Working with loose power strips may seem innocuous. But if not replaced soon enough, you could expose yourself to untold electrical hazards, including shocks and electrocution. One way to avert such risks is to upgrade to right-angle power strips.
We’ve prepared a detailed guide to right-angle power strips and why they’re a worthy investment for every home and workplace.
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What Is A Right-Angle Power Strip?
Right-angle power strips are power strips whose plugs direct a power cord at 90 degrees into an outlet or receptacle. They’re more accurately known as 90-degree power strips since the plugs may angle right or left.
Investing in a quality right angle power strip comes with immense benefits, as you’re about to find out.
However, it’s important to note that power strips aren’t the only electrical attachments whose plugs may be angled 90 degrees. This ingenious design concept is common in other accessories, including extension cords and connectors.
But while right-angle power strips plug into outlets at 90 degrees, right-angle connectors direct plugs from other electrical attachments (power cords, extension cords, etc.) into them at 90-degree angles.
You’ll also realize that when discussing right-angle power strips, the focus is on the plugs and not the other elements of the strip, such as the sockets. That’s in contrast to right-angle connectors, where the emphasis is on the sockets as opposed to the power cords plugged into them.
What Are The Benefits Of Right-Angle Power Strips?
1. Compact Design
Right-angle power strips sport a sleek and compact design. Unlike the universal straight-plug strips, these cords do not protrude from outlets or receptacles.
You don’t need to allow for a space between a right-angle power plug and the wall socket. Therefore, you can inch electrical appliances closer to the wall without damaging the delicate wires.
Thanks to their compact designs, right-angle power strips can be remarkably space-saving. They’re an excellent investment if you’re planning to use the wires in a rather cramped space, such as behind desks or on bookshelves. The strips are also ideal when wall-mounting an electrical appliance.
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2. Flexible Construction
The compactness of right-angle power strips increases their flexibility. By plugging into receptacles at 90 degrees, right-angle cords can serve a wide range of electrical applications.
Right-angle power plugs are notably easy to bend and twist without risking damage to the pins. Besides making them suitable for tight spaces, this design also enhances the strip’s durability by minimizing undue strain on the cables.
The 90-degree construction also makes right-angle power strips easy to maintain. You don’t need to move appliances away from the wall socket whenever you want to unplug the cord, which increases the lifespan of both the power strip and connected devices.
3. Enhanced Safety
A huge part of minimizing electrical hazards entails buying proper attachments and deploying them the right way.
Right-angle power strips have proven remarkably safer than regular straight-plug cords since they present lower risks of tripping and snagging. The attachments are recommended if working in crowded spaces with high foot traffic.
Upgrading to right-angle power strips can protect your employees and customers from workplace injuries caused by tripping hazards, as well as related reputational damage or legal liability.
To further minimize tripping hazards, ensure your right-angle power strip is snugly plugged into a receptacle. Check the plugs occasionally for signs of wear and ensure no loose connections.
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4. Easier To Organize
Having electrical cables strewn everywhere doesn’t only pose serious tripping hazards. It can also cause an eyesore in your home or workplace.
If you thrive in an organized environment (most people do), you want a power strip that helps keep the room tidy. That’s another role that right-angle power strips fit quite well.
Due to their 90-degree designs, right-angle power strips are more accessible to locate and more difficult to trip over. The wires are also less likely to get tangled even if massed in a relatively tight space.
Moreover, right-angled power strips direct power straight from an outlet to connected appliances without obstacles. That makes them easy to install, organize, and maintain.
5. Increased Durability
Power strips don’t come cheap. Therefore, you want the most durable product you can find.
Most high-end power strips have an average life expectancy of four years. The actual lifespan will depend on the wire’s use environment and maintenance plan.
Right-angle power strips have emerged as more durable than traditional straight-plug cords. These strips have fewer stress points due to their bendable design. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about straining the cords even if you’re working in cramped spaces or sharp bends, where ordinary plugs would easily give in to pressure.
Provided that you diligently follow the manufacturer’s application and maintenance guidelines, your right-angle power strips can last considerably longer than regular cords. Enhanced durability ultimately translates to long-term cost-efficiency.
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Final Word
Right-angle power strips have gained tremendous popularity due to their flexibility and convenience. Their compact design helps to keep your home or workplace tidy and organized. Right-angle power strips are comparatively more durable than traditional strips, making them a better cost-effective investment in the long run.
However, remember that design alone isn’t the sole consideration while shopping for power strips. Look into other critical aspects like cord length, gauge, and ampacity, as well as the number of sockets the strip comes with.
