Surge protectors can look like power strips, but not all power strips are surge protectors. A power strip splits your outlet into multiple ports. A surge protector will protect multiple electronics against power surges and any interference or noise on your line of power. The only way to protect the electronics in your home is to use a surge protector. Many of the power strips on the market are just fancy extension cords that don’t provide any protection against power surges.
Difference Between Power Strip & Surge Protector?
Power strips plug into the wall and allow you to plug in multiple devices- that’s it. It might have a switch on it to turn the power off to multiple devices. When you plug your TV into a power strip, it’s just like plugging it into the wall. There is no difference. Surge protectors come in the same shape as a power strip. They too plug into the wall and allow you to plug in multiple devices, but they also have the ability to keep power surges from damaging your devices. They do this with built in electronics. Surge protectors will cost you a little bit more than a power strip. If you pay $10 for a power strip you can expect to pay about $20 for a similar looking surge protector. If you value your electronics, using a surge protector is a good idea. These two gadgets don’t always come in a similar shape. The power strip design is more common, but you can get a single-outlet surge protector, so you can plug in one device into a single wall outlet, but also have surge protection.
Don’t Daisy Chain Power Strips & Extension Cords
Remember not to “daisy-chain”. This is when power strips or surge protectors are plugged into other, power strips and/or extension cords. Overloading a circuit can create the potential for igniting an electrical fire.
Buying a Surge Protector; Joules Chart & More
Power strips and surge protectors will be located near each other at the store and can look the same. Remember the power strip will be cheaper and if it says, “power strip”, it is not a surge protector. When you’re looking for a surge protector make sure it says, “surge protector”, or “protection” or “suppression” are on the description. Another thing to look at with surge protectors is the number of Joules of energy they can absorb. 1000-2000 Joules is sufficient for smaller electronics but for larger electronics or ones you value more, you’ll need something over 2000 Joules. Multiple, larger electronics need surge protection with an even higher rating. Do your homework before you buy a surge protector. The last thing you want is to purchase one only to discover that it’s not strong enough to protect your devices, and don’t assume that the most expensive on is the best one. Figure out what you want to protect and buy accordingly. Make sure the powers strip or surge protector you buy has enough ports for your needs. They even have 12 ports that are well spaced, making it easy to use them all.
Whole House Surge Protector Electrical Services in Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter & Boca Raton & Palm Beach County Florida
Making a small investment in a surge protector can save your electronics during a power surge. What’s even better is a whole home surge protector that Simon Electric can install in your residence. Give us a call today!
