How to Choose Best Extension Board

1. 5/30/25, 2:42 PM How to Choose Best Extension Board S M A R T L I G H T I N G & H O M E S O L U T I O N May 5, 2025 How to Choose the Best Extension Board for Your Home & Office Share In today's connected world, where gadgets outnumber outlets, an extension board has become essential for household and o?ce use. Whether it's powering multiple devices in your home workspace, setting up a charging station for family devices, or supporting tech-heavy o?ce environments, choosing the best extension board is about more than just having extra sockets. With safety, convenience, and smart integration becoming key priorities, modern power extension boards now o?er advanced features like surge protection, USB ports, Wi-Fi control, and more. So, what exactly should you look for before picking one for your space? Let's break it down. Multiple Outlets: Power More, Efficiently The primary function of any power board is to expand your access to power outlets. Choosing an extension board with the right number of sockets is essential for managing multiple devices — think chargers, printers, monitors, lamps, and more. Standard electric extension boards come with 3 to 6 outlets. If you plan to use it in a media room or home o?ce, consider one with 4 or more universal sockets to prevent crowding and reduce the need for multiple boards. The Wipro Smart Wi-Fi Extension Board, for instance, includes 3 or 4 sockets, allowing you to plug in various devices and manage each separately from your smartphone. Cord Length: Flexibility in Placement Cord length is often overlooked but plays a vital role in functionality. If it's too short, you'll be limited in placement. Too long, and you'll be stuck with unnecessary clutter. For general home use — like in the living room or beside a bed — a 1.5 to 2-meter cord may su?ce. In o?ce setups or entertainment units where power outlets are farther away, consider https://www.wiproconsumerlighting.com/blog/how-to-choose-extension-board 1/5

2. 5/30/25, 2:42 PM How to Choose Best Extension Board boards with longer cords to avoid needing an extra extension. A flexible, durable cable also enhances safety, reducing the risk of tripping or damage from repeated movement or tension. Surge Protection: Shield Your Devices A good power extension board doesn't just provide electricity — it protects your devices from power fluctuations. Surge protection is critical, especially for expensive electronics like laptops, TVs, and gaming consoles. Look for boards with built-in surge protection that can handle unexpected voltage spikes. This feature works by redirecting excess voltage away from connected devices during a surge, preventing permanent damage. The Wipro Smart Wi-Fi Extension Board includes 2.1 Joules of surge protection, o?ering a robust safeguard against voltage irregularities common in areas with inconsistent power supply. Clamping Voltage: Understand the Threshold Closely tied to surge protection is clamping voltage — the maximum voltage level your extension board allows before redirecting excess energy. Lower clamping voltage means better protection. Typically, a clamping voltage of 330V or below is considered excellent for sensitive electronics. Boards with higher clamping thresholds may still protect devices, but not as quickly or e?ectively. If you're connecting valuable equipment, paying attention to this rating can be a smart decision. While this information might not always be front and centre, it's usually available in product specifications — don't skip over it. USB Ports: Built-In Charging Convenience The rise of USB-powered devices — from smartphones to wearables — makes extension boards with integrated USB ports increasingly valuable. They save plug space, reduce clutter, and allow simultaneous charging of multiple devices. Modern power boards now enable fast charging with optimal power distribution. The Wipro Smart Wi-Fi Extension Board features 3 USB ports that support quick and safe charging — perfect for home or o?ce charging stations where users need to power up without hunting for adapters. Device Compatibility: Think Beyond Sockets Not all extension boards are designed to handle every type of plug or voltage. Some might not support high-wattage appliances like heaters or large printers, while others may have socket designs that don't accept international plugs. https://www.wiproconsumerlighting.com/blog/how-to-choose-extension-board 2/5

3. 5/30/25, 2:42 PM How to Choose Best Extension Board Before purchasing, check compatibility with the devices you intend to connect. If you're dealing with varied plug types — such as 2-pin, 3-pin, or international styles — choose a universal electric extension board that accommodates all. The Wipro Smart Wi-Fi Extension Board includes sockets suitable for a wide range of devices, from laptops and mobile phones to small kitchen appliances and routers. Where to Use Extension Boards: Home vs. Office Di?erent environments demand di?erent features. Let's look at some common use-case scenarios. At Home 1. Bedrooms: Use for Table lamps, phone chargers, and fans. 2. Living Rooms: Perfect for TVs, set-top boxes, gaming consoles, and speakers. 3. Kitchens: Plug in small appliances like blenders or microwaves — just ensure the board supports the wattage. 4. Work-from-Home Setups: Combine laptop chargers, desk lamps, and routers into a single smart board for clutter-free e?ciency. In smart homes, extension boards allow remote scheduling and voice control integration, letting you turn sockets on/o? via the app or assistant. At the Office 1. Workstations: Centralise charging for laptops, phones, and monitors. 2. Conference Rooms: Provide power access for collaborative devices or meetings. 3. Reception Areas: Power decor elements, electronic displays, or air purifiers. In professional environments, smart extension boards also help monitor energy consumption, limit idle-time usage, and streamline device control from a central app interface. Final Thoughts Choosing the best extension board is more than picking the one with the most outlets. It's about functionality, safety, and how well it adapts to your lifestyle or work environment. Features like surge protection, USB charging, universal sockets, and smart connectivity can significantly enhance both convenience and performance. The Wipro Smart Wi-Fi Extension Board stands out with its blend of smart controls, robust safety features, and versatility, making it an excellent choice for those looking to bring smart power management into everyday life — whether at home or in the o?ce. https://www.wiproconsumerlighting.com/blog/how-to-choose-extension-board 3/5