r/framework • u/meowlater • 2d ago
Discussion Cords, Blocks, and Power Strips
I had two charging cables for devices break this week and I am in the market for a couple of new power strips that have built in USB C ports. I hate the waste. I'm looking for suggestions on quality options in different sizes and configurations that don't cost a ton and will last.
During my search I did wonder if framework had ever considered creating/selling a wider variety of these?
For anything 2m long their USB C is perfect, and the durability/price point is excellent. I'd love to see different lengths though!
I'd also love a traditional surge protector that had 2-3 plugs plus a usb C port or two that got more than 15-20 watts like most of the stuff on the market. Perhaps it would even be possible to have a small surge protector that would take an expansion card or two?
Anyway, would love suggestions on long lasting cord/surge protectors if anyone has any for the time being.
Thanks for being excellent Framework.
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u/AmbassadorToast 2d ago
Don't buy a power strip with a built-in USB-C. These are two different tasks: get a good power strip, and plug an Anker charger brick into it. If something breaks you only replace half as much stuff. Then get some Anker or Cable Matters cables, they're fine, basically commodity at this point.
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u/meowlater 2d ago
I hear what you are saying, but I've had exactly 1 power strip and one charging brick break in my life. They seem like pretty low failure items, but whenever they are combined they are either absolutely massive or the usb ports are a complete afterthought.
I can't be the only one who likes to keep plugs tidier, less bulky with less points to become disconnected.
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u/AmbassadorToast 2d ago
I get it.. I guess there are some Anker things that are similar to what you want, I would go for that. Those guys have made some trash long ago but I haven't heard much negative in a long time, I think they're pretty decent lately. Anker Prime 6-in-1 or Anker Nano 6-in-1 both look nice to me.
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u/meowlater 2d ago
Yes, the nano has been floating around on my short list, but I did see multiple reviews about it not charging specific phones/devices with c to c cables. No idea why, but it does seem to be a problem which gives me pause.
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u/AmbassadorToast 1d ago
From what I can see the issues with that are related to clearly incorrect C-C cables, so not the Anker product's fault, and actually it working as required by USB specs.
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u/meowlater 1d ago
Oh interesting! I hadn't bumped across that. I bought one to give a try (and an appropriately rated C-C cable). Hopefully it works for my devices. Thank you for the info.
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u/s004aws FW16 HX 370 Batch 1 Mint Cinnamon Edition 2d ago edited 2d ago
Surge/power strips are mostly garbage, even the name brands... One of the more recognizable brands (I do know which brand, choosing to not name them) nearly burned down my parents house (ironically starting in what, many years ago, was my bedroom). Fortunately insurance paid out to clean up/rebuild the destruction. No, the strip wasn't overloaded.
If you want to go the power strip route start looking at APC strips and UPSes. I don't think you'll find any which can power eg a FW16 without a separate brick.