>surge protector" is what Americans call a passive device that splits one outlet into several, yeah?
Not necessarily. There are “power strips” which turn one receptacle into several. Then there are sure protectors which are typically built into power strips. So not all power strips are surge protectors but almost all surge protectors are also power strips.
> "surge protector" is what Americans call a passive device that splits one outlet into several, yeah?
Technically different, but often combined functions. The splitting bit is a "power strip", or sometimes a "power bar". The surge protection is switching off when there's a short or overvoltage in the supply, or other larger than expected power draw.
Not all splitters are surge protectors, but most surge protectors are splitters (though single outlet surge protectors do exist). It is likely that when OP said "surge protector", they meant something like this: https://imgur.com/qHR9UFu
Yes. We often say "power strip" to better indicate that you plug in one end to get a strip of outlets to use. Ideally it's also a surge protector, so if something goes badly wrong, the things plugged in are protected.
Perhaps that's a clearer version of what PP was trying to say? But the analogy doesn't hold up well, because:
1. There are currently several kinds of wall power voltages and plugs/receptacles commonly in use the US. Notable examples are the various 220-240V NEMA receptacles and the various 110-120V receptacles such as polarized 2-prong, unpolarized 2-prong, and 3-prong/grounded.
2. Although there are code requirements (e.g requiring that new outlets be grounded and polarized, or requiring ground fault protection in bathrooms) it doesn't appear that they mandate a particular plug or receptacle design (?) Though the NEMA (trade association) developed plugs can and do conform to the code requirements.
3. Power cords and on-device sockets aren't entirely standardized, but it's not nearly as big a deal as if there were dozens of 110-120V wall socket types rather than the three in common use.
Are they uncommon now? Gotorazor makes a very good point that portable electronics might be plugged in in more places, and therefore you're less likely to ensure every one of these sockets are surfer protected. But my desktop PC and my TV and consoles are all connected to surge protected sockets. Perhaps I'm a bit old fashioned and fussy!
They're describing a power strip that has a 2-prong wall connector and offers three 3-prong outlets. This is dangerous, because equipment with 3-prong plugs needs to be grounded, and this power strip misleads you into thinking you've done that.
Yes, have decades of experience with them. They are better than US/EU, although I don’t like the thin pins (even with insulation) plus they still can feel a bit loose/wiggle unlike the chunky UK one. Especially the 2-pin plugs! AU/NZ power strips are nice, feel a lot safer compared to US and EU. Same with extension cables (UK does poorly there).
UK also has physical switches on outlets, at least the vast majority I’ve run into. US/EU is again quite poor in that regard imo.
They exist and just have cleverly designed housings that shield both pins and sockets. But it would be a bad idea for household power as it wouldn’t prevent you from doing things such as short two outlets together.
Prior to the Ground Fault Interruptor sockets found in modern bathrooms, an isolating transformer was often used to protect bathroom outlets in the 60s and 70s. These are two-pin unpolarized sockets, usually with "Razors Only" stamped on the front (because if you plug in a 1000 W hair dryer you blow out the transformer).
This would affect switched outlets in the US, too. When we install light switches in the US, we usually only use a single pole switch that breaks hot, not neutral.
But yeah, British outlets do have switches directly on them. And fuses in all their plugs—awesome stuff.
>wall outlets are usually behind a local fuse even before a home's circuit breaker
I live in the UK and I don't know anyone with fuses in the actual outlet. We normally have a circuit breaker and fuse in the plug. For things like my PC, I also use 4-way extension cords which have an additional fuse and surge protector.
Not necessarily. There are “power strips” which turn one receptacle into several. Then there are sure protectors which are typically built into power strips. So not all power strips are surge protectors but almost all surge protectors are also power strips.
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