Choosing a Surge Protected Power Strip

• Buy only UL- or ETL-approved power strips.Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  Buy only surge protectors with internal circuit breakers. These breakers are the first measure of defense, and will trip if the unit is overloading or overheating. All surge protected power strips should be UL or ETL approved, which means that the models have been tested by either the Underwriters Laboratory or Electrical Testing Laboratories. The name of the manufacturer and the testing lab should both be printed somewhere on the strip. Power strips should not have a cord longer than 6 feet.
  
  

Basic Electrical Safety

• A power strip is not a permanent solution to any electrical or wiring problems. If your power strip is overheating, unplug it and replace it. Never plug in more than one surge protector to an outlet. Do not plug one power strip into another power strip. Whenever you're not using the power strip, unplug it. If you're using an extension cord with your power strip, make sure it is a three-prong grounded extension cord. Never plug a power strip into a two-prong extension cord.
  
  

Choosing a Safe Location for a Power Strip

• Do not place your power strip in a place where carpet, cloth or furniture might cover it. To work properly, power strips must have air circulation. Do not at any time expose the power strip to water. Check your power strip once a month to make sure the casing and wiring have no cracks.
  
  

In Case of an Emergency

• If you do experience an electrical fire, immediately turn off the breaker. If possible to do so without injury, unplug the power strip before using a fire extinguisher. If you do not have an extinguisher, you can douse the fire with baking soda as an alternative. Call the fire department to report the fire. You can also call an electrician for advice on better wiring your home, to prevent further fires.