The fair market value of a donated power strip is $2–$12 per item in 2026, depending on condition.
Electronics Donation Values · Updated August 1, 2026
Power Strip Donation Value: What Is It Worth in 2026?
The fair market value (FMV) of a donated power strip ranges from $2 to $12 per item in 2026, based on ItsDeducted's valuation dataset and IRS fair market value principles.
Valuation data by ItsDeducted Team · Updated August 1, 2026
Based on aggregated U.S. resale-market prices and IRS Publication 561 fair market value principles. See how we calculate these values.
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Power Strip donation values are most impacted by compatibility, condition, working condition, and output.
The donation value of a power strip depends mostly on working condition, age, compatibility, completeness, and overall resale usefulness. Stronger estimates usually go to a power strip that works reliably, includes the needed charger, cable, or accessory, and does not have major screen, battery, port, or connection problems. Use the estimates below as a practical starting point, then adjust based on the actual condition, age, features, and resale usefulness of a power strip.
Power Strip Donation Values
2026 Power Strip Donation Values by Condition
Use the item's actual condition and relevant used-market prices to estimate fair market value at the time of donation, rather than its original purchase price.
| Condition | FMV per item | What it means | Tax note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New / Like New | $12 | A power strip in new or like-new condition shows little to no visible wear and may include original packaging and any included cable management accessories. Number of outlets, USB-C port inclusion, wattage, cord length, and joule surge protection rating affect value. Like-new power strip in recognized brands or current models can support values near the top of the estimated range. | Condition may qualify |
| Good | $5 | A power strip in good condition is clean, fully functional, and ready for expanding available AC outlets for home, office, and entertainment center use. All outlets, USB ports, surge protection indicator, and power cord are all working safely. This is the most common donation scenario when a power strip still has practical resale or reuse value. | Condition may qualify |
| Fair | $2 | A power strip in fair condition is still usable and donation-appropriate but will typically show light housing scuffs, minor cord jacket wear near the plug, or slight outlet slot discoloration. All outlets, the surge protection circuit if rated, and any USB charging ports should all function safely. | Check the IRS condition rule |
| Poor | $0 | A power strip in poor condition has faults or damage that make it unsuitable for donation and ineligible for a fair market value estimate. This includes a power strip that has outlets that do not deliver power, a non-functional surge protection indicator that cannot confirm safe operation, a frayed or cracked power cord, or outlets with physical damage that could create a shock hazard. | Generally below the condition rule |
These are estimated values, not deductible amounts. For clothing and household items, the IRS generally requires good used condition or better; a narrow exception may apply to a single item with a qualified appraisal and claimed value over $500.
Power Strip Value Factors
What Affects the Value of Donated Power Strips?
Not all donated power strips are worth the same. These factors have the biggest impact on FMV:
A power strip that fits common devices, connectors, or charging standards usually resells better than a highly proprietary accessory.
A clean power strip with intact insulation, connectors, and housing usually supports stronger resale value.
A power strip that delivers power consistently and performs its intended function safely is generally worth more.
Faster charging speeds, higher power handling, or more outlets can improve the value of a power strip.
For cords and cables, practical length can affect usefulness and resale appeal.
Power Strip Condition Issues
Common Condition Issues and How They Affect Value
Before donating a power strip, check for these issues. Each may change the condition tier and estimated fair market value.
| Issue | Effect on Value | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Frayed cable | May eliminate value | A frayed or split cable can make a power strip unsafe and unsuitable for donation resale. |
| Bent connector | Lowers value | Damaged plugs or connectors lower value because the power strip may not work reliably. |
| Intermittent charging | Lowers value | If a power strip only works in certain positions, its fair market value usually drops. |
| Heat damage | May eliminate value | Burn marks, melting, or overheating can make a power strip unsafe to reuse. |
| Missing components | Lowers value | Missing adapters, detachable cables, or end pieces lower value because the power strip is less useful as donated. |
Power Strip Brand Value
Does Brand Name Affect the Value of Donated Power Strips?
Brand usually has limited impact on a power strip's fair market value. Outlet count, safety, cord condition, and surge features usually matter more than the label.
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Fair Market Value Methodology
How We Calculate These Values
ItsDeducted's fair market values are built from a regularly updated dataset of resale prices across thrift stores, resale platforms, and charity shops nationwide. We apply IRS fair market value principles (IRS Publication 561) to map those prices to four condition tiers.
For a donated power strip, our 2026 dataset yields a fair market value range of $2–$12 per item across condition grades.
- We aggregate resale pricing signals for Power Strips across major thrift channels.
- We apply condition-tier adjustments consistent with IRS FMV guidance.
- We review and update our dataset regularly — the last date that fair market value data was updated is included on every page.
- Our values reflect the U.S. national average. Local thrift store prices may vary. The IRS expects you to use prices representative of your area.
Pricing year: 2026 — Power Strip Fair Market Values Last Updated: August 1, 2026.
These estimates use the fair market value principles in IRS Publication 561. They are not IRS-issued values. Local resale prices, item details, and the donation date can change the appropriate estimate. For a claimed deduction over $5,000 for an item or group of similar items, a qualified appraisal is generally required.
For broader context on the goods people documented, read the 2026 ItsDeducted Donation Value Report. Its anonymized platform snapshot is separate from this item-specific estimate.
Donation Tax Rules
IRS Rules for Donating Power Strips
For clothing and household items, the IRS generally requires good used condition or better. An exception may apply to a single lower-condition item when the claimed deduction exceeds $500 and is supported by a qualified appraisal and Form 8283. IRS Publication 561
Condition requirement
Estimate value from the item's actual condition on the donation date. Clothing and household items generally must be in good used condition or better to support a deduction, subject to the qualified-appraisal exception noted above.
Written acknowledgment
If you claim a deduction of $250 or more for a contribution, keep a contemporaneous written acknowledgment from the charity. Keep reliable written records for smaller contributions too.
Form 8283 (over $500)
If your claimed deduction for noncash contributions exceeds $500, generally attach Form 8283 to your return. The details and appraisal rules depend on the property and claimed amount.
Qualified charity
Charitable deductions generally require donations to qualified organizations. Many national thrift charities may qualify, but verify the receiving organization and keep your receipt.
What to save in your records
- Donation date and receiving organization.
- Item description: power strip, quantity, and condition.
- Estimated fair market value used for each condition tier.
- Receipt, written acknowledgment, photos, or notes that support the estimate.
IRS reference: IRS Publication 561 explains how to determine fair market value. IRS Publication 526 explains charitable contribution recordkeeping and substantiation. Donors should document the item, its condition, and how they arrived at the estimate. Read IRS Publication 526 for substantiation rules.
Power Strip Donation Acceptance
What Charities Typically Accept for Power Strips
Some donation centers may accept a power strip when the outlets hold securely, the cord is intact, and there are no signs of overheating. A power strip with frayed cords, burn marks, loose outlets, or other electrical safety concerns may be rejected or should be valued very conservatively.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions for Power Strip Donations
Which outlet count and surge protection details usually make a power strip worth more on the used market?
A power strip usually has a higher fair market value when outlet count, surge protection, cord length, and condition compare well with similar used listings. Surge protection and USB charging may also sell for more, while older or heavily used versions often bring less.
How much do outlet count, surge protection, and cord length matter for a power strip?
Outlet count, surge protection, and cord length can meaningfully change the used value because buyers compare specs and real-world usability. If one of those areas is outdated or limited, the resale value usually drops even if the item still works.
Does missing setup hardware change the value of a power strip?
Usually, yes. If the next owner needs extra parts, cables, or mounting hardware to use it properly, the donation value is often lower than for a complete example.
How much do plug condition, switch function, and housing wear affect what a power strip is worth?
Plug condition, switch function, and housing wear can have a big effect because buyers expect used electronics to work reliably. Cosmetic flaws may lower value somewhat, but cracked parts, weak performance, or intermittent operation usually reduce the fair market value much more.
Don't Leave Money on the Table
Your power strip donation may have an estimated value of $2–$12
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