How Often Should You Replace Power Strips? Experts Weigh In

Most things in our home need regular replacement, and some are more obvious than others. Toasters, HVAC filters, and mattresses, for example, all give visual clues by beginning to show their age or just ceasing to function. Not so with power strips.

These sturdy objects, on which we depend so heavily, can go unnoticed behind our desks and entertainment centers for years, while working around the clock to power our laptops, TVs, vacuums, and much more. As long as everything is functioning as usual, we don't give them a thought.

However, it turns out that even power strips need to be replaced every so often. To learn how often, we consulted electrical experts to get the lowdown on the lifespan of power strips so that you and your family can continue to rest easy knowing electricity is being conducted throughout your home safely and securely.

How Often to Replace Power Strips

Generally speaking, power strips should be replaced every three to five years, even if everything is functioning properly. This time will increase or decrease depending on certain factors.

"If the strip is used daily with high-draw devices or in demanding environments like garages or workshops, this will shorten the timeline," says electrical expert Edward Acosta. In a case like this, consider replacing your power strip every one to two years.

A power strip used in hot spaces and one that experiences frequent power surges will also call for quicker replacement. Doug Vernon, co-owner of Saguaro Solar Electric, recommends replacing it every year or two in these cases.

He notes that the same goes for cheaper models. "The internal components can wear out under heavy use, and even though the unit itself might look fine, it may not be safe to use," he says.

Signs Your Power Strip Needs to Be Replaced

As easy as it might be to ignore your power strips, it's prudent to check them periodically for signs of damage or stress. Tim Hodnicki, president at Electrical Experts, says the condition of your power strip matters more than its age. After all, you wouldn't want to miss the signs and have an unexpected electrical mishap. The following are the things to look for when checking your power strip.

• It is warm or has a burning smell: "The first thing I look for is heat and feel," says Hodnicki. "A strip should never be warm under a normal load. If it's even slightly hot to the touch, something inside is breaking down, or you're pulling too much electricity through it."
• It has loose outlets: "Loose outlets are another big one," says Hodnicki. "If plugs slide in too easily or wiggle, that poor contact creates resistance and heat, which is how you end up with melted plastic." He notes that you should also check for bent prongs.
• The surge protector warning light is on: Surge protectors typically have an indicator light to warn you that protection is compromised and a replacement is needed, Hodnicki warns.
• It has visible damage: "Visual cues matter more than people think," says Hodnicki. Cracks in the casing, a stiff or fraying cord, or discoloration around outlets mean that your power strip is failing.

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Risks of Not Replacing Power Strips

Not replacing your power strips increases the risk of electrical shocks, damage to your equipment, and electrical fires. "When internal components deteriorate or fail, heat is generated that can potentially ignite anything combustible in the immediate area," Vernon says. Loose outlets can also cause arcing—a major cause of home fires.

Unfortunately, much of the danger can go unseen. Internal damage is especially easy to miss. "A worn-out strip builds resistance at loose contacts, and that creates heat you won't notice until it's too late," says Hodnicki. "I've opened up failed strips that looked fine outside but were charred inside." While you go through your life unknowingly, there could be an electrical fire building just out of view. "Cheap plastic, dust, and a steady load are all it takes to get something smoldering behind a desk or couch," he says.

You may also lose surge protection without realizing it. "Surge protectors quietly sacrifice themselves over time, and when they stop working, your TV or computer takes the hit directly the next time there's a power surge," Hodnicki says. Because the strip is still working, it's easy to assume that you are protected, but without a functioning surge protector, you are left vulnerable to broken appliances and devices.

Factors That Affect the Lifespan of a Power Strip

While many power strips can last up to five years, certain factors affect their longevity. Being aware of them and keeping a watchful eye on your power strip and its current condition could protect you and your home in the long run.

• Surge exposure: Each surge the strip absorbs degrades its internal protection, says Acosta. Over time, there isn't anything protecting the strip against power surges.
• Quality of construction: Low-quality strips typically use thinner wiring and less durable components, says Acosta. Better-built units handle heat and electrical load longer.
• Where it's used: Units used in rooms with high heat, high humidity, high dust, and direct sunlight will degrade faster, says Vernon. This will increase failure risk.
• Electrical load: Connecting high-wattage devices near or above the strip's capacity pushes the strip to its limits, leading to faster wear and internal heat buildup.
• Frequency of use: Repeated plugging and unplugging loosen contacts, says Hodnicki. This leads to poor connections and more heat. Constant heavy use also speeds up wear and heat buildup.
• Types of devices connected: Lawnmowers and heaters create spikes and higher loads because they're much harder on a strip than electronics, notes Hodnicki.
• Physical stress on the cord: Excessive weight placed on your power strip's cord or cramped storage can result in bent or pinched internal wires, which can cause overheating or interrupt power flow.
• Outlet connection: Loose wall outlets cause arcing at the plug, and the extra resistance wears the strip faster, says Hodnicki.

Choosing a Safe Power Strip

As it turns out, not all power strips are created equal. As similar as they may look on the outside, the manner of construction and type of materials make all the difference. "Unsafe power strips are a very big problem, and everyone should do their best to avoid using them," says Hodnicki. Follow these expert tips for choosing a safe power strip for your home.

• Stay away from low-quality models: "The biggest offenders are cheap units with thin wiring and poor internal connections that heat up under normal use," says Hodnicki. Your new power strip should feel sturdy, have a heavy-duty cord, and have good spacing between the outlets, says Vernon. Hodnicki also recommends checking the outlet grip. "If it feels flimsy or plugs slide in loose, it's already telling you it won't age well," he says.
• Splurge for the surge protector: "If you're going to buy a power strip, you may as well spend a few extra dollars and get a surge protector with multiple outlets instead," says Vernon. "You get the extra outlets you need and protection in the event of power surges, which are more common than you might think."
• Only buy certified power strips: "Look for certification from UL or ETL that tells you it has been independently tested for safety," says Acosta. And remember, a legitimate certification matters more than branding, says Hodnicki.
• Get the appropriate strip for the job. "Your power strip should be matched for the job you are doing," says Acosta. For example, don't use a basic indoor strip for a garage or to connect heavy equipment. Weatherproof outdoor power strips can be purchased for any outdoor jobs, and specialized industrial strips exist for high-voltage uses.