National Electrical Code (NEC)

The NEC does not have any specific requirements that limit the number of outlets on a power strip to 6 or less. However, there are general safety guidelines and requirements that apply to all power strips, regardless of the number of outlets.

NEC Article 405.16 Surge Protective Devices Limits the total connected load to 80% of the surge protection device's ampacity rating. Prohibits the use of surge protection devices for extension cords or adapters.

NEC Article 406.11 Cord Sets and Devices Requires cord sets to be listed and rated for the intended use. Prohibits the use of damage or defective cord sets. Recommends using cord sets with three-prong grounded plugs.

Overloading and Safety Concerns

While the NEC does not specifically limit the number of outlets on a power strip, it is important to avoid overloading power strips to prevent electrical hazards. Overloading can occur when the total wattage of the devices plugged into the power strip exceeds the rated capacity of the power strip.

Recommendations Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific power strip. Avoid overloading power strips by plugging in only essential devices. Do not plug high-wattage appliances into power strips. Use power strips with a circuit breaker or fuse to protect against overloading. Do not daisy-chain power strips (i.e., plugging one power strip into another).

Conclusion

While the NEC does not have a specific requirement limiting the number of outlets on a power strip to 6 or less, it is important to avoid overloading power strips and to follow general safety guidelines. By using power strips responsibly and avoiding overloading, you can help prevent electrical hazards and promote safety. Flag for review