4 Tips for Choosing a Surge Protector

Choosing a surge protector is an important step if you are serious about protecting your electrical equipment because it allows you to make sure that a sudden power surge does not cause permanent damage. However, not all surge protectors are the best for every situation. Consider these four tips for choosing a surge protector. 

1. Think about the Number of Outlets You're Going to Need

If you're setting up a home theater, there's a good chance that you're going to need many outlets in order to plug in the television, game systems, speakers, and other equipment. There's a strong chance that you're going to need to add equipment, so you're going to want a surge protector with as many outlets as possible. If you just want to make sure that your bedroom lamp and laptop is protected in case of a surge, then you don't need nearly as many outlets on your surge protector. If you think that normal surge protectors, that have between 6 and 8 outlets aren't going to be enough, check an electronics specialty store or shop around online.

2. Make Sure That It's Approved by Underwriter's Laboratory

Underwriter's Laboratory is a nonprofit organization that tests to make sure that electrical products do what they claim and that they are safe to use. You want to make sure that any surge protector that you purchase has a UL rating because then you will know that the protector will actually provide protective value, rather than just be making false claims. These protectors will be more expensive than those without a UL rating, but you can be sure that your equipment will be protected.

3. Check the Energy Absorption Rating and Clamping Voltage

When you're choosing a surge protector, you want to make sure that it has a high energy absorption rating, because that's the amount of energy that the surge protector will be able to handle. A clamping voltage is when the surge protector will start to absorb energy and cut down on the amount of power that will be running through any cords that are attached to it. You want to make sure that this clamping voltage is low. If it's too high, your products might not be protected. Make sure that the clamping voltage is just above what the energy level that your most energy-dependent electrical product needs.

For more information, talk to a company like Koontz Hardware that provides electrical products. They will know what your surge protector requirements should be.


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