Surge
protectors: we all have it, but we don't all use it properly. It is
no secret that today's technology has evolved a lot, and we have more
devices than we have plugs in the wall, but we really do need to
choose it carefully. Just like every device is different, not all
surge protectors are similar, meaning that some of them can put your
gadgets at risk. That is why we have talked to an electrician and
sorted out the and the bad safe protectors and how to use both power
boards and surge protectors safely.
Understand the
Difference Between a Power Strip and a Surge Protector
First of
all, you need to understand that not every power strip is a surge
protector. A power strip can split the outlet into multiple ports,
while a surge protector has the power to protect your electronics
against power surges.
When in
the store looking to buy
power
boards and surge protector, you need to choose the ones that will
meet your needs and budget as well. Once you have chosen the power
boards, it is time to choose the surge protection. When it comes to
this, look for the words surge protection, interrupter switch or
fused strip. If it says only power board this means that it doesn't
offer surge protection at all, so you need to be careful.
Choose the Right
Surge Protector for Your Needs
Choosing
the right surge protector can be quite tricky, so you better look at
the following four major points before you do a mistake.
Before
you make the purchase, you need to understand the right number of
ports you'll need. Not every surge protector is six or eight ports,
some of them have12 ports with enough space in between, so you can
use them all.
The
second thing to consider is the type of gear you’ll plug into the
surge protector. For instance, your TV and home entertainment center
will need a more robust surge protector than the phone charger and
lamp on your nightstand.
You
should also check the surge protector’s energy absorption rating,
and the “clamping voltage”. By checking the absorption rating we
mean that you need to see how much energy it can absorb before it
fails. Look for something at least 6-700 joules or higher.
The
clamping voltage, on the other hand, is the voltage that will
trigger the surge protector, and you should look for something
around 400V or less.
Check
the warranty, especially the things that are covered and the ones
that are not.
You can
also look for some other features, like a remote control that you can
use to turn the surge protector on or off along with the devices, or
for a surge protector that automatically turns off when your devices
turn off.