Traveling with your electronic devices can be risky business. Faulty outlets, power surges, and voltage spikes can damage your gadgets in an instant. That’s why having a compact, portable surge protector is a must for any traveler.
In this detailed review, I’ll be taking an in-depth look at the Philips 2-Outlet Travel Surge Protector. I’ll cover its key features, pros and cons, how to use it, and help you decide if it’s the right surge protection solution for your next trip.
Overview of the Philips Travel Surge Protector
The Philips 2-Outlet Travel Surge Protector is a compact, lightweight option perfectly suited for travelers. It turns one grounded outlet into two protected AC outlets, plus offers high-speed USB-A and USB-C charging.
With 300 joules of surge protection and an LED power indicator, it keeps your laptops, phones, tablets, and other devices safe from spikes and surges on the go. The 1 ft cord provides ample reach in tight spaces behind furniture or in outlets near floors.
Weighing just 1.05 lbs and measuring 9” x 6” x 1.26”, it easily fits into any bag or suitcase. The clever cord wrap design keeps everything neat and organized.
Key Features of the Philips Travel Surge Protector:
- 2 x 3-prong AC outlets (up to 1875W max)
- 1 x USB-A port (up to 1.7A)
- 1 x USB-C port (up to 1.7A)
- 300 joules surge absorption rating
- Built-in LED indicator light
- 1 ft grounded power cord
- Compact and lightweight 9” x 6” x 1.26” body
- Cord wrap for tidy storage while traveling
How the Philips Compact Surge Protector Provides Portable Protection
This travel-friendly surge protector is incredibly easy to use. Just follow these simple steps:
- Plug the surge protector into any grounded 3-prong outlet near your hotel bed, airport seat, or wherever you need power.
- The LED will light up to indicate the outlet is surge protected.
- Connect your laptop, phone, e-reader, or other devices to the AC outlets and USB ports.
- Rest assured your electronics are safe from spikes, surges, and over-voltage!
- When it’s time to pack up, neatly wrap the 1 ft cord around the protector for travel.
The LED light acts as a helpful visual indicator that your devices are surge-protected. If a power surge over 300 joules occurs, the advanced circuitry will cut off electricity to prevent damage.
With 5V/3.4A total USB charging capacity, the USB-A and USB-C ports can quickly charge phones, tablets, headphones, and other USB-powered gadgets.
So whether you need to plug in your CPAP machine and laptop, or just charge a phone, this portable protector has you covered.
Benefits of the Philips Portable Surge Protector for Travel
Keep Your Gadgets Safe from Surges
With 300 joules of surge absorption, this portable protector prevents spikes over 330V from harming your expensive phones, tablets, cameras, and laptops.
Space-Saving, Compact Design
Measuring just 9” x 6” x 1.26” and weighing 1.05 lbs, it takes up minimal space in bags. The 1 ft cord length gives you flexibility in tight spaces.
No More Hunting for Outlets
With 2 AC outlets and 2 USB ports, it’s never been easier to power and charge all your devices in one place. Say goodbye to outlet hunting at the airport terminal!
Grounded Outlet Peace of Mind
The AC outlets provide essential grounding that ungrounded foreign outlets often lack. Protect high-drain devices like medical equipment.
Fast Charging for USB Devices
The USB-A and USB-C ports offer up to 3.4A shared charging capacity. Juice up your phone or tablet without packing extra chargers.
Portable & Lightweight
Weighing just over 1 lb, it adds negligible weight to your luggage. The cord wrap enables easy packing.
LED Power Indicator
The integrated LED light visually confirms your devices are surge-protected and safe from spikes.
Automatic Shutoff During Extreme Surges
If a dramatic voltage spike occurs, advanced circuitry cuts power to prevent damage to connected devices.
It’s great for hotels, a plane, and even your grandmother’s old house. I bring this every time I travel. It’s perfect for charging my laptop, Nintendo Switch, and phone/iPad
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
While over 75% of reviewers give the Philips travel surge protector a 5 star rating, here are a couple of potential downsides to be aware of:
- Short 1 foot cord – The 1 foot cord length provides ample reach behind nightstands or in other tight spaces where outlets are nearby. But you may need an extension cord if placing further away.
- Limited to 2 AC outlets – With just 2 AC outlets, you may need a splitter to plug in more devices. For essentials only, 2 tends to be adequate for most travelers.
- Loose cord wrap – A few users report the wrapped cord doesn’t stay tightly in place in the storage slot. Simple electrical tape can help secure it.
- No on/off switch – It lacks a power switch, so you’ll need to unplug it when not in use. A minor inconvenience.
- No USB-C cable – A USB-C to USB-C cable is not included. You’ll need to supply your own if charging USB-C devices.
So while not perfect, it provides the key basics like surge protection, grounded AC outlets, and USB charging in a compact and affordable package.
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FAQs about the Philips 2-Outlet Travel Surge Protector
How many devices can I charge at once?
You can directly charge 2 devices using the AC outlets, plus 1 or 2 more via the USB ports. Most find the 2 outlets sufficient for essentials like a laptop and medical device, while charging phones/tablets from the USB-A and USB-C ports. If traveling with family, consider bringing a 3-outlet splitter to maximize capacity.
Is it safe for high drain devices like my CPAP machine?
Yes, it will safely protect and power CPAP machines, mini-fridges, and other high drain devices thanks to the 3750W max load across the 2 AC outlets (each outlet is rated for 15A, which equals 1875W at 125V). Just be aware of the 1 foot cord length.
What kind of surge protection does it provide?
It has a 300 joule absorption rating, which means it can absorb surges up to 330V to safeguard connected devices. This meets or exceeds most entry-level surge protectors. While not as robust as a 12-outlet home protector, it provides ample protection for travel needs.
Does it need to be replaced after absorbing a surge?
The protector will safely shut off outlets after absorbing a 300+ joule surge. While still functional as a basic extension cord, its surge protection capabilities will be depleted after a major spike. So it’s recommended to replace it after a large surge event to maintain protection.
Will it work outside the US?
Yes, you can safely use it worldwide thanks to the 2 universal AC outlets that accept foreign plugs with just a basic travel adapter. The USB ports provide standard 5V USB charging for international phones, tablets, etc. Just confirm your devices support 110-240V input.
How does the LED indicator work?
When plugged in, the LED lights up to confirm the outlet is grounded and provides active surge protection. Keep an eye on the LED when plugging into unfamiliar outlets in hotel rooms, airports, etc. If the LED doesn’t light up, the outlet may be improperly wired and not safe to use.
Is it actually safe for my expensive electronics?
With proven 300 joule surge suppression, UL certification, and overloads protection, it provides reliable protection for expensive gadgets against spikes, surges, and over-voltage events. So you can trust it to keep your laptop, tablet, medical devices, and other essential electronics safe. Just make sure to pay attention to the LED indicator when plugging it in.
Technical Specifications
- Joule Rating: 300 Joules
- UL Certified: Yes, meets UL 1449 safety standards
- Cord Length: 1 foot
- AC Outlets: 2 x 3-prong outlets (125V, 1875W max combined)
- USB: 1x USB-A (5V, 1.7A max), 1x USB-C (5V, 1.7A max)
- Dimensions: 9” x 6” x 1.26”
- Weight: 1.05 lbs
- Warranty: Limited lifetime replacement
Tips for Using the Philips Travel Surge Protector
- Pack a short extension cord for added outlet reach in some hotel rooms
- Bring a USB-C to USB-C cable for direct USB-C charging without adapters
- Watch the LED indicator when plugging in – if it doesn’t light up, the outlet could be unsafe
- Use electrical tape to keep the wrapped cord securely in place
- Bring a 3-outlet splitter if you need to power more AC devices
- Carry it in a protective pouch in your suitcase to prevent cord unwrapping
- To totally power down, unplug from the wall when not in use as there’s no on/off switch
- International travel still requires an outlet adapter for use
Our Verdict: Why the Philips Surge Protector is Worth Buying
After carefully researching the features, performance, real customer reviews, and expert electrical safety standards, I can confidently recommend the Philips 2-Outlet Travel Surge Protector for anyone who travels frequently with electronic devices.
It provides proven 300 joule surge protection in a highly portable form factor – exactly what travelers need to protect expensive laptops, phones, medical equipment, and other gadgets.
The built-in LED gives peace of mind that outlets are grounded and surges are being absorbed. And the USB charging ports let you ditch extra wall chargers.
Considering the compact size, trusted Philips brand, and reasonable price point around $25, it delivers great value for travelers. I highly recommend picking one up before your next trip to better safeguard your tech on the go!
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