Symptoms
- Small reset button on the strip pops out
- Strip feels warm along its length
- Devices plugged into it lose power unexpectedly
Likely causes
- CommonToo many high-draw devices plugged into one stripSpace heaters, hair dryers, and similar devices should never go on a power strip at all.
- CommonA cheap or damaged power stripLower-quality strips can fail or overheat even under moderate loads.
- PossibleDaisy-chaining multiple power strips togetherPlugging one strip into another multiplies the risk of overload on the original circuit.
- PossibleAn aging strip with worn internal componentsPower strips wear out over years of use, especially with frequent plugging and unplugging.
What to do
- Unplug high-draw devices like heaters or hair dryers from any power strip right away; they belong in a wall outlet.
- Press the strip's reset button, if it has one, after removing some load.
- Check the strip's total wattage or amperage rating against what's plugged in.
- Never plug one power strip into another; connect each strip directly to a wall outlet.
- Feel the strip for warmth; a warm strip under normal load should be replaced.
- Replace any power strip that's more than a few years old or has tripped repeatedly.
- Consider a dedicated outlet or circuit if you consistently need to power many devices in one spot.
Tools and parts
Surge-protected power stripSearch: “surge protector power strip UL listed”
When to call a pro
Have an electrician add outlets or a dedicated circuit if you're consistently overloading power strips in one area.
Safety
Use caution
Never plug a space heater or other high-draw appliance into a power strip, and replace any strip that feels warm or has tripped.