Symptoms
- Reset or power button won't stay on, or clicks off immediately
- Indicator light for surge protection is off or red
- No power reaches any outlet on the strip
- Happened right after a storm or power flicker
Likely causes
- CommonToo many high-draw devices plugged in at onceSpace heaters, printers, and chargers together can exceed the strip's rated load.
- CommonSurge protection circuit sacrificed itself during a power spikeMany surge protectors are designed to absorb one big surge and then stop working, which is normal end-of-life behavior.
- PossibleInternal breaker genuinely tripped from a short in a connected deviceA faulty appliance can pull enough current to trip the strip's breaker.
- PossibleSurge protector itself has failed with ageSurge protectors typically last 3–5 years of active use before components degrade.
- Less commonWall outlet feeding the strip has no powerCheck this before assuming the strip is bad.
What to do
- Unplug everything from the strip and try the reset/power switch by itself.
- Confirm the wall outlet has power by testing another device directly in it.
- If the strip stays off with nothing plugged in, the surge protector has likely failed and should be replaced.
- If it resets fine empty, plug devices back in one at a time to find one that's overloading or shorting it.
- Check the indicator light: a red or dark 'protection' light usually means the surge component is spent even if outlets still work.
- Replace any surge protector that's tripped repeatedly or is more than a few years old.
Tools and parts
- None required
Replacement surge protectorSearch: “surge protector power strip”
When to call a pro
If the wall outlet itself has no power, or you smell burning, stop and call an electrician rather than working further.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.