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How do you determine a good surge protector?
Choose the Right Surge Protector for Your Needs
- Buy the right number of ports.
- Consider the gear you’ll plug into the surge protector.
- Check for the UL seal, and make sure it’s a “transient voltage surge suppressor.”
- Check the surge protector’s energy absorption rating, and its “clamping voltage.”
- Check the warranty.
How many joules is a good surge protector?
If you’re trying to protect things like cell phones, basic laptops, printers, routers, and copiers, you’ll want a surge protector with a rating between 1,000 and 2,000 joules. This rating is also large enough for your power tools and other building appliances.
What does joule rating on surge protector mean?
Surge protectors offer protection in amounts called joules. Generally, the more joules the better, as this means the device can handle one large surge, or multiple smaller surges, before your gear is in danger. Over time, the parts inside the protector wear down, reducing its effectiveness.
What’s the best way to use a surge protector?
Surge Protector Safety 1 Use surge protectors indoors and in dry locations. 2 Don’t exceed the electrical rating of the surge protector. 3 Don’t use a surge protector with an aquarium or other water-associated products. 4 If the surge protector features a power cord, unwind it before use and don’t cover it.
What does the joule rating on a surge protector mean?
The joule rating indicates the cumulative amount of energy the device is able to absorb before you need to replace it. In general, the higher the rating, the better and longer the device can protect.
How much does a power strip and surge protector cost?
Luckily, power strips and surge protectors are relatively inexpensive. They can cost anywhere from less than $10 to over $40, depending on the number of outlets, amount of protection and additional features, such as whether it includes USB ports.
Are there warranties on whole house surge protectors?
Generally, any whole house surge protector you can buy offer limited warranties of varying lengths and amounts. The warranties offer tens of thousand dollars of protection to cover any damages caused to sensitive electronics due to failure of the protection device.