What is the correct name for an extension cord with a button?

What device looks like an extension cord?

Surge protector - looks like an extension cord

, which has several outlets and one or more switches. Its main purpose is to smooth out (filter) noise and power surges.

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Surge filter - what is it?

A mains voltage filter will help keep your equipment in good condition. This is a device that protects equipment from interference and voltage surges in the network. Outwardly, it may look like a regular extension cord, but the difference is that the power strip is equipped with a special unit that mitigates the consequences of sudden surges in electricity.

What is it needed for

The passport of each household appliance indicates the frequency of the input voltage according to GOST (50 Hz), but the performance in the network is far from ideal. There are many consumers of electricity around us: someone is doing repairs and turned on an angle grinder or doing welding, at a nearby factory the production facilities were turned on at the same time, there was a failure at a substation. All this will make the voltage in the network unstable, and this will affect the operation of sensitive computer equipment and televisions.

Consider why a surge protector is needed and what the principle of its operation is using the example of mathematical functions. The frequency of the alternating current voltage in the network changes according to a sinusoid (a smooth arc that oscillates many times per unit of time). In addition to this, high-frequency (100 Hz to 100 MHz) and low-frequency pulses, voltage peaks, amplitude changes, shape distortions, and jumps occur. This is not much like a smooth sinusoid (harmonic), but more similar to the indicators of a cardiograph, and besides, many such curves are recorded simultaneously.

For normal operation of household appliances, it is necessary that there is one smooth sine wave, so all other harmonics and impulse noise must be discharged and prevented from reaching the electric current receiver. All this work is performed by an extension filter equipped with a built-in circuit that absorbs all frequency errors. For large differences, a fuse is provided, which, when blown when overloaded, de-energizes the devices. It is better to use a socket filter in conjunction with a voltage stabilizer.

Device

If the type of current passing through resistors does not affect their resistance, then capacitive and inductive resistance directly depend on the frequency of the current. The higher the frequency of the current, the greater the resistance of the induction coil. This property of inductance is used in the device to smooth out high-frequency interference (sinusoids with small periods). To do this, two coils with inductance from 60 to 200 μH each are placed in series with the load in the neutral and phase conductors.

Low-frequency interference is suppressed by the resistance of induction coils or a resistor with a resistance of no more than 1 Ohm, located in series. The most effective filters for interference are LC filters, which consist not only of induction coils, but are also supplemented with a capacitor (capacitance 0.22-1.0 μF) connected in parallel to the load. The voltage of this capacitor is selected so that it exceeds the network voltage at least twice, taking into account possible differences.

A semiconductor element - a varistor - will help cope with short-term pulsed interference. If the voltage in the network is low, then the varistor acts as a high-resistance resistor and does not allow current to pass through. As the voltage increases to the nominal value of the varistor (470 volts), the resistance of the semiconductor decreases, and current pulses pass through it. This means that if the varistor is connected in parallel with the load, then the high voltage pulses will be absorbed by it, temporarily smoothing out their effect.

A real socket filter should consist of:

two coils with inductance from 60 to 200 μH, in series with the load;
varistor 470 volts connected in parallel with the load;
a 0.22-0.1 µF capacitor connected in parallel with the load;
1 ohm resistor to suppress low frequency noise (if necessary).

Most cheap options in practice are not. They consist only of a varistor and a bimetallic contact for maximum protection. However, it is easy to assemble an LC circuit with your own hands and it will work no worse than the factory one. Although, if the house has only ordinary powerful household appliances, then they do not need filters, since the quality of electricity does not affect them, and electronics (computer, TV, stereo) consume a small amount of energy and an extension filter with a nominal a current of several amperes.

Surge filter – buy

A sophisticated modern consumer, before choosing from a photo in a catalog and buying a surge protector, carefully studies the ratings and reviews of customers. It is now easy to buy any product in an online store, since each seller takes care of providing maximum information about the characteristics of each item in their assortment. We present to your attention a brief overview of popular devices from global manufacturers.

From USB

In the event of overheating and a short circuit, the device automatically switches off, preventing damage to electrical appliances and the occurrence of a fire. Network with USB ports provides protection against overvoltage and high-frequency interference of several devices simultaneously. A big advantage is that the case has USB ports for charging tablets and smartphones.

APC PM6U-RS:

Price – 2800 rubles.
Characteristics: total power – up to 2.3 kW, on the case there are two USB ports (2.4 A each) for charging tablets and smartphones. The LED indicator on the case will warn you in time about problems in the electrical network or a damaged fuse. Cable 2 meters long. The body is white.
Pros: design, does not take up much space, three sockets on both sides of the device, European standard type with grounding, USB available.
Cons: none found.

Buro BU-SP5 USB 2A-W:

Price – 990 rubles.
Characteristics: equipped with six standard 220 V sockets. One USB port with a current of 1 ampere and a second port of 2.1 ampere are used to recharge mobile gadgets. Cord length 5 meters, white body.
Pros: narrow, does not take up much space, European standard sockets with grounding on one side of the device, USB available, inexpensive.
Cons: none found.

For UPS

In the event of overheating and a short circuit, the device automatically switches off, preventing damage to electrical appliances and the occurrence of a fire. Network for UPS is used to connect household and electronic equipment to an uninterruptible power supply. The operating time depends on the capacity of the UPS battery built into the device.

ExeGate SPU-5-0.5B:

Price – 172 rubles.
Characteristics: cord length 0.5 m, black housing designed for 5 sockets with grounding. It is used to connect household and electronic equipment to an uninterruptible power supply, which is equipped with a C13 connector.
Pros: rated voltage - 220 V, maximum impulse - 90 J, total load power - 10 amperes, low cost.
Cons: none found.

Garrison EHW-0:

Price – 200 rubles.
Characteristics: white body, cord length 0.5 m, there are 6 European standard sockets with grounding. Equipped with C14 connector, power switch with indicator light. The housing has a hole for mounting to a wall in a vertical position.
Pros: rated voltage - 220 V, total load power - 2.2 kW, rated current - 10 amperes, maximum impulse - 90 J, current noise withstand - 2.5 kA, low cost.
Cons: none found.

For computer

All connectors are grounded, cord length varies depending on model. Surge protectors for computers from Pilot are distinguished by their well-thought-out functionality. They have European standard sockets and one Soviet type. The pilot for the computer is also suitable for household appliances. A button with an LED turns off power to all devices. In the event of overheating and a short circuit, the device automatically switches off, preventing damage to electrical appliances and the occurrence of a fire.

Pilot L:

Price – 1200 rubles.
Characteristics: a 5 m long cord can serve as a regular extension cord, rated voltage is 220-230 V, total load power is 10 amperes, 6 sockets, including one of the old type.
Pros: comfortable, functional.
Cons: none found.

Pilot X-PRO:

Price – 2300 rubles.
Characteristics: cord length - 1.8 m, rated voltage - 220 V, total load power - 2.2 kW, rated current - 10 amperes.
Pros: original design in the form of a gray trapezoid, reminiscent of a science-fiction spacecraft, 6 sockets, including one of the old type.
Cons: none found.

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For washing machine

A modern automatic washing machine, especially its electronic part, is very sensitive to network interference and therefore needs protection. Surge protectors for household appliances will reliably protect all home appliances from overheating and short circuits. There is no need to buy large filters for these purposes; compact models represented by the following names are suitable.

Pilot Single:

Price – 1240 rubles.
Characteristics: a small ergonomic case is equipped with one European standard socket, there is no cord, rated voltage - 220 V, total load power - 2.2 kW, rated current - 10 amperes.
Pros: the models have a compact design and can be taken with you on trips.
Cons: stationary without a cord.

Inter-Step SP-ONE (1140J):

Price – 555 rubles.
Characteristics: stationary for a washing machine without a cord, maximum interference voltage – 220/240 V, rated frequency – 50 Hz, total load – 350 kW, maximum load current – 16A, maximum pulse interference current – 1950 kA, maximum dissipated energy – 1140 J , color – white, additional features – thunderstorm protection. The small case is equipped with one European standard socket.
Pros: compact size.
Cons: none found.

With a switch for each socket

The device guarantees protection against surges and high-frequency interference of several devices simultaneously. A surge protector with a switch for each outlet is good because you can control the power supply to each device that is turned on. In the event of overheating and a short circuit, the fuse switches off automatically, preventing damage to electrical appliances and the occurrence of a fire.

MOST ERG in white housing:

Price – 1030 rubles.
Characteristics: rated voltage - 220 V, rated current - 10 amperes, total load power - 2.2 kW, 5 Euro-standard sockets with grounding, cord length - 5 m, 5 buttons with LED backlight for each and one common one, turning off power throughout device.
Pros: convenient control of the operation of each individual device.
Cons: not found.

MOST EHV in black housing:

Price – 1250 rubles.
Characteristics: rated voltage - 220 V, rated current - 10 amperes, total load power - 2.2 kW, 5 Euro-standard sockets with grounding, cord length - 2 m, 5 buttons with LED backlight for each socket and one common one that turns off the power during all device.
Pros: convenient control of the operation of each individual device.
Cons: not found.

For LCD TV

The device guarantees protection against surges and high-frequency interference of several devices simultaneously. The surge protector for LCD TV protects video equipment, telephone lines, and local networks from short circuits and high-frequency interference. In the event of overheating and a short circuit, it switches off automatically, preventing damage to electrical appliances and the occurrence of a fire.

APC PMF83VT-RS:

Price – 3000 rubles.
Characteristics: maximum connector and RJ-11, LED indicator, output power – 2.3 kW, load current max – 10 amperes, output voltage – 230 V, 8 sockets with grounding, located on both sides, cable 2 m long, protection of antenna television input , a separate switch for each outlet so that you can control the power supply to each device that is turned on, and one general switch.
Pros: beveled fork for placing the filter in a narrow space between furniture.
Cons: none found.

MOST Elite ERG:

Price – 1000 rubles.
Characteristics: LED indicator. Output power - 2.3 kW, load current max - 10 A, output voltage - 230 V, 5 sockets with grounding, cable 5 m long, a separate switch for each socket so that you can control the power supply to each device, and one common switch.
Pros: sockets are located on one side at an angle of 45 degrees for ease of connection.
Cons: none found.

With grounding

Grounding is the main condition for the safe use of sockets. A surge protector with grounding guarantees protection against surges and high-frequency interference for six devices at the same time, these are the main advantages. In the event of overheating and a short circuit, the filter automatically switches off, preventing damage to electrical appliances and the occurrence of a fire.

Defender DFS 805:

Price – 1200 rubles.
Characteristics: output power - 2.3 kW, load current max - 10 A, output voltage - 230 V, 6 sockets with grounding, cable 5 m long, one general switch with LED indicator.
Pros: modern design and safety.
Cons: none found.

APC PM5U-RS:

Price – 2350 rubles.
Characteristics: sockets are protected by curtains, two USB ports, cord length – 1.83 m, output power – 2.3 kW, load current max – 10 amperes, output voltage – 230 V.
Pros: The device is equipped with 5 outlets, one of which is located at a remote distance to power massive power supplies.
Cons: none found.

Design of plugs and sockets, their number

Depending on the design of the plug and socket, you can choose an extension cord with or without grounding. At the same time, in the version with grounding contacts and deep sockets, it will be difficult or impossible to insert plugs of Soviet electrical appliances into them. To connect not too powerful household appliances (up to 1 kW), a version with shallow sockets will be universal.

Structurally, the forks can be cast or collapsible.

Cast forks will last longer, while collapsible ones will be easier to replace. When choosing an extension cord, take into account the fact that copies with collapsible plugs can often turn out to be counterfeit products, that is, the so-called self-propelled gun.

There can be from 1 to 4 sockets. Less common are models with 5 or more connectors for connecting a plug. Do not buy a carrier with 4 sockets if you know for sure that you need it for a specific device and you will not connect anything else. It will last longer and be safer this way.

Drawing conclusions

So, which is better - a surge protector or a voltage stabilizer? Brief summary:

If the lights in your house do not blink and the measurements show constant values, buy a good surge protector. It will protect consumers from short circuits, voltage overloads, pulse discharges and various types of interference;
if voltage drops are a frequent occurrence, and its values go beyond the nominal values usually indicated on the device nameplate, you need a stabilizer. Especially if the cost of this device is several times higher than the cost of the stabilizing unit.

Puppy

Anton

Good afternoon I am interested in your website rukipro.ru. I am ready to offer 16,000 rubles for it, based on the preliminary estimate. After studying the statistics, it may be possible to revise the proposal further. If you are interested in my proposal, I am waiting for your response.

What does the price depend on?

Home electrical systems don't have huge power surges or high-tech interference. Therefore, it is enough to take medium-type equipment: not too expensive, but not the smallest and cheapest.

Expert opinion

Viktor Pavlovich Strebizh, lighting and electrical expert

Any questions ask me, I will help!

Read the review and choose the most suitable model, since one failure can cause a production stop due to the failure of the entire system or lack of access to the server machine. If there is something you don’t understand, write to me!