This is a review for the Belkin 3-Outlet SurgePlus Mini Travel Swivel Charger Surge Protector with Dual USB Ports (2.1 AMP / 10 Watt), BST300 by Belkin.
I put this device to the test this week and I'm very happy with the results. It's especially good for awkward angles and for consolidating the charging of your electronics while traveling.
- Be sure to check the specs for the charger's dimensions to make sure it's a size you're happy with.
- The swivel feature on the plug works just as I'd hoped it would. It perfectly simplifies connectivity issues in hotel rooms.
- I appreciate the sturdy construction and the size is appropriate for the features provided.
- The prongs on the swivel head plug have a snug-fitting cover which keeps it from snagging on garments.
- There's a handy "active" light on the front so you're insured you're charging from a live receptacle.
- Power surge protection
- Three AC outlets, 2 USB ports
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This little thing is great! Use it when I travel and it condenses what needs to be packed! I can charge my phone, tablet and laptop in one spot and I know they are protected if there is a power surge. As a plus, it is big enough that my iPhone 6 can rest on it as it charges! The plug rotating also helps, but I found that the little white button that releases the turning feature is now stuck in the "released" setting.
I would actually consider this a "travel" surge protector. I have seen other ones marketed as travel, but this one is actually compact comparatively speaking. It's still not small, but for 3 outlets and 2 USB ports it's not much larger than 2 USB AC adapters and it leaves outlets available for other devices. I have not timed how long it takes to charge my phone in comparison to its dedicated charger, but I also haven't noticed a difference to the point I felt like I needed to time it. All in all I think the this is a great little surge protector. I didn't dock any start because I really don't see how they could make it any smaller, I do like what it offers.
sorry for yelling, but i can see that the reviews for this product are often a bit confusing. Why? Because Amazon in their infinite wisdom has decided to COMBINE the reviews for two very different versions of one product.
I purchased, and quite love, the 1AMP/5 Watt version of this surge suppressor. Yes it's not quite "mini" and yes the button to turn the plug takes some force, but all in all this thing has served me and my girl all around the world, usually connected to some dubious wall plug and hanging off a two prong foreign current adapter. Yea yea, probably not safe so I don't recommend this, but we've been using two of these since Oct 2010 and they both work well for iphones (4s and 5) Kindle Fire, Google Nexus and blackberries.
Now for the important part of the review...there is a new version! It has 2.1AMP/10 Watt. Many of the reviews that complain this device is underpowered are referring to the 1AMP/5Watt version. If you are at all concerned with the power supply issues, just buy the newer version. It will handle almost anything.
Back to the foreign adapter thing, I've found that the plastic case that came with my iphone headphones (square thing) is just perfect for helping to balance this monster against the wall. Use it like you/instead of would the plastic piece that comes covering the prongs.
This thing is great. I got it for my father because his cell phone charger was bulky and took up too much room. This fixed it, and added more outlets and USB Charging spots. Now the options are endless. It swivels (you have to push an unlock button underneath the outlet) Nice green LED light to show operation. the Two USB ports are great, for multiple devices. What was unexpected is that it CAME WITH A USB CABLE! Thats right, it came with a USB 2.0 to mini usb cable about 3' long. The 3 pronged outlet has a plastic safety cover that can be easily removed for transportation in bags and travel. Nothing negative to say.
Feature Product
- 3-outlet surge protector with 360° rotating AC plug
- Two USB ports (2.1A combined) for charging smartphones, tablets, and more
- Safeguards personal electronics and small appliances from potentially damaging power surges
- Backed by Lifetime Warranty and protected by $75,000 Connected Equipment Warranty
- Specs: 918 Joule-energy rating / 36,000A maximum spike amperage
- Safe Usage: Correct operation is important - see Product Description section below for useful safety information
Description
An ideal power solution for business trips and vacations, the Belkin SurgePlus USB Swivel Charger gives you a convenient, portable way to charge and protect your essential devices. This surge protector is equipped with three protected AC outlets, two protected, powered USB outlets, and a 360-degree rotating plug design to fit easily into small spaces. With its compact, durable design and premium absorptive materials, it protects your devices and irreplaceable data from voltage spikes and surges wherever you go. SURGE PROTECTION SAFETY If a surge protector ever becomes hot to the touch, shut off the unit immediately. Never daisy-chain power strips to other power strips or extension cords Never allow a power strip to be exposed to a moist environment Avoid running too many high-energy consuming appliances through a single surge protector at once High-energy consuming electronics/appliances include window AC units, space heaters, refrigerators, washers/dryers etc. Only one power strip should be plugged into a single two-outlet electrical socket Never cover a surge protector with carpet, furniture, or anything that would limit or prevent air circulation IMPORTANT: The protective components inside surge protectors that absorb over-voltage spikes will eventually wear out. Most estimates put the average lifespan of a surge protector from 3 to 5 years.
I was looking for something that I could use to expand my outlet in the kitchen that would also have USB connections in it. This is a great little product. The only thing I would mention is that you are able to turn it one way or the other, so you can put it vertically or horizontally. So you decide which way you'd like to install it, swivel the plug one way or the other, and plug it in. Others said it swiveled a bit hard, but I didn't think it was too difficult. Could depend on the protector itself, maybe some are a little tighter than others. You do have to push it into the wall outlet though because it does tend to be a bit heavy. I think it was worth having though and it is what I was looking for. Nice to take along on vacation!
I got 3 of these plugs so I could reduce the clutter at the wall plugs near the bed on my and my wife's sides and have a spare. We both need 2 USB chargers for the various electronics as well as access to the electrical plugs. This is probably a little overkill for this solution but I wanted to keep some plugs open on the wall socket in case I need access to one for other reasons. This adapter fit the requirements, however there are some minor issues:
1) plugging in a large "wall wart" like the 65W Apple laptop charger isn't great for this plug/adapter since the weight of the Apple charger really pulls down on this adapter. To really support these larger/heavier wall plugs this adapter needs some small feet at the bottom of the plug to touch the wall and keep it parallel to the wall. This will avoid the weight of the charger from levering this adapter out of the plug (this assumes you use this in the vertical position, meaning it hangs down from the plug, not sideways).
2) there's a bright green LED on the top and it's a little annoying at night, however a small square of electrical tape solves that problem. If you don't use this in your bedroom it's unlikely to be a problem like it is for me, but keep in mind that if you really use it as a travel adapter, then you could have a bright LED on all night in your hotel room.
Overall it's a good adapter, fairly compact with a modern design, and the fact it's also a surge suppressor is an added bonus.
I just received my Belkin multi-outlet. I plugged my phone to one of the USB ports. At first my phone showed no charging. I was concerned. But then after about 10 seconds, the phone came on and showed that it was charging. I can't say why it took so long to respond. On other charging devices, the phone comes on almost immediately.
I like the protective cover over the prongs. This protects them while traveling.
I was able to turn the rotating prong base, but it was tight. A diagram shows it should be turned counter-clockwise, but I was able to turn it in both directions. It's best to do this with the protective cover over the prongs.
I can see how using this along with an international adapter might be an issue. Once you plug the outlet into an adapter and then into the wall outlet, the Belkin outlet is a good distance from the wall. Then you plug in an AC cord. I could see where the adapter or Belkin outlet might pull loose if all the connections are not tight. It might need something under it (or between the outlet and the wall) to support it. The outlet weights 7.1 oz. (.2 kg).
This review is for the Belkin 3-Outlet SurgePlus Mini Travel Swivel Charger. I hate how Amazon combines multiple product reviews together when multiple options exist. OK, rant over.
While not super compact, this is a handy charger/surge protector that can be used for travel as long as you're not expecting something very slim. I'll admit I was surprised by it's bulk when it arrived even though it's dimensions are clearly listed in the product description:
Model Number: BST300
Item Height: 7.2 inches
Item Length: 2.2 inches
Item Width: 5.16 inches
The 2 USB ports provide a total of 2.1A (10 W), so don't expect to charge an ipad and iphone at full speed at the same time--it's one or the other at full speed or both at slow speed (1A 5W).
The length of the charger means that if it's plugged into a wall outlet and you plug in other devices to the included AC outlets (especially the ones further away from the prongs) the charger will lean out of the wall outlet a bit. This is to be expected, but if you happen to run into an especially loose wall outlet, this charger may have some difficulty staying put.
I also wish the prongs folded in to help with the overall size of this charger, but I still rate it at 4 Stars due to it's solid build quality and relative portability. I've used it around my house as well as international travel and have had no issues. Plus I have the peace of mind--especially when traveling abroad--knowing that my devices won't get fried.
The person who built our house decided to wire it in a way that the top switches in each room are controlled by a light switch. Every last one of them. So, needless to say, we have to plug most things into the lower outlets, resulting in us needing lots of outlet extenders and surge protectors. This is the only non-hanging surge protector we've found that actually allows us full use of the top outlet when it's plugged into the bottom outlet. Most others are just too bulbous, blocking at least 1/4 of the top outlet when plugged into the bottom. Why would you do this, manufacturers? Why?
Anyway, we're very pleased that this product has avoided that little design flaw, and being able to rotate it is a really neat perk! Plus, the USB ports make it really easy to charge phones and other electronics. Couldn't be more satisfied!
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