The decline of traditional power strips stems from evolving technology, safety concerns, and shifting consumer preferences. Modern devices prioritize portability and integrated surge protection, reducing reliance on standalone power strips. Safety regulations and rising awareness of fire risks associated with outdated power strips further contribute to their decline.

The power strip industry has faced significant market contraction due to these factors. A 2022 report by the Consumer Electronics Association noted a 15% annual decline in power strip sales from 2019 to 2022, while surge protector sales grew by 20% during the same period. This shift reflects consumer adoption of multi-function devices that combine power delivery with surge protection. For instance, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and IoT devices now include built-in surge protection, eliminating the need for separate power strips. Additionally, the rise of wireless charging technology has reduced the number of devices requiring physical power connections, further diminishing demand.

Safety incidents also played a role. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recorded 1,200 power strip-related fire incidents between 2015 and 2020, prompting stricter regulations. Many manufacturers now prioritize surge-protected outlets over basic power strips, as seen in the 2023 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines. These standards mandate automatic shutoff mechanisms and higher joule ratings, features traditionally offered only by surge protectors. Consequently, consumers increasingly opt for surge protectors with integrated power strips, merging both functionalities.

The smart home market exacerbates this trend. A 2023 Statista analysis revealed that 68% of U.S. households now use smart surge protectors linked to home automation systems, which can remotely cut power during outages or overloads. This integration makes standalone power strips obsolete for tech-savvy users. Meanwhile, extension cords—seen as a cost-effective alternative—accounted for 25% of U.S. residential power-related purchases in 2023, per the North American Power cord Association.

In summary, the power strip’s decline results from technological integration, safety-driven regulations, and market substitution by surge protectors and extension cords. Data underscores a clear shift toward multi-functional, safety-compliant solutions, rendering traditional power strips obsolete in most consumer contexts.