Standard Replacement Guidelines
A standard-compliant power strip (meeting the "New National Standard") has a designed safety lifespan of 3–5 years, provided it is used correctly and not subjected to prolonged overloading.
However, the actual lifespan is significantly reduced by frequent dragging, long-term operation at full load, or placement in harsh environments (such as those with high humidity or heavy grease/fumes); proactive replacement every three years is recommended.
Immediate Replacement Required
Even if the unit has been in use for less than three years, stop using and replace it immediately if any of the following signs of aging or damage appear:
The casing turns yellow or black, deforms, or cracks, making it prone to dust ingress and short circuits.
The power cord's outer insulation hardens, cracks, or is damaged, potentially exposing the internal copper core.
Socket slots become loose, preventing a secure plug fit or causing sparks during insertion and removal.
Power supply to connected appliances is intermittent; the issue persists even after ruling out faults with the appliance itself.
The unit becomes abnormally hot during use and emits an odor of burning or melting plastic.
It makes a "buzzing" or "crackling" sound when powered on, indicating a risk of arcing due to poor electrical contact.
