Addtam 5M Extension Lead with USB Slots and Braided Cord – 2 UK Outlets, 4 USB Ports (2x USB-C, 2x USB-A) with Surge Protection

What it is and what it solves

The Addtam 5M Extension Lead is a versatile power strip that combines two standard UK outlets with four USB charging ports. It’s designed to sit on a desk or bedside table, helping you reduce clutter by charging multiple devices from a single hub. The braided 5-metre cord adds durability and keeps the unit flexible enough to position where you need it, without creating a tangle of wires.

How the USB charging works

On paper, this extension lead provides a total USB output of 4.5A across four ports: two USB-A ports at up to 2.4A each and a Type-C port at up to 3A. Smart charging tech is built in to identify connected devices and optimise current delivery for efficient charging. A caveat worth noting is that the Type-C port is not compatible with certain laptops that require higher voltages (e.g., 14–22V). If you rely on a MacBook or similar device, you’ll want to plan your charging strategy accordingly.

Design and build quality

The unit features a childproof safety shutter on the outlets to help reduce accidental contact, which is a meaningful safety consideration for homes with children. The extension cord is described as thick, with pure copper conductors and a current rating of 13A, which suggests solid capacity for typical home and office devices.

The strip is housed in fire-resistant PC material and is designed to withstand higher temperatures, offering a degree of protection against overheating. The braided extension cord is touted as deformation-resistant and durable, which can be a real benefit when you’re moving the setup around or plugging in devices from different angles.

Practical use and who it’s for

This Addtam unit is well-suited to students, remote workers, and anyone looking to consolidate charging into one convenient hub. It works nicely for side desks, dorm rooms, or a home office where space saving and organisation are priorities. If you regularly juggle a laptop, phone, tablet, and a couple of accessories, this could simplify your charging routine.

However, it’s sensible to temper expectations: if your workflow depends on charging a high-current Type-C device that requires more than the 3A supported by the USB-C port, or if you need to power a heavy-duty device from the USB side, you may need an alternative solution or a dedicated charger for that device.

What users should be aware of

• The Type-C port supports up to 3A and is not compatible with certain laptops requiring higher voltage, plan charging needs accordingly.
• The 5-metre braided cord offers flexibility, but consider the space where the unit will sit, a longer cord isn’t always beneficial if it creates slack.
• CE and RoHS certification are mentioned, along with fire-resistant material, which adds a level of reassurance for everyday use.
• The product is designed to be portable and space-saving, with anti-slip pads to keep it in place on a desk. If you need a stationary, heavy-duty outlet strip in a workshop or kitchen, you may want to evaluate alternative designs.

How it compares to other charging approaches

If you mainly need to power a couple of USB devices, a compact hub might suffice. For higher versatility, this option combines a traditional two-outlet power strip with USB charging, meaning you won’t need separate adapters cluttering your workspace. For more demanding charging (e.g., laptops that require higher wattage), you may find it a bit limited on the USB-C side, so you could weigh whether a dedicated USB-C charger is a better fit.

What to check before buying

• Ensure the location can accommodate a 5-metre cord and that there’s a convenient nearby plug.
• Confirm your devices’ charging requirements align with the 3A Type-C and 2.4A USB-A outputs.
• If safety and durability are priorities, the braided cord and child-proof shutters are positives to consider.
• Consider whether you need extra features like USB-PD or higher surge protection, this unit mentions protection against over-current, over-charging, short circuits and overheating, but does not specify surge energy rating.

Practical usage snapshot

Imagine a home office desk: a monitor, a laptop, a tablet, a wireless speaker, and a couple of phones. With the Addtam, you can place the strip within easy reach, charge multiple devices at once, and keep the desk tidy with fewer wall-warts and trailing cables. The braided cord means you can route the lead neatly along the desk leg or under a tray without it fraying or kinking easily.

Is it worth it?

Final verdict: If you prioritise a single charging hub with two normal sockets and multiple USB ports in a compact, mid-length extension, this model offers sensible value for money and practical daily use. It’s a solid pick for those who want convenience and reasonable safety features in a home or office environment. It may not be the best option if you rely on USB-C charging for laptops or high-wattage USB-C devices, where a dedicated, higher-output charger could be more appropriate.

FAQ

• Does the USB-C port charge a MacBook? Not when the MacBook requires 14–22V, compatibility depends on the device’s charging voltage.
• How many devices can I realistically charge at once? The unit provides four USB ports plus two outlets, charging capacity depends on what you plug in and how power-hungry those devices are.
• Is it safe to leave plugged in overnight? The strip includes protections against over-current, over-charging, short circuits and overheating, but always observe standard safety practices and avoid daisy-chaining power strips.

Decision section

Final verdict It makes sense if you want a convenient, space-saving charging station for a mixed bag of devices in a home or small office. It’s particularly suitable for dorms, desks, and bedside setups where you need a compact hub with safety features and a durable cord. If your charging needs include high-wattage USB-C laptops or you require more USB-C power than 3A, you may want to look for a model with higher USB-C output or separate charging solutions.