Surge Protectors: How to Select a Winner

10/12/2016 (Permalink)

Three-pronged and two-pronged plugs on top. Right angle plug below.

Surge Protectors protect electrical devices from voltage spikes.  If the voltage is above a safe threshold, then the surge protector blocks or shorts the unsafe voltage.  This blog post will provide information on how to go about selecting a surge protector.

Choosing a Surge Protector

First, there is a difference between a power strip and a surge protector.  A power strip merely splits an outlet into multiple ports.  Whereas, a surge protector is designed to protect electronics.  When selecting a surge protector look for key words such as “interrupter switch” or “surge protection.”  If the surge protector is certified by Underwriter’s Laboratories that means it is definitely up to code.

Second, find the joules.  Joules are a standard of unit used to measure energy.  Think of joules as the threshold for the surge protector to trip.  The more joules a surge protector can take, the better.  Over time, this threshold drops and unfortunately there is no real way of knowing.  So it is a good idea to replace your surge protectors every couple of years.

Third, look for a surge protector with the number of ports you want.  It is not possible to connect a surge protector into another surge protector.  The surge protector will detect this and not work.  It is dangerous to connect a power strip into another surge protector.  This is because it is easy to overload the outlet and will trip the surge protector more often.  This wears out the surge protector and once it's worn out, a possible electrical fire could be triggered.  Instead, buy a surge protector right from the get-go with at least the minimum number of ports required for your needs.

The Last thing to consider when purchasing a surge protector is the cord.  There are two things to take into account with the cord.  First is the length of the cord.  You want it to be able to reach as far as you need it.  Second is the plug design.  Decide if you need the three-pronged plug or the two-pronged plug.  Then there are right angle and standard plugs.  Look at the picture to see the difference.  

If the worst happens and an electrical fire does break out.  First, contact your local fire department.  Afterwards, contact SERVPRO of Carol Stream/East Bloomingdale for fire damage restoration.