What if my power strip doesn't work? Is it because of the power outage?

The nationwide blackout that occurred yesterday, at 12:33 p.m., has caused thousands of people to ask several questions today about their appliances and technological devices, such as the power strip.

First of all, if your power strip isn't working immediately after a power outage , remember that it doesn't generate its own power; it simply extends the current from the wall outlet. During the power outage, all outlets, including the power strip, were de-energized, as were regular appliances and plugs.

However, if power has already been restored and your power strip is still not providing power, the fault may be due to a power surge or an internal problem in the device itself .

• Surge protection: Many power strips include a surge protector that, upon detecting a power surge, trips an internal breaker and cuts off the power to protect connected devices. On these models, the "Protection Activated" indicator light turns off when the protection is no longer operational, indicating that the circuit has been opened.
• Internal fuse or thermal fuse: Some power strips use a replaceable fuse that trips if their power absorption capacity is exceeded. Other models incorporate a thermal fuse that cuts off the power when the heat exceeds a safety threshold. Once triggered, the fuse must be replaced or, in many cases, the entire power strip must be replaced.
• Thermal cutout: Medium- or high-quality power strips may have a thermal cutout that trips if there's a prolonged overload. This cutout prevents overheating, which could damage both the power strip and the connected equipment.

• Damaged internal components: If there is a short circuit or a loose wire inside, the power strip may display the power light but not supply power, indicating an irreparable failure.
• Excessive consumption: Plugging in high-power appliances (microwaves, irons, air conditioners) can overload the power strip, causing its safety system to become inoperative.
• Wear and tear: Cheap or old power strips can deteriorate due to dust, heat, or impact, losing continuity in their internal contacts.

• Check the power supply to the wall outlet by plugging in another device (lamp, charger) to rule out an installation fault.
• Press the reset button or the power strip's main switch , if it has one, to restore surge protection.
• If the fault persists, visually inspect the power strip : look for visible fuses, frayed wires, or burn marks.
• In case of internal damage or a blown fuse, it is safest to replace the power strip with a new, quality one rather than attempting to repair it.

• Do not connect more power than indicated by the manufacturer: respect the maximum wattage and amperage limits printed on the casing.
• Avoid plugging high-power appliances into power strips; instead, use them in separate outlets.
• Consider investing in a power strip with a replaceable fuse or advanced protection.
• Keep the power strip clean and dust-free , and never cover it or place it on flammable surfaces.