Southwire Yellow Jacket Power Block
Bottom line: The Southwire Yellow Jacket Power Block ($31.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): 8 grounded outlets in one block, enough for a full workbench of tools and chargers; main trade-off: 6 ft cord is short for reaching across a large garage or jobsite.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 8 grounded outlets in one block, enough for a full workbench of tools and chargers
- ✓ Dual USB ports charge phones without using an AC outlet
- ✓ Metal housing holds up to jobsite knocks better than molded plastic
- ✓ 14-gauge cord construction, heavier than typical household strip cords
- ✓ High-visibility yellow 6 ft cord is easy to spot on a cluttered shop floor
Cons
- ✗ 6 ft cord is short for reaching across a large garage or jobsite
- ✗ Listing does not state surge protection or a joules rating
- ✗ USB output amperage not specified, so actual charge speed is unclear
- ✗ Metal block is bulkier than a standard plastic power strip
Manufacturer description
The Southwire Yellow Jacket Power Block is a heavy-duty metal power strip for garages, workshops and jobsites where a flimsy household strip won't hold up. It has 8 grounded outlets in one rugged housing, so you can plug in a shop vac, work light, radio and battery chargers at one spot instead of chaining extension cords together. Two built-in USB ports charge a phone or tablet without using up an AC outlet or needing a separate wall adapter. That helps on a bench where every outlet is already taken. The 6 ft cord uses 14-gauge construction, and its bright yellow color is easy to spot across…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Southwire Yellow Jacket Power Block using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the home & kitchen category. Yellow Jacket's home & kitchen lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for home & kitchen of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many outlets does the Yellow Jacket Power Block have?
It has 8 grounded AC outlets plus 2 USB ports, so you can power up to 10 devices at once.
How long is the cord and what gauge is it?
The cord is 6 ft long and uses 14-gauge construction. It has a high-visibility yellow jacket.
Does this power strip have surge protection?
The product listing does not mention surge protection or give a joules rating. Check the manufacturer's specifications before you use it with sensitive electronics that need surge suppression.
Can the USB ports fast-charge my phone?
The listing describes the dual USB ports as made for fast charging but gives no output amperage or wattage. Check the product listing for the exact USB output rating before relying on it for a specific device.
Is the housing metal or plastic?
The Power Block has a durable metal housing designed for tough workshop and jobsite environments. For warranty coverage on the housing and cord, check the product listing for current Southwire warranty terms.
Key Features
- Built For Tough Environments: The Southwire Power Block delivers reliable performance with 8 grounded outlets, dual USB ports strip for device charging, and a durable metal housing
- Convenient Electrical Accessories: Our extension cords and adapters make work at the jobsite or use in your home simple and easy
- Professional Electrical Equipment: Southwire's equipment stands up to any task, so you can focus on the job at hand
- Tools You Can Trust: Southwire tools are made from high-quality materials and are built to last
- Delivering Power Responsibly: Southwire is known for providing innovative products and services and delivering on our promises
Full Specifications
| Brand | Yellow Jacket |
|---|---|
| Color | Yellow and Black |
| Shape | Rectangle |
| Voltage | 125 Volts |
| Amperage | 2.4 Amps |
| Plug Type | Type B |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | 5148 |
| Built-In Media | YellowJacket |
| Item Type Name | Yellow Jacket 5148 Modern 8-Outlet Metal Power Block with 2 USB Ports, Yellow |
| Maximum Current | 2.4 Amps |
| Mfr Part Number | 5148 |
| Number of Ports | 8 |
| Power Plug Type | Type B - 3 pin (North American) |
| Special Feature | Usb Slot |
| Total Usb Ports | 2 |
| Number of Outlets | 8 |
| Compatible Devices | Cellular Phone |
| Enclosure Material | Metal |
| Full listing title | Southwire Yellow Jacket Power Block - 8 Outlet Heavy Duty Metal Power Strip - Dual USB Ports for Fast Charging - Rugged Workshop Design - 6 Ft Yellow Cord - Durable 14-Gauge Construction |
Ready to buy?
Southwire Yellow Jacket Power Block - 8 Outlet Heavy Duty Metal Power Strip - Dual USB Ports for Fast Charging - Rugged Workshop Design - 6 Ft Yellow Cord - Durable 14-Gauge Construction is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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