No surge protectors at sea

By Diane Robbins
This item appears on page 14 of the March 2018 issue.

In the letter titled “Traveler’s Power Strip” (Nov. ’17, pg. 49), a subscriber recommended packing the Simran SM-60 power strip with three universal outlets and surge-overload protection.

Someone who plans on taking a cruise, however, should be aware that, while there is no problem with simple multioutlet strips or extension cords, cruise lines do not allow ones that have surge protection because of the possibility of fire.

An article from 2013, which is still accurate today, explains. Visit www.safety4sea.com/uscg-issues-safety-alert-on-surge-protectors.

DIANE ROBBINS
Penfield, NY

ITN checked a couple of lines’ websites. Carnival Cruise Lines’ states, “Power strips, multi plug box outlets/adaptors and extension cords (without surge protectors) are allowed on board. Holland America Line’s states, “Extension cords (without surge protectors) are allowed on board.”