What Is the Difference Between a Floor Strip and a Surge Protector?

Design and Function

• The basic difference between a floor strip and a surge protector is design and purpose. A floor or power strip is a variation of an extension cord. A standard cord has one or two receptacles at the end of a long cord, but floor strips have a grouping of receptacles that plugs into a single outlet. Floor strips do not regulate power flow or prevent electrical spikes or surges. Surge protector strips are used to protect sensitive pieces of electrical equipment from an electrical power surge. These may be in the form of a corded floor strip or a wall mount outlet, and may have outlets for phone, network and coaxial cables.

Power Rating

• Floor strips are rated by amps, which measure electrical current. Most floor strips are rated for 15 amps and should not be overloaded with electrical equipment that uses more than this amount of electricity. Major appliances such as refrigerators, toaster ovens, microwaves, space heaters or power tools should not be plugged into a floor strip. They have high power loads that a floor strip is not designed to handle. Surge protectors carry a maximum amp rating but also are rated for the amount of energy they can suppress. This is measured in joules, which measure how much energy is used to supply power to the electrical equipment. Surge protectors typically have a minimum energy suppression rating of 1200 joules. The larger the minimum energy suppression rating on the surge protector, the better the protection it provides against overheating and fire.

Useful Life

• A standard floor strip has an unlimited useful life as long as it is in good condition. Surge protectors contain metal oxide varistors (MOVs), which absorb excess energy from the power source. These degrade over time, and this limits their useful lifespan in terms of surge protection. They will continue to work as a floor strip, but once the MOVs have degraded, the strip no longer functions as a surge protector.

Safety

• If floor strips or surge protector strips feel hot to the touch, replace them immediately. Do not install either device in an area where it will be covered with carpet, furniture or any material that prevents air circulation, or in a moist environment. Never piggyback floor strips or surge protectors. Connecting two or more of these devices together or in a single outlet can overload the circuit and lead to electrocution or fire. It’s also important to note that a surge protector is not absolute protection against fire. If enough voltage passes through a surge protector, a short may occur that allows the cords to heat up, which poses a fire hazard. For this reason, regularly inspect floor strips and surge protectors, and replace any that do not function properly or that feel warm to the touch.