Does the use of devices such as power bars and surge protectors interfere with my wifi?

Yes, they can, but usually not in the way you might expect.

While a power bar won't "block" a WiFi signal like a brick wall does, it can interfere with your internet performance through Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and signal degradation.

Here's how power bars and surge protectors can impact your welo connection:

1. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) 

All electrical devices emit a small amount of "noise." Because surge protectors and power bars handle multiple electrical currents at once, they can create a field of electromagnetic interference.

The Risk: If your router or its cables are draped directly over a high-voltage power bar, this "noise" can bleed into the router’s hardware, potentially causing it to process data more slowly or drop connections intermittently.

The Fix: Keep your WiFi 6 gateway (combined modem/router) at least 2–3 feet away from large power strips and bundles of other power cables.

2. Signal Attenuation (Surge Protectors)

Some surge protectors include ports for Coaxial (cable) or Ethernet cables, intended to protect your internet line from lightning strikes.

The Risk: Passing your internet signal through these extra ports often adds "resistance" or "noise" to the line. This can significantly degrade your speeds or cause your modem to lose its connection to welo entirely.

The Fix: Plug your main internet feed (Coax) directly into the wall or gateway rather than passing it through a surge protector's secondary ports.

Updated on: 01/21/2026