How To Install Power Strip On Wall – DIY Guide

Power Strip Basics

A power strip is a strip of electrical sockets that are attached to a flexible wire. This power strip is plugged into an electrical wall socket and is used when there is a need for more electrical outlets. Power strips provide a temporary solution to the lack of wall sockets. But we can make that a more permanent solution if we know how to install power strip on wall.

Choosing a Power Strip

Before we get to the installation steps here are a few things to consider in choosing a power strip:

• Outlet number. The number of outlets that you need is an important thing to consider when selecting a power strip. Power strips also come in styles that give you enough space to plug in transformer plugs without blocking the rest of the outlets.  
• Length. How far do you want your power strip from the outlet? Power strips come in different lengths, and you are sure to find the best fit for you.  
• Equipment you’re using. What equipment are you planning to use? Are you planning to use it as additional outlets for a workstation or some simple medical equipment? There are power strips that match the environment you are in, so make sure to consider this. 
• Safety Features. There are certain safety features available in a power strip. Some safety strips come in metal housings, which makes them virtually indestructible. Another safety feature in a power strip is its 15- or 20-amp circuit breakers. These circuit breakers help prevent system overload.  
• Surge Protectors. Instead of choosing a power strip, you can choose a surge protector instead. They look the same, but they have very different functions. A power strip gives you multiple outlets from a single socket while a surge protector works as a protection against power surges and power line interference. 

Power Strip Installation

Now that we know how to choose a power strip, we can now learn how to install power strip on wall. To start installing the power strip on the wall, we will need to have our equipment ready. 

Here are a few things we need to prepare: 

1. Drill
2. Screws
3. Pencil
4. Masking Tape
5. Power Strip/ Surge Protector

Step by Step Procedure

Step 1 – Rip off a piece of masking tape and tape it to the bottom of your power strip.

Step 2 – Take your pencil and mark the masking tape. There are holes at the back of your power strip for mounting. Trace these holes on your masking tape, remove the tape, and put it on the desired area on your wall. 

Step 3 – Take your drill and screws. You can now start drilling the screws where the holes are marked on the masking tape. 

Step 4 – Remove the masking tape. The screws should be in place now without your masking tape. 

Step 5 – Mount your power strip on the wall. The screws should be able to hold your power strip in place through the holes. 

Now you know how to install power strip on wall like a pro! 

The trickiest part is aligning the screws to the holes at the back of your power strip. These holes are meant for mounting. Some power strips have several holes, depending on their configuration. People have tried tracing them and even photocopying the back of the power strip to make sure the screws are aligned to the holes. 

NOTE: Because lining up the holes to the screws for mounting is very critical, make sure you choose the right masking tape. You might need thicker masking tape to cover the entire area. It may sound too simple, but in this case, the right masking tape is vital. 

If you don’t like to drill through your walls, you may also use industrial double-sided tape to mount your power strip.  

Check this website to know what are the the right tool for the right job.

Using Your Power Strip: Knowing The Hazards

Your power strip is finally mounted on the wall, and everyone is excited to use it. Before we start utilizing this tool, let’s go through the hazards we should avoid:

1. Never plug a power strip into another power strip. This is called daisy-chaining, and this method can cause overloading or fire. 
2. Do not permanently attach a power strip to the wall. Power strips have mounting holes at the back so you can easily remove them. 
3. Do not overload your power strip:
   • Do not let the power strip an excessive number of appliances.
   • Do not use high voltage appliances like refrigerators on power strips.
4. Your power strip cords should not be knotted, especially while you are using them. 
5. The power strip should not be hot to the touch. If this happens, unplug it immediately. 
6. Please do not put it in a moist environment.
7. Please do not put it in an area with limited circulation, such as under the blanket or a carpet.
8. If you notice wires that are damaged or melted, you must immediately throw the power strip (Follow the appropriate disposal methods).
9. Do not use power strips on a construction site. The wires may cause people to trip, and they should not be exposed to high voltage items. 
10. It is not advisable to use power strips in hospitals.