Introduction

Imagine setting up your home office with a mess of cords from the computer, monitor, printer, and that fancy coffee maker you just can't work without. Then, all of a sudden, you find you are out of outlets. That is where the humble extension board saves your life-or, in a less caring use, it becomes a hidden danger.

Whether called a power strip, multi-plug adapter, or simply an extension board, this gadget has become a must-have for gadget-filled lives. But is it being used right? From the cheap board price that appears to be too good to be true. To the lure of an extension board with USB ports for all of your charging needs, the options can be too much to bear.

In this guide, we take a walk through the world of extension boards-from the plain electric extension board to those heavy-duty ones. These can take the load of your electric-reliant appliances such as those offered by Portronics. We detail herein why you must invest in nothing but the best extension board in terms of your needs. How you can choose one from among 16 amp extension boards and electrical extension boards with specialized requirements?

Take your favorite device safely plugged in, of course-and let's untangle the common mistakes one makes with extension boards. By the end of this post, you will be empowered on how to choose. Use your power plug extension board like a pro, ensuring convenience and safety in your electrified life.

Understanding Extension Boards

What Are Extension Boards?

Think of electric extension boards as socket multipliers. They extend your options of power outlets, thus you have more places to plug in your gadgets. You will definitely enjoy using them to connect many useful devices with one source of power. Devices like computers, printers, lamps, and chargers. They also come in very handy during temporary uses for power outdoors, like during outdoor events or construction sites. What is more, they will keep your wires neat and tidy without any clutter.

Types of Extension Boards 

In fact, there are several types of extension boards that vary according to your usage. For households, a simple, small, and easily accessible extension board will be used. Just like the Portronics Power Plate 12 best power board with a minimal quantity of sockets, having three universal sockets. It can connect three different devices at one point. The power board provides 1500 Watts of output along with a 2m long cord.

 

A hard and heavy duty board will be preferred at any outdoor party or construction site. Portronics Power Plate 14 has surge protection along with USB ports. The board provides up to 2500 Watts output and can plug in multiple devices with one board. The board includes a 3m long cord and can easily be transferred from one place to another without problems.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Overloading the Extension Board

Overloading can be a serious safety hazard, as too many devices plugged into your power plug electric extension board. It can draw much more current through it than it was designed for. Overheating and possibly tripping circuit breakers or even damaging the device may occur. Too much current on one board leads to short circuits that might lead to fire.

It is, therefore, always necessary to check on the maximum load rating of the board and to select boards that have overload protection features like fuses or circuit breakers. Devices that take up quite a lot of current should be plugged in to avoid overheating. By just observing these simple tips, it is going to make sure that there is safety and efficiency in the use of the boards.

• Using Extension Boards with Damaged Cables or Outlets

Damaged and frayed cables in boards create dangerous situations with potential fire hazards and electrical shock. Defects in the cable can make it impossible to retain the electricity inside, thus causing an accident. 

The cables and outlets of your board should be checked regularly for wear and tear. Accidents can be avoided by replacing immediately when worn-out wires or loose connections are found. Keep your boards safe and well maintained to avoid accidents and make them last long..

• Connecting High-Power Devices

No high-power appliance, such as an electric heater or any other appliance, should never plugged into extension boards. It is as it really consumes a lot of current. This easily overloads the board, resulting in overheating, tripped circuit breakers, or even fires. 

To safely do this with power plug extension boards requires the use of either dedicated circuits or power strips. It is designed to handle such huge current usage without compromising on safety. You can avoid these sorts of hazards and keep your high-power devices running well by following these guidelines..

• Ignoring Surge Protection

Surge protection is one feature that secures your sensitive gadgets from surges in the voltage. This may be due to a strike of lightning, a fluctuation in the electrical grid, or any other unexpected situation. Such kind of surges can cost your gadgets and may force you toward high repairing costs or replacements.

Protect your investments by always opting for power extension boards featuring built-in surge protectors. Also, make sure that it is rated for the voltage of your region for improved protection. Pay a little more for surge protection in order to save a lot of damages to electronic devices valued by you.

• Improper Placement and Usage

The boards can be very dangerous if they are placed under the carpet or near water sources. Carpets can lead to heat entrapment, overheating, and probably fire. Similarly, water has the risk of causing electric shock if it comes in contact with the board or its wires.

Always place the boards in well-ventilated and dry areas. As much as possible, try to avoid running the cords under the carpets or through the doorway. Since such practices raise the risk of tripping hazards and damaged cords. These will keep accidents at bay and ensure safe and efficient usage of heavy duty extension boards.

• Not Checking Compatibility with Appliances

You could bring in an entire set of problems, which may include insufficient power supply, damage to devices, or even a safety hazard, due to using the wrong board. Again, you have to make sure about what type of appliances are going to be hooked on the board and their compatibility with it. 

Other things that could be considered include amperage rating on the extension board and requirements on the devices. Compatibility is crucial; it ensures that there will be no possible problems and that your appliances work safely and efficiently.

Recommended Power Extension Boards from Portronics

Portronics Power Plate 7

The Power Plate 7 is a power extension board that integrates power and convenience. With 6 USB ports, 2500 watts of power output, and 8 universal sockets, it gets a fit for powering everything from smartphones to laptops. The 3m long cord gives enough reach to use the product with ease in various settings. The 6 USB ports would be convenient to charge smartphones, tablets, and other USB-powered devices without any complications. The 8 universal sockets house multiple appliances and gadgets with relative ease.It is a heavy duty board. 

Portronics Power Plate 6

Another option, which is also very suitable, is the Power Plate 6-an excellent power extension board with good power and convenience balance. With 4 USB ports, 2500 watts of power output, and 5 universal sockets, it's well-suited for powering an array of electronic devices. The 3m-long cable is adequate to use comfortably in whatever environment. The 4 USB ports come in handy for charging smartphones, tablets, and other USB-powered gadgets. The 5 universal sockets make for plentiful options to connect various appliances and gadgets.

Portronics Power Plate 5

The Power Plate 5 is designed as an affordable, compact and power extension board. This will give one all the important features needed to power electronic devices. Equipped with 3 USB ports, 1500 watts power output, and 3 universal sockets. This is well-suited for powering anything from a single device to several at once. The 3 USB ports come in pretty handy for charging smartphones, tablets, and other USB-powered devices. The 3 universal sockets offer enough options to connect your several appliances and gadgets.

Maintenance and Safety Tips For Power Extension Boards

• Regular Inspection

Make sure to take a regular view of the extension boards to ensure safety. Look for signs that may indicate possible hazards, such as wear and tear, loose connections, or discoloration. Replace any damaged boards you notice.

These boards wear out with time due to continuous use or after exposure to so many adversary conditions. Replacing the old and damaged board is highly necessary to avoid the risk concerning safety purposes. Consider replacing boards that are more than five years old or show signs of significant wear and tear.

• Safety Precautions for Usage:

The practice of connecting more than one board in a chain often results in overloading the circuit and may lead to a fire hazard or electrical shock. Always ensure that plugs are put appropriately into the board and wall outlets. Poor contact can lead to overheating and hazardous conditions thereafter.

• Be Prepared for Emergencies:

In the case of a power surge or any electrical fault in your boards, immediately unplug them from the power point and disconnect all plugged devices. Never handle any board or its cord with your bare hands when in an on-power condition.

Under extreme electrical conditions and/or if you feel uncertain about how to handle a situation, call qualified electricians who can assess the situation, locate the problem, and recommend adequate solutions safely and practically. Observe these recommendations for how to safely and effectively use your extension boards and avoid electrical accidents.

Conclusion

Remember, to avoid the common mistakes with boards: select the right board, avoid overloading, check the board regularly, place it safely, and ensure its safety. Following these tips on safe and reliable boards will go a long way in protecting your appliances and ensuring you are also safe. 

Portronics sells quality and best boards that boast of solid build, reliable performance, and innovative features. Why not give Portronics' extension board a try today and see the difference?. Have an opinion? Share your comments below. Your contribution is much appreciated and will go a long way in helping others make informed decisions in the choice of best extension boards.

Faqs:- 

Ques : How do I determine if my extension board has sufficient surge protection?

Answer: To check whether your extension board has adequate surge protection, you will need to know its joule rating. A joule rating gives the amount of energy that the surge protector is capable of withstanding in a failure. A higher joule rating normally translates into better protection. Also, check the certifications from recognized safety organizations such as UL or ETL.

Ques : Can I use an extension board for high-power devices like a refrigerator or space heater?

Answer: No, the usage of an extension board with high power-consuming devices is not recommended. Such devices draw large current that may cause overheating due to overloading of the board, often leading to fire hazards. This always is advisable to plug them into a dedicated circuit or power strip.

Ques : What should I do if my extension board is damaged or not functioning correctly?

Answer: Immediately stop using your extension board if it becomes damaged or defective and then unplug it from the electrical supply. Check your board for damaged-like signs, such as frayed cables or loose connections. If the damage is huge, then replace your board with a new one.

Ques : Is it safe to plug multiple extension boards into one another?

Answer: No, generally, it is not safe to plug multiple extension boards into one another. This practice is called "daisy-chaining," and it may cause overloading of the circuit, hence predisposing fire or electrical shock. It is better to use one board with enough outlets to handle your requirements.