Nobody likes bulky surge protectors. They protrude from walls, refuse to hide behind furniture, and look as ugly as sin. So, why not clean up your cable management issue with a space-saving surge protector instead?
Before Buying a Space-Saving Surge Protector
Different situations call for different surge protectors. There are all kinds of things to consider, like the number of outlets you want, or the joule rating you need to keep things safe. The fact that you’re looking for a space-saving surge protector doesn’t make things any easier, as some low-profile surge protectors can be pretty niche.
Here are a few things you should consider before shopping for a surge protector:
- Location: Surge protectors come in all shapes and sizes. Some are great for hiding behind furniture, while others work best on a countertop. Make sure that whatever surge protector you buy works for a specific location in your home—don’t just buy whatever looks nice.
- Joule rating: A surge protector’s “joule rating” determines how much energy it can absorb before it fails. For most applications, you’ll want a surge protector with a rating between 200 and 400 joules. Naturally, heavy-duty situations call for higher joule ratings.
- Outlets and USB ports: Make sure that your surge protector has enough outlets, and that it has USB or USB-C ports (if you need them). All the surge protectors in this article have three-prong outlets, so you don’t have to worry about incompatibility.
- Plug shape: Surge protectors with bulky power cables are a genuine eyesore, and they’re difficult to tuck behind furniture. So, for your convenience, every power strip included in this article has a space-saving L-shaped plug.
Now that you know what you need from a low profile surge protector, it’s time to get into it. Here are the best space-saving surge protectors for every situation.
For Behind Furniture: GE 3-Outlet Extended Surge Protector
Got an outlet that’s hidden behind a couch or bookshelf? Skip the typical power strips and consider picking up a GE 3-port extended surge protector. It’s basically a nice looking 8′ extension cord for indoor use (a 15′ version is also available), with a tangle-proof braided cable to boot.
The GE extended surge protector has a 250-joule rating, so it’s ideal for most indoor applications. You could easily use this surge protector to gain access to your hidden outlets or to add some outlets for the modem and router you’ve strategically tucked behind your couch. (By the way, you shouldn’t put them back there.)
GE Designer Extension Cord With Surge Protection, Braided Power Cord, 8 ft, 3 Grounded Outlets, Flat Plug, Premium, Gray/White, 38433
The GE Designer indoor extension cord has a surge protection rating of 250 joules, a flat head plug, and an 8′ braided cable. It’s great for making the most of that outlet behind your couch.
$9.98
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For Everyday Use: Belkin 6-Outlet Surge Protector
The Belkin 6-outlet surge protector is an affordable, low-profile power strip. Its L-shaped plug and thin design set it apart from most surge protectors, and its 6-foot cable is long enough to work well in most situations without getting tangled.
