powerstrip blinking (2025 Update)

The ubiquitous power strips used in every type of home or office have a tendency to flicker caused by the slow deterioration of the indicator light. ... The blinking is confined to the light itself; it doesn't affect the strip or the AC power available at the sockets.

Don't worry until it starts sending SOS

Sounds like a trouble code. What's the make and model number?

If the light is acting as he described "six flashes, then dark, six flashes, etc." it doesn't sound like the flickering you sometimes see on a power strip. He even said "not blinking erratically".

I think we need a better description of the issue and maybe a model number.

A link to a video might help too.

Grab the children and get out of the house, QUICK!

Model # is YLPT-2, but I can't find any brand or manufacturer name on the thing. Naturally, it's not doing it at the moment so I can't get a video. If it happens again, I'll try to. Don't know what further description I can give. It's not flickering. It just starts flashing in sets of six, going dark between sets. It stops as suddenly as it starts. Neither the strip nor anything connected to it feels warm, and the surge protector hasn't tripped.

As far as I can tell, it was made by Defiant. I found a "Use and Care Guide" for a YLPT?44 and a 45 but not for YLPT-2. Those guides do not mention anything about flashing codes.

It is sold as unbranded on eBay and at Home Depot. For six bucks if you are afraid of it, replace it.

Repeated sets of six dots is the intergalactic symbol for Help. That is, help is needed. I think you have interstellar beings trapped in your strip.

"It is sold as unbranded on eBay and at Home Depot. For six bucks if you are afraid of it, replace it."

There is nothing wrong with that but you should still provide emergency services for the beings in the old strip.

Generally means the surge protector is shot

Thanks for your help. I had decided to replace it, just in case, but was curious because it seemed like it was trying to tell me something!

Hi I use all blocks on a extension cable and that red light is blinking nervously is it dangerous? Should I get a new one or is it ok?

Hi I use all blocks on my electricity extensions cable..there are 5 of them..and the red light is blinking nervously..is it dangerous? Should I get a new one?