Standards for Power Strips: Helping to Lower the Risk of Fires and Shock Hazards

Why it matters

Power strips and surge protectors are common in most households, as they provide the ability to connect multiple plugs to a single outlet. In order to help mitigate the risk of fire or electrocution, power strips must be developed and used according to specific safety standards.

What we're doing

Our Standard, UL 1363, the Standard for Relocatable Power Taps, requires enclosures to be formed and assembled so that they have the strength and rigidity required to resist normal use, without resulting in the risk of a fire, electric shock or injury to persons. In order to comply with the standard, a unit must be able to withstand impact tests without opening in any way that results in accessibility of live parts.

How you can help

Our Standards are developed through a consensus-based process, which integrates scientific and testing expertise with input from our Technical Committee (TC) members and stakeholders. TC members represent a variety of interests, including industry, academia, government, retail and manufacturing. If you are involved in the design, manufacturing, sale or use of relocatable power taps, and you would like to help improve safety in your industry, please take a moment to learn how you can get involved.