What does the SD have to say about the following scenarios:
(1) From a safety point of view?
(2) Best surge protection practices?
Consider:
A) Plugging an extension cord into a surge protector which plugs directly into the wall outlet (US power)?
B) Plugging a surge protector into an extension cord which plugs directly into the wall outlet (US power)?
C) …Or, does the order matter?
FYI: I am asking for two different set-ups. In one area of my house, my son is trying to plug in two different gaming systems. And, in another area, my son wants to plug in his electronic drum set.
Also, if it matters:
For the gaming systems, my son will probably be using a 6-ft indoor (brown or white style) extension cord.
For the electronic drums, he is using an orange outdoor-type extension cord (16 AWG).
Not an EE, but having survived 73 years, so far, I’d say that as long as the extension cords are good with respect to grounding prongs it souldn’t make any difference so far as the order of connection is concerned.
And depending on the current draw of the drum set, a “regular” extension cord should be fine for either application. The ones made with lamp cord are usually 16 Gauge.
In general, you’re looking at a limit to the number of amps any given piece of your electrical puzzle can handle. So the first thing to make certain of from a safety standpoint is that each outlet, surge protector, and extension cord can handle the load you want to place on it.
The fewer ‘middlemen’ in the puzzle, the safer, in general. I understand that you can’t always place your gaming systems in a location that’s convenient to plug directly into a wall outlet, but why not then obtain a surge protecting power strip with a longer cord on it? Cut the household extension cord completely out of the equation and reduce the fire risk there. I just bought a power strip off Amazon with a 6 foot cord, but they had up to 20 feet available for low prices in their Amazon Basics line. Perhaps you might also find a surge protecting heavy duty cord of a similar length that would work with the drum kit?
I was also told that surge protectors should be installed closest to the wall outlet in any instance, and then any extension cords should be plugged into them when needed. So, scenario A) above.
I tend to associate “indoor extension cords” as not having a ground wire, while every surge protector I’ve ever owned has one. So, in that situation, I would plug the extension cord into the surge protector.
However, if the plugs and sockets match, the load of game systems or other electronics is low enough that I’d be more concerned about convenience, and I’d want the device with more plugs nearer to me. So I’d plug the surge protector into the extension cord.
Having the shorter distance to the surge protector is probably safer if you’re worried about a fire hazard, but I’m usually more concerned about a surge from the electricity going off or coming back on, or from uneven power. In that case, I don’t think they would be all that difference.
That said, an actual electrician could come in and tell me I’m wrong. But you did put this in IMHO, so I thought I’d chime in with the “convenience” aspect.
Protection and safety equipment should install near the source. Here, that’s at the outlet. You can use a less expensive power strip on the end of the extension if you need more outlets.