Extension boards work hard every day to power up your devices, but many people forget they need proper care and maintenance too. A poorly maintained extension board can become a serious fire or shock hazard. Here’s how to keep your extension boards safe and reliable for years to come.

Why Maintain Your Extension Board?

✅ Prevent electrical fires
✅ Ensure stable power flow
✅ Extend the lifespan of both the extension board and your devices
✅ Avoid unexpected failures

Simple Extension Board Maintenance Checklist

🔹 Inspect Regularly
Check for cracks, burn marks, loose sockets, or melted plastic. If you see any, stop using the board immediately and replace it.

🔹 Test the Switches
Ensure all switches click properly and don’t stick. Sticky or hot switches could mean internal damage.

🔹 Look at the Cable
Check for cuts, frays, or exposed wires along the entire length of the cable. Never tape over a damaged cord — replace it instead.

🔹 Check Plug Pins
Bent, rusted, or blackened pins should not be used, as they may cause sparking or arcing.

🔹 Clean Dust and Dirt
Extension boards easily collect dust, which can lead to overheating or short circuits. Clean with a dry cloth or compressed air. Never use water or wet cloths.

🔹 Avoid Overloading
Know the maximum load of your extension board. Plugging in too many high-wattage devices can cause serious overheating.

🔹 Store Properly
If you aren’t using the extension board, unplug it and store it in a dry, dust-free place.

When Should You Replace Your Extension Board?

⚠️ Burn marks on the casing
⚠️ Frequently tripping circuit breakers
⚠️ Flickering power to your devices
⚠️ Loose or broken sockets
⚠️ Signs of overheating or burning smell

If you spot any of these, replace the board immediately instead of trying to repair it.

Pro Tip: Label Your Extension Boards

If you have multiple boards in different rooms, labeling helps you remember which one is older or which devices are connected. This makes inspection and replacement easier.

How to Organize Your Workspace Using Extension Boards: Smart Tips for a Clutter-Free Desk

Messy wires, tangled chargers, and a shortage of sockets — sound familiar? If your workspace feels like a jungle of cables, a well-planned extension board setup can bring back order and boost productivity. Let’s see how to use extension boards smartly to transform your workspace.

Why Organize Your Workspace with Extension Boards?

✅ Reduce cable clutter
✅ Improve safety (less chance of tripping or short circuits)
✅ Easily reach all devices
✅ Enhance focus and productivity
✅ Protect expensive electronics from surges

Tips for a Clean, Efficient Extension Board Setup

🔹 Choose the Right Extension Board
Pick one with enough sockets, surge protection, and ideally USB ports for charging.

🔹 Use Cable Organizers
Combine your extension board with cable clips, sleeves, or ties to keep wires neat and grouped.

🔹 Mount Your Extension Board
If possible, screw or Velcro your extension board under your desk or on the wall to keep it off the floor and out of the way.

🔹 Plan the Layout
Decide where your PC, printer, chargers, and other devices will go, then place your extension board so all cords comfortably reach it without stretching.

🔹 Label Your Plugs
Label which plug belongs to which device — no more guessing when you need to unplug something.

🔹 Use Only What You Need
Avoid overloading by only plugging in what you use regularly. Disconnect seldom-used devices.

Best Extension Boards for Workspaces

1️⃣ Goldmedal i-Strip Smart — Compact, USB charging, and sleek
2️⃣ GM Modular G-Power — Sturdy, multiple sockets, surge protected
3️⃣ Belkin Essential Surge Protector — 8 sockets, great for bigger setups