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Why Outdoor Power Strips Are A Must-Have
Outdoor power strips are necessary in every outdoor setup, providing a convenient, secure way to power multiple devices in one convenient location. From string lights to illuminate backyard gatherings to using power tools to work on home improvement projects, these handy tools allow you to get the most use out of your outdoor spaces.
Unlike standard indoor strips, outdoor power strips are designed to handle rough conditions. They feature weatherproof casings and advanced safety systems. They also reduce multiple extension cords and often include surge protection, ensuring your devices stay safe from power surges. Given that the global power strip market is forecasted to grow at a compound annual rate of 5.7%, it’s clear that more people are recognizing their convenience and safety advantages.
Here, we'll discuss why you require outdoor power strips for a garden, a patio, or a backyard. From their construction to their weatherproof nature to their safety features, we will take it all in to enable you to use your outdoors more often.
1. Outdoor Power Cords are Weather Resistant
The first reason you need an outdoor power strip is that it is weatherproof because outdoors is a place of unstable weather. One day, it is sunny, and in a flash, a shower of rain drenches your entire setup.
Outdoor power strips are built to withstand whatever nature throws their way. Most of them have an IP (Ingress Protection) rating that shows just how resistant to water and dust they are. An IP44 rating, for example, means that a strip is splashproof, while an IP65 rating means it can handle heavy rain without sweating.
So, if you require a power solution that is resistant to the elements and safeguards your devices safely outdoors, weather-resistant power strips are a given.
2. They Offer Convenience for Outdoor Activities
Outdoor power strips are a lifesaver for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors, providing easy access to power for various applications and devices. With an outdoor power strip, you won't have to string around long extension cords from interior outlets, a hassle and safety risk that is avoided when using one of these strips.
For outdoor events such as movie nights, garden parties, or barbecues, outdoor power strips allow you to plug in several devices, such as string lights, speakers, projectors, and cookers, in one convenient hub.
Outdoor power strips are also helpful to homeowners who enjoy decorating their yards for holidays. Therefore, to enhance safety, consider using an outdoor power surge protector to safeguard your devices against unexpected voltage spikes while enjoying outdoor activities.
3. They Have Multiple Outlets for Efficiency
One of the best parts of outdoor power strips is having multiple outlets in one convenient spot. Think of all of the devices you use outdoors: lights, speakers, heaters, projectors, pumps for pools, etc. With insufficient outlets, you would constantly unplug one to plug in another.
Outdoor power strips remove that problem by offering you multiple sockets, generally four to eight, depending on the product. Some outdoor power cords also have USB ports that are convenient for charging a phone, a portable speaker, or a battery pack without adapters. Imagine streaming music on your phone while it charges on the patio; thus, there is no need to rush inside to plug it in.
4. They Have More Safety Features
Using electricity outdoors is not without risk, though, since rain, soil, and spillovers become hazards easily. Outdoor power strips, however, are created to be safe and packed with protection to help shield you and your devices.
One of the most important safety aspects is ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection. GFCI is a lifesaver, literally. It turns power off in a flash if it detects a ground fault, i.e., touching water or a short circuit. This reduces the chance of electric shock, which is crucial when working with power near pools or sprinkler systems.
Other important safety considerations are:
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Weather-Resistant Housing: Long-lasting, water-repellent casings protect against rain and dust, enabling secure outdoor use.
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Surge Protection: Shields devices from power surges, preventing overloads and damages caused by storms.
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Overload Protection: Power automatically turns off when devices draw too much current to prevent fire hazards.
5. They are Durable and Long-Lasting
Outdoor power strips are more resistant to harsh weather, thus making them more durable and long-lasting than ordinary indoor power strips. Their hardy design can withstand rough use outdoors without compromising their functionality in the long run.
Likewise, the outer casing of outdoor power strips is typically made of impact-resistant material like heavy-duty plastic or rubber that is also resistant to high temperatures. Most also have fortified cords that resist fraying and cracking even when exposed to sunlight, rain, and low temperatures.
Powering Up Your Outdoor Spaces
Outdoor power strips do more than serve as outdoor extension cords; they're necessary for making your outdoor spaces more convenient, efficient, and secure. From a backyard party in the summer to a garden lighting display during the holidays or a weekend home improvement endeavor, a sturdy outdoor power strip keeps everything up and running.
From weather-resistant design to safety features like GFCI and surge protection, outdoor power strips are designed to be resilient to the outdoors without sacrificing safety for you or your devices. Multiple outlets and USB ports also eliminate the hassle of having to route cables around in every direction.
So, if you do not already own one of these great devices, it is time to get one. Trust me, you won't know how you lived without it in your backyard!