Best Power Strips With Surge Protection For Tools
I test power strips the way I test tools: by real-shop durability, not hype. You’ll see rugged metal housings, wide-spaced outlets, solid surge protection, and practical mounting options in six heavy-duty models. Build quality, safety, and long-term value get measured against how a strip actually performs under load and in tight spaces. If you want results you can rely on in a busy workshop, you’ll find them here.
⚡ Quick Answer: Best Garage Tools
Best for USB Charging: Heavy Duty Power Strip with USB, Workshop 8 Outlet Surge Protector 2700 Joules, Industrial Metal 15Amp Power Strip, 6FT Extension Cord and Wide Spaced. Yellow
$24.99 — Check price on Amazon →
Table of Contents
- Main Points
- Our Top Picks
- Heavy Duty Power Strip with USB, Workshop 8 Outlet Surge Protector 2700 Joules, Industrial Metal 15Amp Power Strip, 6FT Extension Cord and Wide Spaced. Yellow
- DEWENWILS 8-Outlet Metal Power Strip Surge Protector with 2 USB Ports, UL Listed, 15 Ft Flat Plug Extension Cord, Heavy Duty Industrial Power Strip,15A Circuit Breaker, 1440Joules, Wall Mount
- CCCEI Heavy Duty Power Strip Surge Protector with 15A, 6 Plug Industrial Shop Workshop Garden Metal Multiple Outlets, 6FT Extension Cord 1200 Joules ETL Listed, Yellow
- 8 Outlet Long Power Strip, 2100J Surge Protector Heavy Duty 6FT Cord Wide Spaced and Wall Mount Metal Powerstrip for Home Office Garage Workshop
- 8-Outlets Heavy Duty Power Strip with 4 USB Ports(2 USB-C), Industrial Magnetic Surge Protector Power Strip 15 Amps/1200 Joules, 6.5 Ft Multi-Plug Electric Extension Cord for Workshop Garage (Yellow)
- 6 Outlet Heavy Duty Power Strip with Individual Switches, 3300J Surge Protector Metal Mountable Power Strip, 6FT Cord Management, Wide-Spaced, ETL Listed (15A/1875W)
- Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Main Points
- Surge protection and safety listings matter: aim for high joule ratings and a real circuit breaker (and look for ETL/UL labeling) so tools don’t trip and components don’t fail under load.
- Rugged build and outlet layout pay off in the shop: metal housings and wide-spaced outlets handle bulky plugs without crowding and resist wear from daily use.
- Cord length and mounting options drive placement flexibility: 6 ft to 15 ft cords, plus wall or pegboard mounting, let you position the strip where your tools actually live.
- USB ports can add convenience, but don’t rely on them for heavy power: prioritize the strip’s main outlets for tools while USBs serve phones and small devices.
- Long-term value comes from a balanced package: durable construction, solid protection, safety listings, and practical features that reduce replacement needs in a busy workshop.
Our Top Picks
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Heavy Duty Power Strip with USB, Workshop 8 Outlet Surge Protector 2700 Joules, Industrial Metal 15Amp Power Strip, 6FT Extension Cord and Wide Spaced. Yellow
🏆 Best For: Best for USB Charging
The Best for USB Charging label fits this Heavy Duty Power Strip because it blends real bench utility with USB charging alongside 8 outlets. Built for a busy shop, the integrated USB ports let you charge batteries and phones while you power the tool train on the strip. With 2700 Joules of surge protection and a 15A rating, it handles the common spikes from drills and saws, and the 6-foot cord keeps the setup reachable without dragging cords across the floor. The industrial yellow metal housing is visible, durable, and forgiving under daily shop abuse.
Key features translate to real-world gains: 8 outlets with wide spacing let bulky power adapters and dust-collectors stay clear of each other, the USB charging ports stay ready for batteries or devices, and the 2700J surge protection cushions your tools from spikes. The metal construction resists bangs, and the 6-foot cord gives you room to reach power without crowding the bench. It’s a compact, single-point power hub that reduces cord swaps and keeps everything within arm’s reach.
Who should buy this and when: garage mechanics, woodworkers, or DIYs who run several tools at once and still want USB charging handy. If you routinely recharge batteries at the bench, or keep phones, tablets, or chargers on standby, this strip makes sense. Use it on a workbench, tool chest, or rolling cart—anywhere you need accessible outlets and a bit of extra surge protection for the day’s projects.
Honest caveats: the USB ports share the strip’s 15A supply, so if you hammer a tool and juice a charger at the same time, charging may slow. Not weatherproof or outdoor-rated, so keep it indoors and away from moisture or solvents.
✅ Pros
- Built-in USB charging for benches
- Wide-spaced outlets handle bulky plugs
- Rugged industrial metal housing
❌ Cons
- USB ports share power with outlets
- Not weatherproof, indoor use only
- Key Ingredient: 2700 Joules surge protection
- Scent Profile: Odor-free metal/plastic finish
- Best For: USB charging and multi-tool benches
- Size / Volume: 6 ft cord; 8 outlets
- Special Feature: Industrial metal housing; wide spacing
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DEWENWILS 8-Outlet Metal Power Strip Surge Protector with 2 USB Ports, UL Listed, 15 Ft Flat Plug Extension Cord, Heavy Duty Industrial Power Strip,15A Circuit Breaker, 1440Joules, Wall Mount
🏆 Best For: Best for Wall-Mount
This DEWENWILS model earns the Best for Wall-Mount designation because it marries a rugged metal housing with a practical wall-mount option, long reach, and reliable surge protection. It’s 8 outlets plus 2 USB ports, UL Listed, with a 15 ft flat plug cord, and a 15A circuit breaker, all for $29.99. The build is designed to stay put behind a bench or on a wall, not wobble under tools, and it ships with the kind of durability you rely on in a daily shop grind. The 4.7-star rating isn’t luck—this one feels shop-ready from the first plug-in.
Key features work in real life: a 15 ft flat plug makes it easy to place and route in cluttered garages, the metal chassis shrugs off bumps, and 1440 Joules of surge protection guards grinders, drills, and chargers. The USB ports are handy for charging phones or tool batteries during long jobs, while the 15A breaker keeps nuisance trips to a minimum when you’re balancing a couple of mid-power tools. It’s simple, straightforward power management that reduces bench harassment and keeps cords off the floor.
Who should buy this and when: if you’ve got a wall or back panel in your shop where you want everything within reach, this is your setup. Great for garages with wall-mounted workbenches, small shops with tight floor space, or a dedicated tool wall where you want quick access without tripping over cords. It’s ideal for everyday around-the-bay A/C adapters, chargers, and common power tools—enough outlets to keep the air compressor or sander plugged in without fraying the power strip’s worth of cords.
Drawbacks to know: surge protection is solid but not extravagant, so plan for typical workshop loads rather than a full high-draw setup. The 15A circuit can trip if you run several high-draw tools at once, so manage loads across outlets. Overall, it’s a practical wall-mount workhorse, not a heavy-industrial power hub.
✅ Pros
- Sturdy metal housing handles daily shop abuse
- Long 15 ft cord reduces outlet hunting
- Wall-mount option keeps workspace clutter-free
❌ Cons
- Surge rating 1440J is modest for big tools
- 15A circuit can trip under heavy loads
- Key Ingredient: Heavy-duty metal housing
- Best For: Wall-mount tool bays
- Size / Weight: 15 ft cord, compact strip
- Safety Feature: 15A circuit breaker
- Surge Protection: 1440 Joules
- USB / Outlet Mix: 2 USB ports + 8 outlets
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CCCEI Heavy Duty Power Strip Surge Protector with 15A, 6 Plug Industrial Shop Workshop Garden Metal Multiple Outlets, 6FT Extension Cord 1200 Joules ETL Listed, Yellow
🏆 Best For: Best for Basic Workshops
The CCCEI Heavy Duty Power Strip earns Best for Basic Workshops by delivering shop-ready durability without breaking the bank. A rugged metal housing, six outlets, and a 15A rating ride along a 6 ft cord, all in a compact, highly visible yellow package. It lists at $17.99 and offers 1200 joules of surge protection and is ETL Listed, so it stands up to daily bench abuse and protects the tools you rely on in a busy shop.
Key features translate to real-world benefits. Six outlets keep your most-used tools, lights, and chargers within reach without daisy-chaining. The metal body resists dings and keeps outlets aligned after years of plugging and unplugging. A 6 ft extension cord gives you space to move around the workbench, while 1200 joules of surge protection defends sensitive electronics from spikes. The ETL listing is more than paperwork—it’s a safety checkpoint you feel when you power up at the start of the day.
Who should buy this and when: small shops, DIYers, and garage setups that need a single, reliable hub for multiple devices. It’s ideal for woodworking benches, light-to-moderate electrical work, and tool charging runs. If you’re stocking a basic workshop and want a label-you-can-trust that won’t glare at your budget, this is a solid choice. If you regularly run heavy motors or high-current machinery, consider a higher-joule, higher-current solution.
Drawbacks are real but modest. The outlets are not spaced generously, so bulky adapters can crowd adjacent slots. A 6 ft cord may fall short in larger shops, and 1200J is fine for most tools but not a heavy-duty power center. It lacks extras like USB ports or a built-in switch, which keeps the price down but means you’ll manage power manually at the wall when needed.
✅ Pros
- Rugged metal housing survives daily shop use
- Six outlets cover bench needs
- 1200J surge protection for tools and chargers
❌ Cons
- Bulky adapters crowd adjacent outlets
- Cord may limit reach in larger shops
- Key Ingredient: Industrial metal housing
- Scent Profile: None
- Best For: Best for Basic Workshops
- Size / Volume: 6 outlets, 6 ft cord
- Special Feature: 1200J surge protection; ETL Listed; yellow
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8 Outlet Long Power Strip, 2100J Surge Protector Heavy Duty 6FT Cord Wide Spaced and Wall Mount Metal Powerstrip for Home Office Garage Workshop
🏆 Best For: Best for Home Office
Best for Home Office earns this spot by delivering desk-space discipline with real protection. At $21.24 and a 4.8-star rating, it packs eight outlets, a 2100J surge rating, and a sturdy metal chassis that can handle daily use. The wall-mount option and a full six-foot cord keep cords out of the way and shield sensitive gear from power spikes, which is exactly what a busy home office needs.
Key features translate to real-world benefits: eight outlets with wide spacing to fit bulky power bricks, a 2100J surge rating that guards a PC, monitor, printer, and router, and a durable metal housing that stands up to frequent plugging and unplugging. The wall-mount capability keeps the strip off the desk and reduces cable chaos, while the 6ft cord gives you room to place it where outlets are convenient rather than where they should be.
Who should buy this and when: anyone with a compact home office setup that includes a computer, monitor, printer, router, and lamp, all needing protection and clean organization. It’s also a solid choice at a bench or desk in a small workshop where you want to minimize extension cords and maximize outlet density without sacrificing safety.
Honest drawbacks or caveats: no USB charging ports, and the metal shell is heavier than plastic strips. Mounting requires proper screws/anchors to secure it safely, and the 6ft cord, while flexible, can be less convenient in very tight spaces.
✅ Pros
- Wide-spaced outlets fit large plugs
- Wall-mountable metal housing
- 2100J surge protection
❌ Cons
- No USB charging ports
- Heavier than plastic strips
- Key Ingredient: 2100J surge protection
- Scent Profile: N/A
- Best For: Home office and desk area
- Size / Volume: 6ft cord, 8 outlets
- Special Feature: Wall-mountable metal housing
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8-Outlets Heavy Duty Power Strip with 4 USB Ports(2 USB-C), Industrial Magnetic Surge Protector Power Strip 15 Amps/1200 Joules, 6.5 Ft Multi-Plug Electric Extension Cord for Workshop Garage (Yellow)
🏆 Best For: Best for USB-C Charging
Best for USB-C Charging. This strip earns the tag by pairing 4 USB ports (2 of them USB-C) with eight traditional outlets, letting you power a laptop, tool chargers, and a few hand tools at once without swapping plugs.
The 15A/1200J surge rating protects a corded tool lineup and a bank of chargers from spikes, while the 6.5 ft cord reaches a wall outlet from across the bench. It uses an industrial magnetic surge protector to suppress surges without adding bulky hardware, and the yellow, rugged housing resists shop grime. Eight outlets plus four USB ports (two USB-C) make it easy to power a drill, a charger, and a laptop at the same time.
Who should buy this and when: a busy garage, auto shop, or maker space that runs several tools and devices at once will value this strip. It’s ideal for charging cords and powering a cordless tool charger during a project or maintenance session. If you need a single, visible power hub at the bench or a portable solution for mobile jobs, this fits the bill.
Drawbacks: 1200J is solid for mid-range protection, but high-inductive loads may push it. Per-port wattage isn’t specified, so USB-C charging may vary with load. If you’re hoping for a hidden switch or compact cord routing, this one’s not designed around that, and the 6.5 ft cord can feel long on a tight bench.
✅ Pros
- 8 outlets handle multiple tools at once
- 2 USB-C ports for fast charging
- Industrial magnetic surge protector adds rugged protection
❌ Cons
- Per-port wattage not specified
- 6.5 ft cord can clutter tight benches
- Key Ingredient: 8-outlet strip with 4 USB ports (2 USB-C) and 1200J surge
- Scent Profile: No noticeable scent
- Best For: Best for USB-C Charging
- Size / Volume: 6.5 ft cord; rugged yellow housing
- Special Feature: Industrial Magnetic Surge Protector
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6 Outlet Heavy Duty Power Strip with Individual Switches, 3300J Surge Protector Metal Mountable Power Strip, 6FT Cord Management, Wide-Spaced, ETL Listed (15A/1875W)
🏆 Best For: Best for High Surge
This 6-Outlet Heavy Duty Power Strip earns the Best for High Surge badge because it pairs a beefy 3300J surge protector with a metal, mountable chassis, six wide-spaced outlets, and independent switches all on a forgiving 6-foot cord. In a shop where a surge can torch a motor or fry a charger, you want protection you can trust without babysitting a fragile plastic strip. This one checks that box with real-world durability and a layout that keeps bulky plugs from fighting each other.
Key features translate to real-world benefits: 3300J protection (ETL listed) on a 15A/1875W circuit means motors and chargers ride out short spikes. Each outlet has its own switch, so you can power down tools without unplugging or wasting energy. The metal housing and mounting options let you bolt this to a bench or wall, shutting off clutter and keeping cords tucked where you work. Wide-spaced outlets and a dedicated cord management path prevent chaos when you’re juggling a drill, grinder, lamp, and charger at once.
Who should buy this and when: a busy garage, woodshop, or auto bay that runs several tools at once and demands reliable protection. Ideal when you want a permanent, mounted strip near the bench, so you can reach for the sander or impact without crawling behind the work surface. If you value independent control per tool and want surge protection that can handle motor inrush, this is the sensible mid-range solution.
Drawbacks? No USB ports for quick device charging, and the 6-foot cord can feel short in larger spaces. The metal body is robust but not moisture-proof, so place it where splashes aren’t a concern and don’t push it to the limits on a long, continuous heavy-load session.
✅ Pros
- 3300J surge protection guards heavy tools
- Individual switches keep tools isolated
- Metal mountable chassis; durable install
❌ Cons
- No USB ports for charging
- Cord could be short for large shops
- Key Ingredient: 3300J surge protection + metal shell
- Scent Profile: N/A
- Best For: Best for High Surge
- Size / Volume: 6 outlets; 6 ft cord
- Special Feature: Individual switches; wide spacing; mountable
Factors to Consider
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a joule rating, and why does it matter for tools?
The joule rating tells you how much energy the surge protector can absorb before it fails. In a shop, higher joules mean the strip can handle multiple spikes from motor starts and heavy-use equipment. It’s a straight-up proxy for how long your tools stay protected during a surge event.
Do I really need surge protection in a workshop?
Yes. Surges and sags can damage motor controllers, sensors, and electronics in your tools. A dedicated surge strip provides a first line of defense and can prevent subtle, cumulative damage over time. It’s cheaper than replacing a misbehaving tool or a control board.
What is clamping voltage, and how does it affect my tools?
Clamping voltage is the point at which the protector starts diverting excess energy. A lower clamping voltage responds sooner to surges, which is better for sensitive electronics. For typical shop gear, look for a protector in the mid-range of 400–600V; lower isn’t always better if it raises price without practical benefit.
How many outlets should I look for in a shop power strip?
6–8 outlets cover a small bench well; 10–12 are common for larger setups. The key is outlet spacing and the ability to handle bulky plugs without blocking adjacent ports. If you run several drills, grinders, or chargers at once, lean toward the higher end of that range.
Is it safe to daisy-chain power strips or extension cords?
No. Daisy-chaining increases the risk of overload and can trip breakers or cause heat buildup. Use a single, adequately rated strip and plug it into a dedicated outlet that matches the total load. If you need more outlets, add another properly rated strip in a different circuit.
Can I mount a power strip under a workbench or on a pegboard?
Yes. Many strips come with mounting holes, brackets, or recessed rails for under-bench or wall mounting. Proper mounting keeps cords tidy, reduces trip hazards, and lets you reach the switch without bending over a bench edge. Just ensure ventilation and avoid covering the strip with rags or oils.
What certifications should I look for when buying a power strip?
UL listing or equivalent safety certifications are a must. RoHS and CE marks are nice to have for compliance and environmental reasons. A solid warranty shows the manufacturer stands by its build quality and supports you if something goes wrong.
