Common question about HS300

Q: Can a HS300 be plugged into a power strip, another surge protector or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS)?

A:  No. The HS300 power strip must be directly plugged into a grounded outlet to work.

NOTE: UL Safety Standards, the National Electric Code and several other local codes prohibit power strips, surge protectors or UPS units to be daisy-chained. By doing so the user voids the Warranty and may also void any insurance coverage should there be an incident.

Q: Why do you need surge protection?

A: Surge protection is important because electricity isn’t a constant. Small surges/spikes could affect the performance and reliability or even destroy electronic equipment such as TVs, computers, microwave ovens, stereo systems, etc. Damage can occur over time with small surges or instantaneously from a major spike.

Q: What is a power surge/spike and how can a surge protector help?

A: Surge protectors add another layer of protection to connected equipment. Most damage done by overvoltage “power events” can be caused by one of two things. Either shorter duration transients (spikes) or longer duration high-voltage transients (surges) entering electronic devices via power lines. Surges and spikes can reach up to 6000 Volts. Typical microchips found in a computer, telephone, TV, stereo and other electronic equipment are sensitive to voltage irregularities.

Q: What is clamping voltage or VPR (voltage protection rating) on a surge protector?

A: VPR is the maximum voltage allowed to pass through the surge protector during a spike. It’s the voltage level which causes the MOV to “clamp” down on the spike to prevent most of the surge from passing through to connected equipment. MOV’s convert the electrical charge into heat and absorb it so it won’t damage your equipment. When measuring the VPR of a surge protector, the lower the number usually means better protection.

Q: What is the purpose of the circuit breaker on the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip?

A: The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip’s built-in, resettable circuit breaks stops the flow of electricity when the circuit becomes overloaded. In other words, when the amount of electricity required to power electronics plugged into the power strip is more than the unit can handle, a circuit breaker prevents the power strip from overheating and causing a potential fire. If the circuit breaker trips, just turn off and unplug all connected devices. Take a look at the electrical rating of all the connected devices. 15 Amps is the maximum load or else the circuit breaker will continue to trip.

Q: Can I replace the fuses in my surge protector?

A: You cannot replace fuses in your surge protector. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip. If your unit is not functioning as it should, contact our customer service. 

Q: Can I use a surge protector with a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet?

A: No. Incompatible electronics within the GFCI and the surge protector can cause either to trip. GFCI outlets are placed in potentially wet locations such as sinks, bathrooms and garages. Surge protectors should be used in wet or potentially wet locations.