Power strip

A power strip ( technically correctly as a "multiple power strip ") shall provide a plurality of electrical devices with a standardized connector provides a connection to the electricity network. To this end, it is connected to a power outlet and due to the internal parallel connection all slots are powered. It thus acts as a distributor compared to pure extension cord that has only a single port in the rule.

Security

It is functionally possible to connect several receptacles, and so provide for a virtually unlimited number of electrical appliances with power. However, caution is required because multiple sockets are not unlimited resilient and negative impact on the safety of the system arise.

The use of portable multiple socket outlets and extension cords as a substitute for inadequate fixed electrical installation provides for improper use of the sense of DIN VDE 0100 Part 420, Section 4.1 a fire hazard in electric investment of which

The decisive criterion is the total loop impedance for the relevant circuit, which can be increased significantly by contact resistances of additional connectors. This may not be longer guaranteed the short-circuit protection by the upstream fuse, or as required by the VDE 0100-410:2007-06 short turn-off time of 0.4 seconds for the TN system can not be maintained. In addition, the absorbed power (measured in watts) to adapt to the capacity of the multiple power strips and circuit.

The standardization has this problem into account and in the currently valid DIN VDE 0620-1:2010-02 the application of warning labels is part of the manufacturers absolutely required. According to Section 8.9 of this standard, the following warnings must be specified for portable multiple socket strips on the product itself, or at least on an enclosed instruction sheet via text or pictogram:

  • Not consecutively stuck!
  • Not covered operate!

For all portable multiple socket outlets with switch function in addition:

  • Stress relief only when the plug!

There are different types of power strips, most of which are not designed for use in damp rooms or even outdoors. The use of such a power strip against the specified by the manufacturer "intended use " may cause a short circuit or even smoldering. Incorrect use an electric shock can also be caused and thus endanger life for people.

Also risk is based on inferior products that have partially defective or not connected protective conductor contacts ( PE) or have a too small cross section for the connecting cable. Even official seal of approval such as GS or TÜV seal are sometimes forged in such imports. According to VDE decision paper EK1 EK1 370-08 393_08 and <1.5 mm ² may since February 23, 2009 power strips with a cross section no longer with the VDE GS ( seal of approval ) will be awarded. (Due to the previously performed at 1.0 mm ² cables checks the allowed temperature limits 0298-300 Tables 4A and 4B were always exceeded according to DIN VDE)

For power strips with representational motifs in representations that stimulate children to play with, the test must be rejected, they can therefore be awarded any VDE GS ( seal of approval ).

Many multiple power strips contain built parental controls.

Properties

Multiple sockets to the following features and functions are:

  • Different number of terminals
  • Wireless ( distribution directly to the wall socket )
  • In order to position 45 ° or 90 ° rotated slots, multiple angle plug without mutual interference
  • Socket with six holes to either insert a Schuko or up to two Euro plug
  • Built-in surge protection
  • Built-in switch to turn on or off at any or all slots the current
  • Control all the connected devices via a master unit (master - slave socket )

Depending on the design can combine multiple properties into a power strip. It may make sense for a PC system, for example, a power strip with rotated by 45 ° slots, over voltage protection, master-slave function and additional switches. Special forms of power strips, which are used among other things in data centers to power devices such as servers or switches and are equipped with various additional features such as remote control capability via IP networks and recording the consumption per outlet are referred to as Power Distribution Units ( PDUs).

Until the 1990s, there were mainly into strips with untwisted doses ( see Figure A multiple socket for Schuko and Euro plug), where space problems with angle plugs and plug power supplies occurred. Alternatively, there were versions with 90 ° rotated doses (because more expensive to manufacture ) were expensive. Only later appeared 45 ° doses that almost completely suppressed within a short time the untwisted from the market. They are of a similar effort as conventional ( non-rotated ) to manufacture cans; only the contact strips inside are a little closer together.

Save energy

Multiple sockets with switches can also be used to save energy. The switch all devices to be disconnected from the power supply and thus use any energy in standby mode. In contrast, a master-slave outlet consumes power for the main unit and the socket itself and is usually more expensive. A power strip with a switch that is consistently on and off, so costs less money.

Multiple socket for Schuko and Euro plug

1U 19 "rack - shift gate with eight C13 connectors and eight switches

Narrow C13/C14-Y-Kabel (left: adapter to AC outlet )

Child safety lock Sleep mode International Electrotechnical Commission
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