Are expensive 15 amp power strips really that much different?

[e34 brian]

So I'm looking at outfitting my bench with a couple power strips. It seems like my options are to spend a hefty sum for 20+ amp power strips or go with the seemingly ubiquitous 15 amp capacity.

But wow there's a spread in price for 15-amp / 14 gauge cord power strips that seem electrically equal. Is there really a reason to pass on the $10 surge protected plastic power strips and go drop $30-$40 for "shop" power strips? I'm just using power tools, not computer equipment.

 

[DHCrocks]

yes they are. a little background.

I have a 15A compressor that I run off a 20A circuit if I plug directly into the wall it'll run no problem. but I needed extra outlets at that location. When I run the compressor that is the only thing I run at the time, but I like to have extra outlets available so I can plug in a fan, lights and vacuum. First thing I tried was some cheap power strip I had laying around with a 15A breaker, this ran fine for a couple of years but then it started to trip if the compressor was run for extended periods. So I went out and got one of these. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FDAOEO/ref=s9_simh_gw_g60_i1_r?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=YW05R2MEVZ2EEZ921R8P&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=6aad23bd-3035-4a40-b691-0eefb1a18396&pf_rd_i=desktop
this did not work and would also trip before even completing one refill cycle. I was thinking that this was a heavy duty strip made for the garage so it would holdup well, but no it can't.

so, I recently purchased this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000L4D3UO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

granted its a 20A strip but it works perfectly and has not tripped once. I think those 15A units have breakers that react very quickly and trip to easily, they are not made for heavy duty use with constant loads from motors. I say plunk down your cash and get a tripp lite brand strip, they are well made not plastic junk. For $56 you don't even get any surge protection or other fancy features but you do get quality construction with quality parts.

 

[rockwithjason]

yes there is a difference but you may not care about it. those cheap units are built very light and have light duty receptacles in them. they wear quickly and are wired very light. put one next to a beliken unit at home depot and difference will be clear.

 

[dave*99]

Yes there are definite differences in plug strips. Buy a good one. Alternately, you can make up a 4x4 box with 2 duplex receptacles and a short cord and plug. Screw it to the wall near your outlet. That gets you 4 heavy duty receptacles.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

yes they are. a little background.

I have a 15A compressor that I run off a 20A circuit if I plug directly into the wall it'll run no problem. but I needed extra outlets at that location. When I run the compressor that is the only thing I run at the time, but I like to have extra outlets available so I can plug in a fan, lights and vacuum. First thing I tried was some cheap power strip I had laying around with a 15A breaker, this ran fine for a couple of years but then it started to trip if the compressor was run for extended periods. So I went out and got one of these. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FDAOEO/ref=s9_simh_gw_g60_i1_r?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=YW05R2MEVZ2EEZ921R8P&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=6aad23bd-3035-4a40-b691-0eefb1a18396&pf_rd_i=desktop
this did not work and would also trip before even completing one refill cycle. I was thinking that this was a heavy duty strip made for the garage so it would holdup well, but no it can't.

so, I recently purchased this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000L4D3UO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

granted its a 20A strip but it works perfectly and has not tripped once. I think those 15A units have breakers that react very quickly and trip to easily, they are not made for heavy duty use with constant loads from motors. I say plunk down your cash and get a tripp lite brand strip, they are well made not plastic junk. For $56 you don't even get any surge protection or other fancy features but you do get quality construction with quality parts.

Your first issue was plugging in a decent size motor load into a power strip.

Power strips and their breakers arent designed to handle the large in-rush current of a motor thats starting.

 

[e34 brian]

So it seems like I might be hearing that a 15 amp power strip is simply not adequate to begin with. DHCrocks had an el-cheapo work for 2 years and become unreliable, then bought a burly-looking "heavy duty" 4 ft workbench strip and did no better. He bought a 20-amp strip and problem solved. As a frame of reference, he was running a big air compressor continuously. Other people may do just fine w/ the 15 amp strips.

So, correct me if I'm wrong here, "Buy a good one" probably doesn't mean "spend a lot for a 15 amp/14 gauge cord power strip." It means go get a 20 amp strip. Options are:

• drop the cash for a 20 amp or more power strip,
• wire an outlet next to your bench
• run extension cords to a wall outlet somewhere

But a 15 amp power strip ain't a great option.

rockwithjason points out there is a longevity issue, which DHCrocks apparently ran into as well. So there's that difference.

 

[sberry]

A 20A strip is really simply multiple outlet with 12 wire, doesn't require extra breaker and really no such thing as "more" on a 20A 120v circuit.

 

[cybrdyke]

If you're interested in surge protection, then there's huge differences between the cheapies and good ones.
CD

 

[DHCrocks]

the 20A strip I bought has 12ga wire in case you're wondering.

 

[Norcal]

Use Plugmold® instead of power strips, might not be the most inexpensive solution, but just about anything is better then power strips, even a power strip listed as hospital grade, well maybe a hospital grade is better as they are listed to a higher $tandard, but in a health care facility State surveyors will still have a cow over them.

 

[sberry]

Power strips are a wonderful invention, very useful but not really intended for plugging in appliances that really should have their own circuit or outlet. They save a lot of additional wiring and parts cost for running lotso parasitic and low current items, fans, even hand held power tools on occasion but comps and chop saws not so much.
They work well for switched lights and as needs change can be easily modified or eliminated, most of this stuff in these old pics is now gone. Its been relocated or obsolete.

 

[e34 brian]

Power strips are a wonderful invention, very useful but not really intended for plugging in appliances that really should have their own circuit or outlet.

Winner. Plan is now for hardwire. Strips for small stuff. Thanks guys.