GE 6-Outlet Extender Surge Protector, 37063

I bought this six outlet (non USB) surge protector on August 14, 2020. On August 22, 2022, it definitely did its job, and then some. Our neighborhood block experienced a major power surge, causing excess power to be sent into our homes. This also caused two other power surge protector strips in our house to slightly burn and smoke, and it caused this power surge protector to completely fail as well, but with no smoke or burn indications. Shortly after, we lost all power to the house. The electric company came and inspected all the power lines. After all was done, we reset all of our breakers, as the power surge caused the entire panel to flip, but one room in our house was not getting any power. We had an electrician come in and inspect the panel and wiring, assuming the worse. After 30 minutes, the electrician removed the surge protector, reset the specific breaker for that room, and we had power again. The electrician informed us that the surge protector was still acting as a sort of fail safe to the room by cutting and disrupting the circuit to the breaker, which is why we were still not getting any power, even after resetting the breaker. The electrician also believes that no other electrical equipment in that specific room was damaged, because the surge protector took most of the damage, and cut the circuit, creating a sort of “bubble of protection.” I can definitely vouch for this product, and I will be buying another one. I highly recommend it.

After recently moving into a tiny condo, I was looking for something low profile in order push my furniture against the wall AND accommodate everything needing power. I had to keep my furniture approximately 5 inches from the wall before getting this wall tap. I’m very happy with my purchase. It is worth noting that you can’t swivel while something is plugged in – you have to choose your placement, swivel and then plug in. I think my photos speak for themselves. First three pics are of my new set up. The second two are of my old set up with a traditional 6 outlet wall tap (look at how far that Firestick protrudes!!) Highly recommend.

2020-12-08. Surge protector wall tap by GE. 6-outlet. 90° swivel. 1080 joules. White.

This 6 outlet wall tap was exactly what I was looking for. I wanted something that had rotating outlets so that I can plug bulky adapters without them getting in each others way. I wanted a light indicator when power was on, and most importantly, a light indicating that surge protection is on. The reason for this is simple. Items like this are designed for electrical outages. When power is restored, there may be surges, power feeds larger than the 110V-120V, and these surge protectors help protect and regulate power transmittal so that it will not blow what is connected. The notable is that surge protectors are designed to protect from on ONE large power surge. This unit is rated at 1080 joules, so a surge larger than that will result in the sensor tripping and cutting off power completely. This “suicide” by the surge protector is what it’s designed to do. It sacrifices itself to save what is connected to it. But once the sacrifice has been made, it will need to be replaced. The problem is, you never know when the unit had made the sacrifice. If could be overnight when you’re asleep, or during the day when you’re away. The point is, without an indicator noting that surge protection is still functioning, you never know. And then, then next time you get that large surge, your precious equipment may be ruined.

So what’s a joule, and how many do I need?

A joule rating indicates how much energy the surge protector can absorb before it fails. The higher the number, the greater the protection provided. Keys to determining the amount of protection needed include the type and value of the equipment to be protected. Obviously the more expensive the equipment, the more protection you should get. Inexpensive components like lamps and alarm clocks don’t really need protection, but things like TV’s, audio/video and home theater components do. If you do think you need protection, I’d start a minimum of 600 joules. If you’re using it for sensitive electronics, I’d double that to 1200 joules. When you move up to bigger things like power tools, computers, copiers, printers, etc. you’ll want to go up to 1800 joules. And for that home theater or entertainment system, you should ensure they’re safe with at least 2000+ joules of protection.

The area where you live is also a factor. If you live in an area that is prone to surges and spikes, go for higher joule rated surge protection.

Having said all that, this surge protector wall tap is rated at 1080 joules, which is pretty much exactly how much I need as the main things being plugged into these outlets are electronics (laptop computers, tablets, and the like). Is more protection better? Of course, just keep in mind that the more protection you get, the more it will cost. It the end, it’s most cost effective to get only what you need.

The only notables I can think of with regards to this unit is that it does not have any USB ports (quick charge USB-A, USB-C) capable of delivering output of 100W or more.) With so many small electronic devices connecting via USB now, it would be very convenient to have. The only other notable is that the outlets don’t have sliding covers. Another non-essential, but nice to have. Sliding covers would help keep dust and moisture out.

Really love the rotating heads, lots of them. The connection screw is a nice unexpected plus, helps to hold the fixture to wall. And it looks great.

Found this product interesting but unfortunately, it was shipped as deffective, the three connections on the right are not working.
I returned it and ordered another one….let’s see if it’s better.
I have to admit that delivery was fast.

Update: Replacement outlet arrived today, WOW, fast replacement shipping! Thumbs-up for that.
New one works as expected although, there is one connection that is hard to plug stuff in, just have to push hard, not going to return it for that.
Let’s hope it will last through time !

This plug actually led me to the discovery of an outlet NOT being grounded – it’s an inspector!
As for being useful – all that and some. Very versatile and excellent product.

These are great. The swivel outlets make a huge difference, I can use all the outlets now without plugs taking up two outlets because the plugs are oversized and I don’t have any more huge plugs for computer equipment jutting out of the wall straight into the room, those are all plugged into side swiveled outlets and flush against the wall now. I also got the outlet surge protectors with built in USB ports so no more USB plugs plugged into surge protectors, yay!

I do see a fault with the design. The USB ports do not swivel. The USB ports still stick straight out into the room . To really do this right, the usb ports should swivel too. Or at least should plug in at the base of the device so that they point down and are flush with the wall instead of pointing straight out into the room sort of negating the concept behind the design.