Yes, it can. A 65W GaN USB-C charger is usually safe on a typical power strip, but certain power strips, surge protectors, and “smart” strips can trip their breaker or overload protection under specific conditions. When it happens, it’s typically about how the charger behaves at plug-in and during rapid charging—not that the charger is “too powerful” on its own.
Most trips come from one of these real-world causes:
Inrush current at plug-in: Like many switch-mode power supplies, GaN chargers can draw a brief spike of current the moment they’re connected as internal capacitors charge. Some surge protectors (especially those with sensitive resettable breakers) interpret that spike as a fault and trip.
Power strip limits and shared loads: A 65W charger draws far less than a space heater or hair dryer, but on a strip already feeding monitors, laptops, speakers, or other chargers, the combined load may exceed the strip’s rating. The trip is caused by the total load, not just the USB-C charger.
Surge protector wear or low-quality components: Older surge protectors can become more sensitive over time (especially after repeated surges). Cheaper units may nuisance-trip due to marginal parts or inadequate thermal design.
Ground fault/AFCI interactions: If the strip is on a GFCI/AFCI-protected circuit, normal leakage currents and switching noise from power electronics can occasionally trigger the protection, particularly with multiple chargers on one circuit.
Try a different outlet (preferably a wall outlet), reduce what’s plugged into the strip, and use a reputable surge protector with an appropriate amperage rating. If tripping persists on multiple outlets/strips, the charger, strip, or the circuit protection may be defective and should be checked or replaced.
For a deeper look at how 65W GaN USB-C chargers and USB-C Power Delivery behave in real use, see this 65W GaN USB-C charger guide.
Wall outlets usually provide a more stable connection and reduce nuisance trips from sensitive strip breakers. A high-quality surge protector is still fine for most setups, as long as you stay within its load rating.
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