A 12-outlet tower power strip with a switch for every three outlets

Business Requirement

Tower power strips offer many AC outlets, but most have a single switch. That is a problem when different kinds of equipment share one tower: some devices should stay on all the time, while others need to be switched off regularly. End users also reported that many tower strips on the market have unstable bases. The customer asked for a tower that could switch power by group and stand more securely.

Engineering / Product Challenge

Splitting one tower into independently switched groups means more internal wiring and more switches in the same footprint, while a taller product with more plugs in it needs a lower, steadier base to avoid tipping. Both changes had to be made without compromising safety or heat performance.

What Was Developed

Based on market needs and end-user feedback, a new tower was developed from scratch:

• Three tiers with 12 AC outlets in total
• Outlets arranged in four groups of three, each group with its own switch
• A redesigned base for better stability

How the Project Ran

After several rounds of discussion, the design went through six rounds of samples, each tested for electrical safety, temperature rise and plug insertion and withdrawal force. From the start of development to a production-ready design took 50 days.

Compliance for the US Market

US market requirements were built into the design from the start. FCC and UL 62368-1 testing of the final configuration was completed by the customer in its own name, so those reports belong to the customer.

Result

The group-switched tower went into production and has been well received in its market, giving end users independent control over different devices from one stable tower.

Relevant Products

Tower power strips · Power strips and wall outlets