Surge Protector or Power Strip?

[rpearlberg]

I need to add some outlets to my tool bench/basement. I just bought this...

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Belkin-6-Outlet-Surge-Protector-F9D601-04-DP/100663221#.UU38iRlAuPU

Am I better off getting a power strip, or will this do the trick? Anything better than what I bought?

 

[kc2hqv]

I would say it depends on what equipment your running. Look to see what the power ratings are on the surge and see if anything your running exceeds that capacity. A lot of power tools are better off being run with a.) as little extension cord as possible b.) on an outlet(circuit) by themselves.

A power strip might be better for a workbench application, with a surge protector if you have a radio or computer you leave plugged in all the time.

I have one of these in my garage running my "sensitive" electronic equipment- I know it's a little overkill. http://www.amazon.com/Furman-M-8Dx-Standard-Conditioning-Voltmeter/dp/B00145EVJ6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364076217&sr=8-1&keywords=furman+power+conditioner

 

[rpearlberg]

Thanks. I'm just looking to have extra plugs for battery charger, shop vac, circular saw, etc...
Nothing too big, just basic power tools.

 

[crewchief888]

all the small outlet strips similar to that one that i have are rated at 15amps

i have one mounted on the front of my woodworking bench to keep multiple tools plugged in, also one on my SO cart in the garage, to keep 4 grinders and a drill all ready to go..

i have one dedicated to the 3 or 4 cordless tool battery chargers. it's a larger unit set up with wide spacing for "wall wart" type chargers

 

[rpearlberg]

so are you saying that what I got will be good enough for my needs?

 

[crewchief888]

i think you're good to go...

unless you plan on running all your tools at once..

when i'm working in the garage, i have a tendency to have 4 grinders and a corded drill all plugged in.
doing any DIY or woodworking, i'll have mutiple sanders and saws plugged in as well
1 can only use one at a time.....

 

[rancherbill]

Thanks. I'm just looking to have extra plugs for battery charger, shop vac, circular saw, etc...
Nothing too big, just basic power tools.

I would put the Battery Charger on it's own strip. You don't want the electronics to get smoked.

 

[rpearlberg]

Would I be better with something like this?
http://www.lowes.com/pd_125292-16503-UTPBS010_0__?productId=1214065&Ntt=surge&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dsurge&facetInfo=

 

[svronthmve]

They're both 14 guage cords so you're limited to a max of 15 amp on the circuit. I don't think it matters which one you go with, so use the one that you think will suit you best.

However, as was already mentioned, it's best to keep your power tools plugged into as short a cord as possible while staying as close to the power source as possible to minimize voltage drop and wear & tear on the motors.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Thanks. I'm just looking to have extra plugs for battery charger, shop vac, circular saw, etc...
Nothing too big, just basic power tools.

What size circular saw? If its a medium or large size saw, the draw could be high enough to trip the breaker in the strip. High draw devices are better plugged directly into an outlet or a large gauge extension cord!

 

[Ldsteiner]

I have 4 cordless tool battery chargers plugged into a power strip is that a problem? And do I need a surge protector power strip? Usually they are all fully charged.

 

[sberry]

Surge is mostly for very sensitive, often with phone lines connected especially in the days of old modems were hooked to grounded computers. I got tons of stuff, dont.have any surge strips and a dozen power strips.
Now,, I will agree that they are not great for big motor tools, I try not to plug that stuff in to them. Not every tool needs a massive cord, very few need better than 14 and.I use 16/25 or 50 ft for most everything. Unless you are a pole barn contractor common cords work and 25 ft of 16 is dandy for a saw zinging off a 2x4. Welding over 25 ft needs 12, heavy saw at 100 ft too. Also different for continuous heavy loads.
You can also use 3 way from outlets with 20A pass thru but if I have a duplex often have a strip in one, other open for cords.

 

[Falcon67]

House and shop both have surge in the panels and on-location protection as needed for things like TVs or computers.

 

[rburke65]

I have used the Wiremold brand strip of recepticals.