does not always withstand the maximum indicator of the declared load level;
• Sockets do not have covers and are not splashproof;
• Large weight - 50 kg;
• Not everyone is affordable.

Maximum power - 3500 watts.

Cable cross section - 3x2.5.

The average price is 6600 rubles.

The best power extension on the frame

Glanzen ER-40-001 00012325

Many owners of cottages and simply areas in need of care cannot purchase power extension cords on a reel due to their considerable cost, but the selection criteria include the length of the cord. In this case, a reasonable solution is to buy a power extension cord on a frame - such a device has a fairly long cord, but does not greatly outperform shorter counterparts in cost.

Model brand Glanzen ER-40-001 00012325 is an excellent solution for domestic use.The cable does not tolerate outdoor conditions very well, despite moisture resistance and dust protection - it is better to work with it indoors. The cord of 40 meters will not get tangled due to the presence of a frame, but winding and unwinding it is a rather tedious process.

Maximum power - 1300 watts.

Cable cross section - 2x0.75.

The average price is 750 rubles.

• Long cord - 40 meters;
• Low cost;
• The frame does not allow the cord to get tangled;
• Protection against moisture and dust.

• Low power;
• No grounding;
• It is inconvenient to constantly unwind and wind the cable manually.

The best power extension cords for one outlet

Power extension cords for one outlet will be an excellent solution if you have your own household: you can connect a saw, a jigsaw or a lawn mower in turn.

1st place - power extension LUX YC1-E-10 (Y-161)

This power extension cable will be the best option for individual repair work in a small amount: the PVC wire is not afraid of bends and large loads that may accidentally appear on it, and a length of 10 meters will allow you to work in the yard without any difficulties and inconvenience. The socket is completely safe thanks to the rubberized housing, it is not afraid of high humidity.

Maximum power - 2200 watts.

Cable cross section - 3x0.75.

The average price is 550 rubles.

• Affordable price;
• Ground wire;
• Bright cable color, noticeable from afar;
• Rubber socket.

• Low power for a power strip;
• Cable length is only 10 m;
• Before work, be sure to unwind the wire to the end.

2nd place - power extension Power Cube PC-E1-B-20

Power Cube is a Russian full-cycle holding that produces not only extension cords, but also surge protectors, wires and all accessories for them. The rating of quality goods in the field of repair work cannot do without a budding young organization. The brand produces inexpensive but reliable products, one of which is the Power Cube PC-E1-B-20 power strip. A twenty-meter cable of the PVS brand will be convenient to use, and a copper wire will become an excellent conductor of current. With a remote outlet, there will also be no difficulties - high quality plastic will please connoisseurs of good things.

Maximum power - 1300 watts.

Cable cross section - 0.75.

How much does it cost - 560 rubles.

• Quality materials for manufacturing;
• Cable with copper conductors;
• Excellent length;
• Bright wire color
• Despite the fact that the cable is marked with PVA, it tans slightly in the cold;
• Affordable price.

• Socket and cable without grounding;
• Low power, suitable only for domestic needs.

Whichever extension cord the user ultimately chooses for himself, it is important to observe safety precautions when working:

1. The wire must be unwound along its entire length to avoid burning the cable or degrading the ability to conduct current;
2. Monitor the temperature level of the extension cord - this will help to avoid fire;
3. Do not buy power extension cords from unknown manufacturers - at best, this will result in a breakdown of the device connected to the network, and at worst, it can cause an accident.