Not so MINI but a good surge product overall.
I've been searching for a product that can extend the outlet on my bathroom for the electrical products that I use. I finally came across this Belkin mini surge protector and features:
- 3 AC power outlets
- 2 USB outlets ONLY for charging (not data transfer) at 5V / 500mA at each port
- Surge protection on all 5 outlets
- 918 Joules Energy Dissipation
- 125V / 15A / 1875W Continuous Duty Electrical Rating
- 36000A Maximum Spike Current
- Lifetime Warranty on product
- USD750000.00 connected equipment warranty
- 360 degree rotating plug lockable into 4 possible positions
Simple elegant design in a smooth plastic casing of white and light grey colour. Once plugged the green LED light will indicate if the power source is grounded.
The box comes with one USB to mini-USB cable to get you started in charging your USB devices as well.
DO NOT throw the prong cover that initially comes attached to the surge protector prong. As the manual states (for those who still care to read the User Manual these days) you can use this plastic prong cover to help further balance the device against any surface. You do this by inserting the plastic prong cover on the bottom of the surge device via a small notch. Also the plastic cover is handy to use when traveling. Before dumping the surge protector along with your other devices cover the prongs to prevent it from scratching other objects.
The prongs can be rotated 360 degrees loosely. However there are 4 positions that enable you to lock it so it doesn't flail along clumsily in any direction. You do this by pressing into the rear a "release button". It's not a raised button but a flat plastic portion that you have to press hard in order to release the lock. It's quite difficult (at least with the model I received) at first and feels like I'm going to break the plastic button. But I guess if this is normal then it can be construed as a safety measure so it doesn't easily rotate with a simple touch.
IMPROVEMENTS:
The term "mini" is subjective. It isn't really that compact as I would assume from seeing the photo. It is small yes. However as a surge protector that can take 3 AC and 2 USB outlets I will give Belkin the benefit of naming it a mini device.
I would STRONGLY prefer the re-design of the spacing on the AC outlets by allowing larger plugs connected side-by-side. As it is right now only normal AC plugs and not block-style plugs are allowed without loosing all three outlets. So my proposal is to delete the middle AC outlet and move it to the end-cap of the device (opposite to the 2 USB outlets). As of now there is nothing there so rather than cramp the 3 AC plugs then move the third at the end and thus allowing for block-style plugs to be used and still retaining the 3 AC functionality.
OVERALL:
I would not hesitate to recommend the purchase of this surge protection for compact spaces as well as travel purposes especially with the lifetime warranty and amount of protection is offers.
Take note of the selling price Amazon and the others are selling this at. It's ridiculous to see the selling price of this exact device can range anywhere from USD10 to USD30.
Lastly BE AWARE of the SPECS so you know if the USB device you are plugging is capable of being charged.
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