Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before Getting A Surge Protector

1. What should I look for when buying a surge protector?
2. Is 800 joules enough for a surge protector?
3. How do you know if you have a surge protector?
4. Are surge protectors worth it?
5. What can you not put in a surge protector?
6. How many joules should a surge protector have for a TV?
7. Is 300 joules enough for a surge protector?
8. Do I need surge protector for TV?
9. What is the best brand of surge protector?
10. Can a TV be plugged into a power strip?
11. What's the difference between a surge protector and a power strip?
12. Is every power strip a surge protector?

What should I look for when buying a surge protector?

Check the surge protector's energy absorption rating, and its “clamping voltage.” The absorption rating is, as the name implies, how much energy it can absorb before it fails. You'll want something at least 6-700 joules or higher. (Higher is better here.)

Is 800 joules enough for a surge protector?

A unit with up to 1000 joules of surge protection is adequate for these small electronics. ... A surge protector with 1000 to 2000 joules will provide sufficient protection for power tools and office equipment such as printers, copiers and routers.

How do you know if you have a surge protector?

How can you tell the difference? Surge protectors will have a rating in Joules of energy showing the maximum voltage it can handle from a power spike. You can find those numbers on the box or strip itself. If there are no numbers listed, it is just a power strip.

Are surge protectors worth it?

Since most surge protectors are cheap, they're worth getting (and regularly replacing) just in case. We don't currently have recommendations for specific surge protectors, but you can find plenty of options for as little as $20 or less at Amazon.

What can you not put in a surge protector?

Rule two: never plug high power capacity appliances, like space heaters, refrigerators, or microwave and toaster ovens into power strips or extension cords. These appliances have higher power capacity and need to be plugged into a wall outlet directly. Rule number three: always plug power strips directly into the wall.

How many joules should a surge protector have for a TV?

Recommendations. Electronic accessories manufacturer Belkin recommends its 1,411 joule model for most TV sets, or its 2,444 joule unit for projection televisions. ReviewSurgeProtector.com similarly advocates a minimum level of 1,500 joules for TVs.

Is 300 joules enough for a surge protector?

Anything 300 and under, clamp voltage is good. You would need to add up the wattage used by each item then usually double it to be safe. It depends on how sensitive each of those components are to surges. A surge protector rated for 1,000 joules will protect your devices from surges of 1,000 joules or less.

Do I need surge protector for TV?

You don't need a surge protector for your desk lamp or your standing fan, but you do want a surge protector for expensive devices that have intricate microprocessors, like computers, televisions, stereo systems, and media centers. In short, anything electronic and expensive benefits from a surge protector.

What is the best brand of surge protector?

If you want a surge protector for your home theater or office, the Tripp Lite 12-Outlet Surge Protector (TLP1208TELTV) is your best choice. It has a critical auto-shutoff feature, more than enough outlets to keep all your gadgets powered, and both coaxial and telephone connectors.

Can a TV be plugged into a power strip?

With smartphones, tablets, streaming media devices, and gaming consoles, we have a lot of toys to plug in. Don't forget about TVs, lamps, and other household items. All these items plugged into a power strip can put stress on it. ... A power strip and surge protector power strip look pretty much the same.

What's the difference between a surge protector and a power strip?

What Is the Difference Between a Surge Protector and a Power Strip? The difference between a power strip and a surge protector is that a power strip adds extra outlet space while a surge protector defends against possible voltage spikes that could damage your electronics, appliances, or equipment.

Is every power strip a surge protector?

Surge protectors often look just like power strips, but not all power strips are surge protectors. Only surge protections actually help protect your gadgets against power surges. Many power strips are just glorified extension cords without any protection.