power strip

[derekleffew]

An electrical distribution device having one 5-15P male plug, a 15A circuit breaker often combined with an on/off switch, and five or six 5-15 receptacles.

Waber-by-Tripp Lite Surge Suppressors - 110-125V

From http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2023689_2026093_2023819,00.html :

The man credited with developing the power strip should be a millionaire, but in 1972 Australian Frank Bannigan failed to patent the device, and it was quickly copied by manufacturers the world over. You can't help but feel bad for the guy. In an interview with the Australian in 2006, Bannigan said he is reminded of his mistake every time he walks into a department store. The world didn't even adopt his Aussie nomenclature in referring to the device as a "power board."

Other synonyms: MOS, Waber strip, RPT