How to Install a Wall-Mounted Surge Protector

Power strips are the silent clutter-builders of the modern home. When you have a tangle of cords snaking across the floor behind your television or desk, you aren't just looking at a mess; you're creating a tripping hazard and making it nearly impossible to clean effectively. By getting that surge protector off the floor and mounted securely to the wall, you gain a professional-looking setup and protect your electronics from accidental kicks or vacuum bumps. Done well, a wall-mounted surge protector sits flush against the wall with all cables neatly managed and bundled. This project is about more than just utility; it is about creating a permanent, safe home for your cords. You will need a level, a drill, and a bit of patience to ensure your mounting hardware is perfectly aligned with the spacing of the keyholes on your unit.

  1. Measure the Keyhole Distance. Flip your surge protector over and measure the distance between the centers of the keyhole mounting slots. Use a ruler or tape measure to get this exact distance, as many manufacturers use non-standard spacing.
  2. Mark Screw Centers Level. Hold the surge protector against the wall in your desired location and use a spirit level to ensure it is perfectly horizontal. Use a pencil to mark the exact center of where your mounting screws will sit through the keyholes.
  3. Install Wall Anchors Flush. If you are not hitting a stud, drill a pilot hole for your wall anchors. Tap the anchors into the wall until they are flush with the surface.
  4. Leave 1/8-Inch Gap Exactly. Drive your wood screws into the anchors or the stud, leaving about 1/8-inch of the screw head protruding from the wall. You need this gap so the keyhole slot can slide over the screw head and lock into place.
  5. Slide Down Until Locked. Align the keyholes on the back of the surge protector with the screw heads on the wall. Push the unit flush against the wall and slide it downward until it locks firmly onto the screws.
  6. Bundle and Secure All Cords. Plug your devices into the mounted protector and use adhesive cable clips to secure the power cords against the wall. This keeps the weight of the cords from pulling on the protector.