3M Tower Extension Lead with USB C Slots – 8 AC Outlets and 6 Smart USB Ports (3 USB C + 3 USB A)
Product description
What it is and why you’d want a tower lead
A tower extension lead is one of those “why didn’t I do this sooner?” accessories when you’re dealing with lots of devices in a single spot. This 3M tower-style lead is built to give you a tidy charging/power hub: eight AC outlets on a 3 m tower, plus six USB ports split across 3 USB C and 3 USB A.
On paper, it’s aimed at desks, entertainment areas, and any room where you want to reduce adapter clutter. Instead of hunting for spare sockets and then adding a nest of USB chargers, you plug in the main electronics (laptops, monitors, consoles, lamps, and so on) and use the USB ports for phone and tablet charging.
There’s a lot to like about the layout, but it’s also worth noting that “8 outlets + 6 USB” only helps if your devices actually fit the practical spacing and if you’ll use the USB mix (USB C and USB A) you get here.
Key points: a practical power-and-charging station
This tower extension lead is designed to keep things more organised than a normal power strip, thanks to its vertical format. The top switch lets you control power to the connected devices in one go, which is handy if you regularly forget to turn everything off.
The USB side is also positioned as the convenience feature: the six smart ports are described as using IC charging technology that identifies connected devices and delivers optimal charging speeds. The total stated USB output is 3.8A/19W, so it’s built for multiple everyday devices charging at once, rather than heavy-duty charging expectations.
The headline promise here is simultaneous use: with eight AC outlets and six USB ports, you can run a mixed setup of mains-powered appliances and USB-powered devices together.
Where it fits best (and a concrete everyday scenario)
It makes sense if your setup looks like this: laptop on a desk, a phone that needs charging overnight, a tablet for reading, maybe a small camera or accessory battery, and a couple of mains-powered items like a monitor, speakers, or a desk lamp.
For example, you could use the AC outlets for your laptop and monitor while plugging your phone and tablet into the tower’s USB ports (USB C for the devices that support it, USB A for those that don’t). When you finish work, you can switch the tower off using the top switch rather than reaching for individual plugs. That’s the kind of day-to-day convenience tower leads are genuinely good at.
It’s also a decent choice for households where charging is spread across family members’ devices. Instead of borrowing sockets and stacking chargers, you can bring everything back to one central point.
Tech specs (what you can rely on from the listing)
- Name: 3M Tower Extension Lead with USB C Slots
- Type: Tower extension lead
- Capacity: 8 AC outlets (3250W/13A)
- Ports: 3 USB C + 3 USB A (6 USB ports total)
- USB total output: 3.8A/19W
- Cable length: 3 m
One thing to keep in mind: the listing references suitability for “all electrical appliances” and USB-powered devices. In reality, whether this becomes a great fit depends on what you plug in (particularly appliances with higher power draw). The stated AC rating gives you the boundary you should work within.
What stands out in use
The space-saving tower design is the obvious day-to-day win. A traditional strip can be hard to manage once you’re plugging in bulky chargers and adapters. A tower lead keeps the main body more vertical and tends to reduce the “spread” across the desk.
The top switch is another genuinely practical feature. It’s not just there for show—if you want everything off when you’re away, it’s a lot simpler than unplugging multiple items.
Finally, the USB approach matters if you dislike extra adapters. The smart IC charging description suggests the ports automatically identify the connected devices and aim to deliver the right charging speed without you having to figure out which charger to use.
Pros and limitations you shouldn’t ignore
Pros
- Eight AC outlets in a tower format, helping you reduce socket shortages
- Six built-in USB ports (3 USB C + 3 USB A) for mixed device charging
- Top switch for turning the power on/off for connected devices
- 3 m extension cable for reaching less accessible outlets
- Described as having all-round protection and safety compliance, with copper wiring noted
Limitations / worth considering
- You’re limited to the stated USB total output (3.8A/19W). If you connect several devices at once, charging will still be shared according to that budget.
- The AC output is rated (3250W/13A), so it’s not designed as a way to run high-load appliances without checking your needs.
- Because it’s a tower, bulky adapters may still affect how easily devices plug in. It’s a “looks tidy” solution, but it’s not automatically perfect for every plug shape.
Care & safety notes (based on what’s mentioned)
The listing mentions safety testing and compliance with safety requirements, plus 100% pure copper for heat dissipation and conductivity. As with any extension lead, it’s sensible to keep it in a well-ventilated area and avoid using it in situations where it could be covered or trapped.
Also, since the switch controls the power supply to the connected electronics, you should still consider device safety habits (for example, turning it off when not in use) rather than relying on the switch alone.
In a rush: should you buy it?
Worth considering if you want a compact, desk-friendly power and charging hub: eight AC outlets for your main electronics and six smart USB ports (3 USB C + 3 USB A) for phones, tablets, and other USB-powered devices. The tower design plus the top switch is a particularly strong match for people who value order and quick shut-off.
Better avoided if you need very high power from the mains side, or if your plan involves heavy-load appliances where you’d prefer a more specialist setup. It may also not be the best fit if your devices rely on specific charging methods that don’t align with the USB output and smart charging approach described.
Final verdict
It’s a sensible tower extension lead for everyday desk and living-room setups, especially where you want to charge multiple USB devices without stacking separate chargers. The combination of eight AC outlets, 3 m length, and the top on/off switch makes it feel genuinely “built for use”, not just for storage. Just make sure your mains devices stay within the stated AC rating, and don’t overestimate what the total USB output can handle when many devices are plugged in at once.
Mini FAQ
How many USB devices can it charge at the same time?
The listing describes six smart USB ports (3 USB C and 3 USB A), so you can connect up to six USB-powered devices simultaneously.
Does it include a way to switch everything off?
Yes. There’s a convenient switch on the top of the tower that controls the power supply to the connected devices.
Is it only for phones and tablets?
No. The description frames it as suitable for USB-powered devices (such as computers, mobile devices, iPads, digital cameras, and tablets), alongside mains-powered appliances via the AC outlets.
What cable length do you get?
The extension cable length is listed as 3 m.