Surge Protector
Protect your PC
Surge protection is vital for guarding your PC against power spikes or surges often too small and brief to be sensed. Surge protectors ensure your PC is not damaged by a momentary rise in voltage. Ranging from one protected outlet up to ten, plus phone or fax jacks, surge protectors look similar to power bars and are often confused with them. When shopping, make sure you are buying a surge protector marked with certification from UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or ETL (Electrical Testing Laboratories). A power bar will not protect against voltage surges or spikes.
A surge protector redirects or filters potentially harmful amounts of voltage to the outlet's ground wire. Surge filtration is determined by "clamping voltage" - the amount of voltage at which the protector begins to block or short excess voltage. The lower the clamping voltage rating, the better.
The most common type of surge protector uses a metal oxide varistor (MOV). The MOV absorbs excess energy and channels it to the ground wire. The MOV wears out over time, depending on the strength and frequency of surges. Cheaper surge protectors use gas discharge arrestors, or gas tubes. Power surges make the gas conductive, which then redirects the energy to the ground wire. Yet other protectors use silicon avalanche diodes (SADs), which have a low clamping voltage, are quick to respond to surges and are not worn down by continual surges. The best surge protector to invest in would combine these methods of surge protection.
Must-Have Features
- The UL 1449 Standard for Surge Protective Devices indicating the device is not a safety or fire hazard.
- A joule rating of 1,000 or higher; the higher the joule rating, the better the protection.
- A low clamping voltage, preferably under 400V.
- An indictor light showing when it is no longer functioning.
- A warranty effective upon purchase covering equipment damaged while connected the surge protector.
Major Considerations
- What electronic equipment are you protecting?
- At what point does the surge protector filter excess voltage?
- How fast is the surge protector's response time?
- How many joules can the surge protector absorb?
- How long will the surge protector last?
- How much protection do I need in my warranty?
Top Manufacturers
- Monster
- Belkin
- Dynex
Common Accessories or Add-Ons
- N/A
Price Range
Surge protectors can go as cheap as $10 and include only one outlet. However, these protectors are often low-quality and do not provide adequate surge protection. For ideal protection, expect to pay $100 to $200. In comparison to the cost of damages to your PC or home entertainment system, it is a worthwhile investment.
Summary
With today's electronics become increasingly sophisticated and precise, surge protection is extremely important. Surge protectors are a simple and relatively cheap way of ensuring your electronics and the important information they contain are out of harm's way.
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