Can you mount a power strip? Yes, absolutely! Mounting a power strip can transform a messy tangle of cords into a clean, organized space. This DIY guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring a safe and tidy result. Whether you need to wall mount your power strip, install a surge protector in a convenient spot, or secure a power strip under your desk for better cable management, this guide has you covered. We’ll explore various methods for electrical outlet mounting, how to attach an extension cord securely, and even how to create an under desk mount. With a little effort and the right mounting hardware, you can tackle this DIY electrical project with confidence, following this comprehensive electrical installation guide.
Why Mount a Power Strip?
Mounting a power strip offers several key benefits, going beyond just aesthetics. It’s about functionality, safety, and extending the life of your devices.
Benefits of a Mounted Power Strip:
- Organization and Tidiness: The most immediate benefit is a cleaner look. No more octopus-like tangles of wires on the floor or desk. This improves the overall appearance of your workspace or living area.
- Safety: Loose cords can be a tripping hazard, especially in high-traffic areas. Mounting keeps them out of the way. It also prevents pets or children from chewing on exposed wires. Properly mounted strips also reduce the risk of them falling and damaging connected devices.
- Accessibility: Having your power strip mounted in an accessible location means you can easily plug and unplug devices without fumbling behind furniture or in dark corners.
- Device Protection: By keeping the power strip and its connections stable, you reduce the strain on the cords and plugs. This can prevent damage to your electronics and ensure they receive consistent power.
- Space Saving: For situations like an under desk mount, you free up valuable floor space and make your desk area more efficient.
Choosing the Right Mounting Method
The best way to mount your power strip depends on where you want it and what type of surface you’re working with. We’ll explore several popular and effective methods.
Popular Mounting Options:
- Wall Mount: Attaching the power strip directly to a wall.
- Under Desk Mount: Securing the strip to the underside of a desk.
- Cabinet/Furniture Mount: Fixing the strip inside or on the side of a cabinet or piece of furniture.
- Behind-the-Scenes Mount: Often used for entertainment centers or workspaces to hide the strip and its cables.
Essential Tools and Materials
Before you begin, gather everything you need. Having your tools and materials ready makes the process smoother and safer.
Tools You’ll Likely Need:
- Drill: For creating pilot holes or driving screws.
- Screwdriver Set: Phillips and flathead, depending on your mounting hardware.
- Level: To ensure your power strip is mounted straight.
- Measuring Tape: For precise placement.
- Pencil: For marking drilling or mounting points.
- Stud Finder (if mounting to drywall): Crucial for secure wall mounting.
- Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes from dust and debris.
- Utility Knife or Wire Strippers (optional): For trimming zip ties or Velcro straps.
Mounting Hardware Options:
The choice of mounting hardware is critical for a secure and lasting installation.
Table: Mounting Hardware Options and Use Cases
| Hardware Type | Description | Best For | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screws | Standard screws with compatible heads (Phillips, flathead). | Mounting directly into wood studs, solid wood furniture, or drywall anchors. | Requires pilot holes. Choose screw length appropriate for the surface thickness. |
| Drywall Anchors | Plastic or metal inserts that expand behind drywall for screw support. | Mounting into drywall where no stud is present. | Crucial for holding weight. Ensure they are rated for the expected load. |
| Adhesive Strips/Hooks | Strong double-sided tape or hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro). | Lightweight power strips, temporary mounting, surfaces where drilling is not desired. | Clean surface thoroughly first. Not ideal for heavy power strips or high-traffic areas. Check weight capacity. |
| Zip Ties/Cable Clips | Plastic ties or clips used to bundle and attach cables to existing structures. | Securing cables to the mounted power strip or guiding them along surfaces. | Can be used in conjunction with other mounting methods for extra cable management. |
| Specialized Mounting Brackets | Pre-made brackets designed for power strips or surge protectors. | Specific power strip models, professional or extra-secure mounting. | Ensure compatibility with your power strip. May require specific screws. |
| Metal Straps/Hose Clamps | Flexible metal straps often with screw holes or clamps. | Mounting around cylindrical objects or pipes, securing to posts. | Ensure they don’t overtighten and damage the power strip casing. |
Step-by-Step Mounting Procedures
Let’s get down to the practical steps for securely mounting your power strip.
Method 1: Wall Mounting a Power Strip
This is a common and effective way to wall mount a power strip, keeping cords off the floor.
Step 1: Choose the Location
- Accessibility: Pick a spot that’s easy to reach for plugging and unplugging devices.
- Proximity to Outlet: Consider how far the power strip’s cord needs to reach the wall outlet.
- Avoid Obstructions: Ensure the mounting location won’t interfere with doors, windows, or other furniture.
- Surface Check: If mounting on drywall, use a stud finder to locate wall studs. Mounting into studs provides the most secure hold. If no stud is available, you’ll need drywall anchors.
Step 2: Prepare the Power Strip and Mounting Area
- Inspect the Power Strip: Check if your power strip has pre-drilled mounting holes. Many do. If not, you’ll need to drill holes or use an adhesive method.
- Clean the Surface: For any adhesive mounting, or even for a cleaner look with screws, wipe down the wall area with a damp cloth and let it dry completely.
Step 3: Mark Mounting Points
- Hold the Power Strip: Position the power strip where you want it. Use a level to ensure it’s straight.
- Mark Holes: If your strip has mounting holes, use a pencil to mark the wall through these holes. If you’re drilling new holes in the strip, mark where you intend to drill.
Step 4: Install Drywall Anchors (If Needed)
- If you’re not mounting into a stud, you’ll need drywall anchors.
- Drill pilot holes at your marked locations. The size of the drill bit should match the size of your anchors.
- Gently tap or screw the drywall anchors into the holes until they are flush with the wall surface.
Step 5: Attach the Power Strip
- With Pre-Drilled Holes and Studs:
- Align the power strip’s holes with the stud locations (or pilot holes you drilled).
- Insert screws through the power strip’s holes and into the wall studs.
- Drive the screws until the power strip is snug against the wall, but don’t overtighten.
- With Pre-Drilled Holes and Drywall Anchors:
- Align the power strip’s holes with the installed drywall anchors.
- Insert screws through the power strip and into the anchors.
- Tighten until secure.
- Without Pre-Drilled Holes (Adhesive Method):
- If your power strip is lightweight and has no mounting holes, you can use heavy-duty adhesive strips.
- Apply the adhesive strips to the back of the power strip according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Press the power strip firmly onto the marked location on the wall. Hold for the recommended time.
Method 2: Under Desk Mounting for Enhanced Cable Management
An under desk mount is perfect for keeping your workspace tidy and accessible.
Step 1: Choose the Mounting Location Under the Desk
- Accessibility: Position it so you can easily reach it to plug in devices.
- Clearance: Ensure there’s enough space for the power strip and all its plugs without hitting your legs or chair.
- Surface Type: Most desks are made of wood or particleboard, which are easy to drill into.
Step 2: Prepare the Desk Surface and Power Strip
- Clean: Wipe down the underside of your desk where you plan to mount the strip.
- Power Strip Check: Again, check for pre-drilled holes.
Step 3: Mark Mounting Points
- Positioning: Hold the power strip in place under the desk. Use a level if it makes alignment easier.
- Marking: Mark screw locations on the underside of the desk through the power strip’s mounting holes. If drilling new holes in the strip, plan your marks carefully.
Step 4: Drill Pilot Holes
- Using a drill bit slightly smaller than your screws, drill pilot holes into the underside of the desk at your marked points. This prevents the desk material from splitting.
Step 5: Secure the Power Strip
- Screw Method:
- Align the power strip with the pilot holes.
- Insert screws through the power strip and into the desk.
- Tighten until the power strip is firmly attached.
- Adhesive Method (for lighter setups):
- If the power strip is light and you prefer not to drill, strong double-sided adhesive strips can work.
- Ensure the desk surface is very clean. Apply adhesive to the strip and press firmly into place.
Step 6: Cable Management
Once your power strip is mounted, it’s time to tackle the cables.
- Bundle Cables: Use zip ties, Velcro straps, or cable sleeves to group related cables together. This makes them much neater.
- Route Cables: Run the bundled cables from your devices to the power strip. Use cable clips or raceways attached to the desk or wall to guide the cables neatly.
- Attach Extension Cord (if used): If you’re using an extension cord to reach the wall outlet, secure the extension cord to the underside of the desk or along the wall using cable clips or ties. Ensure it’s not a tripping hazard.
Method 3: Mounting to Furniture or Cabinets
This method is great for hiding power strips and keeping devices organized within cabinets or on furniture.
Step 1: Select the Location
- Inside Cabinets: Ideal for hiding power bricks and excess cord length. Ensure there’s enough ventilation.
- On Furniture Sides: Can provide convenient access while keeping the strip out of sight.
Step 2: Prepare and Mark
- Clean: Wipe down the furniture surface.
- Position and Mark: Hold the power strip and mark your screw or anchor points.
Step 3: Drill and Secure
- Pilot Holes: Drill pilot holes if necessary, especially in harder woods.
- Anchors: If drilling into particleboard or thin wood, consider using anchors for added security.
- Attach: Use screws or appropriate mounting hardware to secure the power strip to the furniture.
Securing Cables for a Tidy Setup
Mounting the power strip is only half the battle. Proper cable management is key to a truly neat and safe installation.
Cable Management Techniques:
- Zip Ties: Inexpensive and effective for bundling cables. Cut off excess length to avoid clutter.
- Velcro Straps: Reusable and adjustable, making it easy to add or remove devices.
- Cable Sleeves: A flexible tube that encases multiple cables, creating a single, cleaner-looking cord.
- Cable Clips: Small adhesive or screw-in clips that hold cables in place along walls, desks, or furniture.
- Cable Raceways: Channels that stick or screw to walls or furniture, hiding cables completely for a very clean look.
- Power Strip Caddies/Boxes: These are decorative boxes designed to house power strips and excess cord, offering a very polished finish.
Important Safety Considerations for DIY Electrical Projects
Even though mounting a power strip is a relatively simple project, safety should always be your top priority.
Safety Tips:
- Always Unplug: Before drilling, marking, or attaching anything to the power strip itself, unplug it from the wall.
- Check for Hidden Wires: Before drilling into any wall, use a stud finder that can also detect electrical wires and pipes. If you hit a wire, stop immediately and consult a professional electrician.
- Don’t Overload: Ensure your power strip and the wall outlet it’s plugged into are rated for the total power draw of the devices you connect. Avoid plugging too many high-wattage devices into a single strip.
- Use Quality Hardware: Don’t skimp on mounting hardware. Cheap screws or anchors can lead to your power strip falling, potentially damaging devices or causing injury.
- Ventilation: If mounting a power strip inside a cabinet or enclosed space, ensure there is adequate ventilation to prevent overheating.
- Professional Help: If you’re ever unsure about an electrical installation guide or feel uncomfortable with any part of the process, don’t hesitate to call a qualified electrician.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions people have when mounting power strips:
Q1: Can I mount a power strip directly onto drywall without a stud?
A1: Yes, you can, but only if you use appropriate drywall anchors. Simply screwing into drywall alone is not strong enough and will likely pull out. Always use anchors rated for the weight of your power strip and connected devices.
Q2: What’s the best way to mount a power strip if I don’t want to drill holes?
A2: For lighter power strips, strong double-sided adhesive mounting tape or heavy-duty Velcro strips are good alternatives. Make sure the surface is thoroughly cleaned and dry before applying the adhesive for the best hold. Always check the weight rating of the adhesive.
Q3: How do I choose the right screws for mounting?
A3: If mounting into a stud, wood screws are suitable. The length should be long enough to penetrate the power strip casing and at least an inch into the stud. If using drywall anchors, use the screws recommended by the anchor manufacturer.
Q4: Is it safe to mount a power strip upside down?
A4: Generally, it’s not recommended. Most power strips are designed to be used horizontally. Mounting them upside down can cause strain on the outlets and plugs, potentially leading to poor connections or damage, especially when devices are plugged in. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Q5: What is the difference between a power strip and a surge protector?
A5: A power strip simply provides multiple outlets from a single source. A surge protector not only provides multiple outlets but also protects your connected electronics from voltage spikes (surges) that can damage sensitive equipment. When you install a surge protector, you get both convenience and protection.
Q6: How tight should I make the screws when mounting?
A6: You want the power strip to be snug and secure against the mounting surface, but not so tight that you warp the casing or strip the threads of the screw or anchor. Tighten until there’s no movement, then give it a small extra turn.
Q7: Can I attach an extension cord to the mounted power strip itself?
A7: It’s generally best to connect your extension cord to the wall outlet and then run the power strip’s cord to that extension cord if needed. Directly attaching an extension cord to a mounted power strip’s cord can create an insecure connection and may be a safety hazard if not done with appropriate, rated connectors. However, if you mean securing the cord of the mounted power strip to prevent it from dangling, then yes, you can use cable management techniques for that.
By following this detailed guide, you can safely and neatly mount your power strip, transforming messy cords into an organized and functional setup. Whether you’re looking for a simple wall mount or an efficient under desk mount, this DIY electrical project is well within your reach. Remember to prioritize safety and choose the right mounting hardware for a job done right.