Is It Safe to Keep a Power Strip on an Elevated Surface?
Many home and office environments benefit from keeping power strips in elevated positions, whether it's a cabinet, shelf, or another raised platform. However, it's crucial to ensure the safety of these devices while ensuring their functionality. Let's explore the key considerations for placing a power strip on an elevated surface.
Considerations for Elevated Power Strips
When considering an elevated power strip, there are several important factors to keep in mind to ensure safety and functionality. If you're planning to raise your power strip, here are some critical points to consider:
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential for a power strip to operate safely. Ensure that there's adequate airflow around the device to prevent overheating. Avoid placing any objects that could restrict airflow, as this can lead to hazardous conditions. Adequate ventilation helps dissipate heat and prevent malfunctioning.
Stability
The stability of the elevated surface is equally important. Make sure that the surface is secure and stable to prevent the power strip from falling and causing damage. This becomes particularly critical if the surface is high or if there's a risk of bumping into it. Instability can lead to accidents and damage to both the device and the surrounding area.
Accessibility
Ensure that the power strip is placed in an easily accessible location for plugging and unplugging devices. Accessibility is crucial for both convenience and safety, as it allows for quick connection and disconnection without the need to reach over or under obstacles.
Weight Limit
Avoid placing heavy items on top of the power strip. Excessive weight can cause damage to the device, potentially leading to malfunctions or safety hazards. It's important to consult the weight limit specifications of the power strip and choose a surface that can support the weight of the device and any additional items that might be present.
Cord Management
Properly manage the power cords to avoid tripping hazards or accidental unplugging. Use cord organizers and keep the cords neat and taut to ensure the device is safe and functional. Proper cord management prevents tangles and ensures that the power strip can be safely moved without risking tripping.
Real-World Examples
To better understand the considerations for elevated power strips, let's look at a few real-world examples that highlight these points.
Equipment Cabinet with Flooding Issue
One of our clients had an equipment cabinet in a basement that would flood occasionally. To solve this issue, they elevated the cabinet using cinder blocks. While this solution worked, they needed to provide backup power for the network side of the equipment. They installed a small UPS on the floor, but during a flood, the environment posed a risk to the device. As a result, they had to replace the UPS and add new cinder blocks.
We suggested moving the equipment to a hanging equipment rack, but the cost for the new cabinet was prohibitive. Cinder blocks were inexpensive, making them a cost-effective solution. The new cabinet would have cost several hundred dollars, and moving everything would have been even more expensive.
Wall-Mounted Strip Pack
Another instance involved a strip pack mounted to a wall, which was later knocked off and laid on the floor. Over time, it corroded and burned out. To prevent this from happening again, the network team installed a dedicated multiple outlet box. A janitor opted for a dollar store strip pack, shortened the power cord, and mounted it back in the original position. This solution ensured the cord would never fall to the floor when unplugged, effectively solving the problem.
Additional Safety Tips
While the above considerations are crucial, it's also important to be aware of additional safety tips:
Cheap Power Strips and Protection
Cheap power strips often lack adequate protection features. It's advisable to invest in a high-quality power strip that provides surge protection and other safety features. This ensures longevity and reliable performance, especially in environments where reliability is important.
Polarity is Important
Another critical factor is polarity. Reducing the length of the power cord can cause issues with polarity, which can lead to malfunctioning devices. It's important to maintain proper polarity to ensure all connected devices function correctly and safely.
Battery Backup UPSs
Battery backup uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units may not float as well as higher-end models. This means that during brief power outages, they may not provide as much protection. It's important to choose a UPS with reliable batteries and surge protection to ensure continuous operation and safety during power outages.
In conclusion, placing a power strip on an elevated surface can be a practical solution in many situations. However, it's essential to consider the factors that affect safety and functionality. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can ensure that your power strip remains safe and effective in an elevated position.