Power Surge Protectors
Surge protectors protect our electronic devices from power surges that come about every day and mostly go unnoticed.
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When choosing surge protectors, look for:
- Sufficient outlets to accommodate your devices
- A built-in fuse as an added protection
- An individual on/off switch for each of your devices
- UL-1449 rating to ensure it has proper quality control and testing
- An LED so you can know if its working or not
- Higher rate of total energy dissipation
- Lower clamping voltage
- A higher joule rating is recommended
- Lesser response time. Less than 10 nanoseconds are better
- Warranty for damages to any connected equipment using the device
There are also surge protectors for an entire house. They act like a sponge, absorbing excess voltage before it reaches devices that are plugged into them. These devices are installed directly to the electric meter. They generally start around $350 and need to be installed by a licensed electrician.
Consider using a surge protector on these electronic devices:
- Computers, laptops and portable hard drives
- Printers, copiers and scanners
- Phones and fax machines
- Scanners
- TVs and surround sound systems
- VCRs, DVRs and DVD players
- Game systems and stereos
- Microwaves, convection ovens and other kitchen appliances
- Medical equipment
- Tools and machinery
- Anything that’s recharging
When shopping for surge protectors, compare them for these features:
- UL clamping voltage - The lower the UL clamping voltage, the better protection. Make sure the rating reflects 500 amp test results for household or office use.
- Joules - The higher the joule rating, or MOVs, the more energy a surge protector can absorb before reaching its limit. A higher rating means better protection longer.
- Circuit breaker? When a circuit overloads, a breaker stops the flow of electricity (this is separate from surges and spikes).
- 3- line protection? Surge protectors should include protection for hot, neutral and ground lines.
- Response time? The faster a surge protector can respond, the better.
- Cable / satellite / phone lines / network / DSL? In addition to power outlets, surge protectors come with jacks for cable, satellite, phone lines, networks and DSL. They may include built-in splitters plugging in multiple phone cords.
- Indicator light? Shows the surge protector is on and protecting. Once the surge protector has absorbed its limit of extra power, the light will go out and the unit should be replaced.
- Power shut down protection? When the surge protector reaches its capacity to absorb extra electricity, it will turn off electricity to all of its outlets.
- Alarm? An audio alert that the surge protector is “full” and must be replaced. This is important if power shut down protection is not included and/or the indicator light is out of sight.
- Ground indicator light? shows that the surge protector is properly grounded for safety.
- EMI/RFI? Interference (electromagnetic and radio frequency) can cause “noise” on an electrical line leading to data loss. Wider frequency ranges (kHz to MHz) and greater noise reduction in decibels (dB) is better.
- Multiple chargers – Widely-spaced power outlets in the surge protector allows for multiple chargers to be plugged in at once.
- Child protection? Sliding guards cover unused outlets for safety.
- Cost? Surge protector prices range between $10 and $40, the most common difference being how long they will last before they need to be replaced and manufacturer guarantee.
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