A Little Information…
What’s a Power Surge? A short-duration and intense voltage spike through wires that can be caused by lighting strikes, power outages, downed power lines, tripped circuit breakers, on/off cycles of big appliances/tools, and accidents and malfunctions at the power company or on the electrical grid.
What’s a Surge Protector? This protects the devices plugged into it with a standard AC plug from damaging power surges. They may have a long cord or be plugged straight into the wall. They also may provide protection for network (Ethernet) connections, phone/modem lines, connections for cable, antenna, or satellite TV reception in addition to traditional receptacles.
What Equipment Needs to Have Surge Protection? Everything could benefit from one but the devices that need it are PCs, printers, monitors, routers, TVs, DVRs, cable boxes, satellite receivers, sound systems, home theater components, video game systems, lighting, tools, small appliances, and office equipment.
How Do They Work? Internal components known as metal oxide varistors (MOVs) absorb extra energy and redirect it to the ground wire and away from the devices that are plugged in. Some of them also contain LEDs that indicate probable wiring problems.
A Few Things You Should Know…
- They’re Not All the Same
Power strips and surge protectors (or surge suppressors, as they’re also called) are not the same. While they may have a little bit of protection, power strips are basically an extension of an outlet (essentially the equivalent of plugging it straight into the outlet). Surge protectors, however, have a level of protection—how much and how well varies a lot though. It’s worth it to pay more for a surge protector than a power strip. Just because it’s online in the same category or in the same area doesn’t mean it’s a legit “surge protector.”
2. Consider the Number of Joules
Protection is measured in joules. A device with a protection of 1,000 joules can take ten 100 joule hits or one 1,000 joule hit. There’s no way to know how well they’ll actually work. Generally, the more the better though.
3. A Warranty
Some offer a warranty (that goes up to a certain amount). An example is the one that offered to repair or replace property or electronics that were damaged up to $300,000. These don’t hurt to have, but then again, you may never actually see any of that money. Check what is covered and what’s not if the power surge gets through and does damage stuff. You should also learn how to file a warranty claim.
4. Power “Conditioner”
Some surge protectors claim to condition the power so it’s perfect for the devices using it. However, your devices already do this on their own. So unless you live under unique and unusual situations, this isn’t needed.
5. Get More Outlets Than You Need
You’re going to need more outlets because it’s pretty much inevitable that you’ll get more things that use power. Thus, just buy a couple more than you currently have.
6. Power Spikes Can Happen on Any Wire
Remember power surges can happen on phone and cable wires too. You can get protectors for those as well.
7. Check Amps Before Using It As a Charger
A lot of surge protectors come with USB ports. It’s wise to check the amperage, however, the output amp rating is usually 1-2 amps (1A or 2A). While 1 amp can be good to charge a cell, a tablet may need 2 amp in order to charge quickly.
8. Get a Power Trip That’s Portable
It’s a good idea to have a power strip that you can take on trips to places such as hotels. It’s helps you and/or your family charge devices faster with additional outlets and direct USB charging.
9. Surge Protectors Don’t Last Forever
Surge protectors do eventually go out. While some will give you a warning when they go out, a lot of them will not. Therefore, if you know there could potentially be a surge of power, it’d be a good idea to replace it. There is a chance it may’ve gone out without you knowing.
10. Think About the Number of Ports
Maybe you can get away with having six or eight ports. However, there are protectors with 12 ports, therefore you can have enough space for everything.
11. Consider What You’re Plugging Into It
Think about what you’ll need to plug into it. Obviously you’ll need a different one for something like a TV than for perhaps a lamp.
12. Make Sure It Has a UL Seal and That It’s a “Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor”
This checks that it’s certified by Underwriter’s Laboratories and that it meets their UL 1449 standards. This is mandatory for “transient voltage surge suppressor.” This verifies that your equipment will be protected.
13. Check Its Energy Absorption Rating and “Clamping Voltage”
Absorption rating is the amount of energy a surge protector can, well, absorb before it fails. You’ll want higher levels here (6-700 joules at least). Clamping voltage wakes up the surge protector. Lower levels are good (400 V or less). The response time here should be known and should be a short amount of time.
A Couple More Tips…
Be sure you do your research and know what you’re buying. You may be interested in a surge protector that automatically shuts off when it isn’t being actively used or one that can be controlled with a remote.
Don’t plug power strips into each other or a bunch into a surge protector. This also goes for plugging surge protectors into each other. This will cause one to trip. While power strips aren’t surge protectors, it’s still an unwise idea.