This DIY Power Outlet Adds a Pair of Good-Looking Plugs to Any Desk or Surface

I haven't done any electrical work since 2000. I tried to google a

I've seen electrical outlets (in commercial environments) mouted face up in the floor!

However, they all were equipped with screw-on or other covers that would insulate them from, among other things, spills or, more likely, sudsy water from moping.

What exactly is your definition of "power strip"? Is it limited to strips that are intended to be fastened? I think folks saying the outlets typically wind up facing up are including the typical power strip that isn't mounted, it's just plugged into the wall and winds up behind a cabinet or similar. All the ones I have like that lay on the floor with the outlets pointing up.

I've seen them frequently in residences too. Apparently a work surface doesn't include a floor.....

Right, but they're not flush with the desk top.

Flush with the desk top means they will accumulate paper-clips, dimes, spilled coffee, itty-bitty screws, and other detritus.

In any event, if you use a power-strip AND you have a collection of wall-warts, you may need these outlet saver extensions (actually a 1-foot extension cord):

I've got four rechargeable-battery warts plugged into a 4-outlet power-strip which, in turn, is plugged into a timer. When I need a battery recharged, I insert the battery into its respective receptacle and tap the timer.

The timer I use is a Belkin Energy Saving Outlet, obtainable here:

I really ought to put this imitation octopus in a shoe box painted green.

I like green.

At least on a kitchen table, or any place you're going to be using liquids.

I've seen a few of those (attached to wall), and even have one in the garage. However, nearly all power strips are just set on some horizontal surface (floor, table, etc...). The outlets are all pointing up.

Also, such attachment interferes with changes.

Does that really apply to cord-and-plug connected devices installed in furniture that's NOT part of the building?

Most outlet strips are used face up. I'll agree it's not the perfect idea, but just take a look at images of outlet strips, boxes.

Here is one even more versatile.

COme to think of it, I've never seen one that didn't have mounting holes. I don't always (but usually) use them but the outlets are never facing up.

None of mine do. They're either on their side or fastened to something. I don't like lots of cords free to tangle (or trip over).

Think desk - staples. It's a bad idea all around.

Right, they have to be rated for that service. Every one I've seen has a cover of some sort. I've been thinking about putting a couple of those in my family room.

Staples?

Who uses staples any more?

Only people with brains. Now go back to sleep, HomoGay.

My desk is quite messy, yet none of those things have ever been anywhere near the power strip.

I rarely use staples, and when I do, they go into some paper and stay there.

And when I receive something containing a staple that I don't think should be there, the removed staple goes directly from my hand to the trash.

YMMV

They are covered by UL.

Face up is a particular problem when flush with the surface.

The way you feel when you're all mixed up from trying to figure out Windows.