With the growing use of smart appliances and the need for a stable power supply, the demand for power strips has grown aggressively. It is projected that the global market size of the power strip will reach up to $16.2 billion by 2027, with a growth of 6.4% CAGR during 2021-2027.
When we look at the prices of USB power strips in the market, we see varying prices from $10 to $50 or even higher. Although they all look like the same sockets, the price difference partly depends on material quality. So, let’s explore in detail what will influence the price of a USB power strip and how to choose a reliable one.
Indicators of a Quality USB Power Strip
There are three main components of a USB power strip, i.e., a power cord, plastic cover, copper bars, and USB output power. So, if we want to determine the quality of a USB power strip, then the composition of those components plays an important role. Therefore, below are the signs that can tell the quality of a USB power strip:
1. UL and FCC Certified
A standardized USB power strip must be certified, indicating that it is tested and meets safety and performance standards. Two necessary certifications for power strips are UL and FCC.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a global safety science company whose certification is necessary to depict product safety. When a USB power strip is UL certified, the product will not start an electrical fire and meet the safety requirements.
On the other hand, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification is necessary for US products that oscillate at 9 kHz or higher frequency. When a USB power strip is FCC certified, it ensures that it does not generate excessive radio frequency interference and fulfills FCC technical standards.
2. Housing Materials up to National Standards
The housing material of a power strip plays a crucial role in the USB power strips’ longevity, safety, and reliability. Therefore, it must be up to national standards. However, the choice of material depends on the safety requirements of different countries.
Talking especially about the United States, Polycarbonate (PC) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) are standard housing materials. They are considered the ideal housing materials for power strips owing to their outstanding properties, such as impact-resistant materials, heat resistance, strong electrical insulation, and cost-effectiveness.
3. Integrated Power Panel
Another attribute of a quality USB power strip is the integration of the power panel. It implies that the internal circuit of the socket is set up by pressing the whole copper piece instead of separate wiring, thereby providing better conductivity and safety.
4. Power Cord with a Wire Diameter of 3*2.08 mm² / 3*1.31 mm²
Since the power cord is an essential component of a power strip, the diameter of the wire is also an indicator of a power strip’s quality. Generally, a power cord comes with a wire diameter of 3*2.08 mm² or 3*1.31 mm².
5. PD Fast Charging Technology
Considering the demand for fast charging, a quality USB power strip should support PD (Power Delivery) fast charging technology. This technology is regarded as the standard of high-speed charging of smartphones, laptops, and other electronic devices. Moreover, the carrier of the technology is USB-C, which offers improved efficiency along with compatibility with a wide range of new emerging devices.
Huntkey – Offering the Reliable USB Power Strips
Huntkey is the leading global provider of consumer electronics. With a market experience of more than 25 years, Huntkey is committed to offering the best premium-quality products to its customers. Below is a glimpse of two top-notch Huntkey surge protectors with USB power strips:
SMD 807C
SMD 807C is a powerful Huntkey power strip with 8 AC outlets, 1 USB-C 20W PD, and 2 USB outlets. Some of the key specs of SMD 807C are:
1. Power Cord: 6FT (3*2.08mm²)
2. PD fast charging: can charge an iPhone 13 Pro to 50% in just 30 minutes, 30% faster than the original chargers.
3. Adopting 11 ports, including 2 USB-A, 1 USB-C, and 8 AC outlets, allowing 11 devices to be charged at the same time.
4. 2160 Joules surge protection
5. Highly secure: over-voltage, over-power, over-current protection, short circuit protection. Besides, it comes with an overload protector that adopts a double break safety switch to realize automatic shutoff when accidents happen.
SMD 127C
SMD 127C is similar to SMD 807C, but it offers more AC outlets and even strong surge protection. Some of the key specs of SMD 127C are:
1. Power Cord: 6FT (3*2.08mm²)
2. Quick charging: can charge an iPhone 13 Pro to 50% in just 30 minutes, 30% faster than the original chargers.
3. Adopting 15 ports, including 2 USB-A, 1 USB-C, and 12 AC outlets
4. 3480 Joules surge protection
5. Extremely secure: apart from all the safety factors mentioned, including the resistance to overpower, overcurrent, and short circuit and the over protector, SMD 127C is stronger in terms of its lightning protection.
Wrapping Up
If you are going to buy a USB power strip, you might get confused about which one to pick due to the plenty of choices at different prices. So, the recommended practice is to look into the product specs and ensure that it fulfills the above quality standards. The price might get a bit higher when you target quality power strips, but it is worth it in the long run.
Alternatively, if you want to avoid all this hassle, then Huntkey power strips serve as an ideal one-stop place for you. Huntkey’s market’s reputation and emphasis on delivering premium quality power strips make it the best place to get the best quality USB power strips.