If you live in Canada in 2025, you already know how quickly power spikes, winter storms, and overloaded outlets can put your gear at risk. From home offices and gaming setups to space heaters and printers, the wrong power bar can mean fried electronics—or worse, a safety hazard.
This guide walks through how to choose a safe surge protector and reviews 10 PrimeCables® surge protectors and power bars that cover everything from basic 6-outlet strips to 12-outlet workstation hubs with USB-C fast charging.
We’ll focus on:
- Joule rating & safety
- Number of outlets & layout
- USB / USB-C charging
- Use cases: home, office, workshop, AV, rack
Quick Comparison Table
| Model (PrimeCables®) | Outlets | USB / USB-C | Joules | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-Outlets Heavy Duty Surge Protector Power Strip | 6 | 2×USB-A | 2500J | Heavy-duty home/office, higher-value electronics |
| 6-Outlet + 1 Large Spacing Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip | 7 | 1×USB-C, 1×USB-A | 980J | Desks/TVs with one bulky adapter + USB-C |
| 6-Outlet PDU Power Strip , Aluminum Alloy Housing, ETL Certified, 1.8 m, Black | 6 | – | – (PDU) | Racks, under-desk pro setups |
| 3-Outlets Clamp Strip, 1 USB-A & PD20W USB-C | 3 | 1×USB-A, 1×USB-C (PD20W) | 980J | Clamped desk power for remote workers & students |
| 6-Outlet, 2-Foot Cord, 245J | 6 | – | 245J | Basic protection for small devices (2 locations) |
| 8 Outlets, 4 USB (2 USB-C), 1350J | 8 | 2×USB-A, 2×USB-C | 1350J | Home office / gaming / living room hub |
| 8 Outlet Heavy Duty, Wall Mountable, 1200J | 8 | – | 1200J | Workshop, garage, fixed wall setups |
| 12-Outlet, 5ft Cord 125V/15A | 12 | – | – | Shared desks, AV and office clusters |
| 6-Outlet, 2 USB Ports, 2m (6.56ft) | 6 | 2×USB-A | – | Rooms where the outlet is far from devices |
| 12 Outlets, 4 USB & 1 Type-C, 1728J | 12 | 4×USB-A, 1×USB-C | 1728J | Main workstation / gaming / creator power center |
(Where joules are not specified above, check the product page; many PDUs focus on distribution + mounting rather than high surge absorption.)
How to Choose a Surge Protector in 2025 (Canada-Focused)
Before jumping into the top 10 list, here’s a quick, practical checklist.
1. Look at the Joule Rating (How much surge energy it can absorb)
- Under 400J – Basic protection for low-risk devices (lamps, small gadgets).
- 400–1000J – Good for everyday gear (routers, TVs, game consoles).
- 1000J+ – Better for PCs, home office setups, AV receivers, and expensive electronics.
- 1500–2500J – Stronger protection for multi-device workstations & higher-risk environments.
In this guide you’ll see options from 245J all the way up to 2500J, so you can match the strip to the value of the devices you’re plugging in.
2. Count Outlets and Think About Spacing
- 6 outlets – Good for a basic desk or TV setup.
- 8–12 outlets – Better for home offices, gaming rigs, or shared power strips.
- “Wide” or “large spacing” outlets – Important for bulky adapters (brick power supplies, smart plugs).
3. USB & USB-C Charging
In 2025, it’s more convenient to have USB-A and USB-C directly on the surge protector:
- Avoids extra wall chargers.
- Keeps your desk cleaner.
- Look for USB-C with PD (Power Delivery) if you want faster charging for phones and tablets.
4. Amp Rating, Cord Length & Mounting
- 15A / 125V – Standard for most home and office circuits in Canada.
- 20A models – Better for heavy-duty tools or larger office setups (ensure your circuit supports 20A).
- Cord length – Short (2 ft) is good for tight spaces; 5 ft+ for flexible routing.
- Wall / rack mounting & clamp styles – Essential for tidy, safe setups in offices, studios, or racks.
Top 10 Surge Protectors & Power Bars
All products below are from PrimeCables®, with different joule ratings, outlet counts, and form factors to cover home, office, and workshop use.
1. 6-Outlets Heavy Duty Surge Protector Power Strip
Why it’s #1:
This is the heavy-duty safety pick. With a 2500J rating and 20A / 125V support, it’s designed for more demanding loads while still giving you USB charging.
Key features:
- 6 AC outlets for computers, monitors, printers, or AV gear
- 2 USB ports for phones and tablets
- 20A, 125V, 2500J – higher surge protection and current capacity
- Heavy-duty construction suited for home offices, studios, and workshop areas
Best for:
Canadian users who want maximum protection for valuable electronics or slightly heavier loads (within proper 20A circuits): content creators, multi-monitor setups, or equipment-heavy home offices.
2. 6-Outlet + 1 Large Spacing Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip
Why it stands out:
This strip is all about flexible layout and modern charging—you get standard outlets plus a large-spacing outlet for bulky adapters, and both USB-C and USB-A.
Key features:
- 6 standard AC outlets + 1 wide-spacing outlet
- 980J surge protection (solid for home electronics)
- 1 USB-C + 1 USB-A for mixed device charging
- Ideal under a TV, at a desk, or for mixed adapters
Best for:
Living rooms, dorms, and desks where you have a mix of normal plugs + one big “brick” (e.g., speaker or external drive) and want USB-C on the same bar.
3. 6-Outlet PDU Power Strip , Aluminum Alloy Housing, ETL Certified, 1.8 m, Black
Why it’s a pro choice:
This is a rack-style 1U PDU designed for cleaner, safer power distribution in racks, network cabinets, or under-desk mounts.
Key features:
- 1U form factor – fits standard racks or can be mounted under desks
- 6 AC outlets in a straight line
- Aluminum alloy housing for durability
- ETL certified for safety compliance
- 1.8 m cord gives you flexible placement
Best for:
Home labs, network racks, studio racks, and IT enthusiasts in Canada who want a clean, professional power distribution solution instead of a basic plastic power bar.
4. 3-Outlets Clamp Strip, 1 USB-A & PD20W USB-C
Why it’s a desk favorite:
This one clamps to your desk, which means fewer cables on the floor and easier access to outlets and USB ports.
Key features:
- 3 AC outlets on a clamp mount
- 980J surge protection
- 1 USB-A + USB-C with PD 20W for faster phone/tablet charging
- Clamp design keeps power where you can see and reach it
Best for:
Remote workers, students, and creators who want top-of-desk power for a laptop, monitor, and phone without crawling under the desk.
5. 6-Outlet, 2-Foot Cord, 245J
Why this 2-pack is smart:
Low-profile strips with short cords are perfect for tight or specific spots—and you get two in one kit.
Key features:
- 6 AC outlets per strip
- 245J surge protection – basic but better than unprotected power bars
- 2-foot cord minimizes cable mess
- Sold as a 2-pack, ideal for multiple rooms or devices
Best for:
Routers, lamps, small TVs, and low-value electronics where you still want basic surge protection but don’t need high joule ratings.
6. 8 Outlets, 4 USB (2 USB-C), 1350J
Why it’s a top all-rounder:
This strip combines high outlet count, strong 1350J protection, and 4 USB ports (including 2 USB-C), making it a true home-office hub.
Key features:
- 8 AC outlets for PCs, monitors, printers, or AV gear
- 1350J surge protection – great for most home offices and entertainment setups
- 4 USB ports (2×USB-A + 2×USB-C) for charging multiple mobile devices
- Ideal as the main power bar behind a desk or TV unit
Best for:
Canadian households with multiple screens and devices—home offices, gaming setups, and living-room media centers.
7. 8 Outlet Power Strip, 1200J Surge Protector
Why it’s great for workshops & garages:
This is a wall-mountable, heavy-duty bar with a solid 1200J rating—built more like robust shop hardware.
Key features:
- 8 AC outlets in a straight row
- 1200J surge suppression
- Heavy-duty design, suitable for more demanding environments
- Wall-mountable, perfect above a workbench or behind a TV/desk
Best for:
Workshops, crafting rooms, or any setup where you want a fixed, sturdy strip screwed into place rather than left loose on the floor.
8. 12-Outlet, 5ft Cord 125V/15A
Why it’s a classic big-bar choice:
12 outlets and a 5-ft cord make this strip ideal for larger setups where you have many devices in a single area.
Key features:
- 12 AC outlets for multi-device environments
- 125V / 15A support
- 5-ft power cord for flexible positioning
- Ideal behind a large TV, under a shared office desk, or next to a workbench
Best for:
Shared desks, audio/video setups, and small offices where you need to consolidate a lot of plugs safely in one protected strip.
9. 6-Outlet, 2 USB Ports, 2m (6.56ft)
Why the extra cable length matters:
Sometimes the outlet is just far from where you want power. The 2 m (6.56 ft) cable solves that while still giving USB charging.
Key features:
- 6 AC outlets
- 2 USB ports for phones and accessories
- 2 m (6.56 ft) cord for flexible routing
- Good balance between size, reach, and convenience
Best for:
Living rooms, bedrooms, and offices where the wall outlet is far from your desk or entertainment unit but you still want USB and surge protection together.
10. 12 Outlets, 4 USB & 1 Type-C, 1728J
Why this is the “control center” strip:
If you want one bar to power everything, this is it: lots of outlets, lots of USB, and a solid 1728J protection rating.
Key features:
- 12 AC outlets for PCs, monitors, speakers, consoles, and more
- 4 USB ports + 1 USB-C for modern devices
- 1728J surge protection – strong for valuable electronics
- Great for under a main desk or TV bench where you run your entire setup
Best for:
Power-hungry home offices, gaming rigs with multiple consoles/monitors, and creative workstations where you want one protected, organized power hub for 2025 and beyond.
How to Match the Right Power Bar to Your Canadian Setup in 2025
For home offices & remote work
- Need lots of outlets + USB:
→ Surge Protector Power Strip with 12 Outlets, 4 USB Ports & 1 Type-C Port, 1728J
→ 8 Outlets Surge Protector Power Strip with 4 USB (2 USB C) Ports, 1350J - Prefer a clamped, top-of-desk solution:
→ 980J 3-Outlets Clamp Surge Power Strip with 1 USB-A & PD20W USB-C Ports
For gaming & entertainment centers
- Many devices (TV, console, soundbar, streamer, router):
→ 12-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip with 5ft Cord 125V/15A
→ 8 Outlet Power Strip, Wall Mountable Heavy Duty Power Strip, 1200J Surge Protector
For workshops, studios, and heavier loads
- Mixed tools & equipment (within spec):
→ 6-Outlets Heavy Duty Surge Protector Power Strip with 2 USB Ports, 20A 125V 2500J
→ 8 Outlet Power Strip, Wall Mountable Heavy Duty Power Strip, 1200J Surge Protector
For simple home use & extra rooms
- Modems, routers, lamps, small TVs:
→ 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip with 2-Foot Long Cord, 245 Joule, 2 Pack
→ 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip with 2 USB Ports, 2m (6.56ft)
Final Safety Tips for 2025
- Don’t daisy-chain multiple power bars or surge protectors.
- Match high-value setups (PCs, AV, home offices) with higher-joule models.
- Use wall-mount or rack-mount models where possible to reduce cable strain and trip hazards.
- Replace old surge protectors that have no indicator lights or unknown ratings—they don’t last forever.
If you’re in Canada and planning a home office refresh, gaming upgrade, or workshop re-wire in 2025, choosing the right PrimeCables® surge protector from this top 10 list will keep your gear safer, your wiring tidier, and your everyday charging much more convenient.
