Things to consider when purchasing surge protectors
Design: The design of a surge protector is related to its shape, size, and whether it can easily accommodate devices connected to it that have large transformers. Consider whether the surge protector will be placed on a desk, on the floor, or mounted on a wall. Pay attention to how far it will be located from the AC outlet, so you know how long the power cord of the surge protector should be.
Number of ports: The number of ports and USB ports determines the number of devices that can be connected and protected at the same time. A surge protector with more outlets will help reduce cable clutter.
Joule rating: This is a measure of how much excess power a surge protector can divert from devices plugged into it in the event of a power surge or surge. The higher the joule rating, the better. For computers and other high-end electronics, choose a surge protector with a joule rating of at least 2,000.
Power Cord Length: The length of the power cord connected to the AC protector determines how far it can be placed from the AC outlet. You want to use a surge protector to connect your various devices without having to use extension cords, which can pose a fire hazard.
Warranty and Protection Policy: Plan to replace the surge protector every three to five years. The length of the warranty specifies how long the manufacturer will repair or replace the unit if it becomes inoperative after a power surge or surge, while the protection policy specifies how much money you can get back if the surge protector fails. Properly protect the devices connected to it (assuming the devices and surge protector were being used properly at the time of the accident).
Additional Features: Some of the best surge protectors offer additional features beyond just surge protection. These features may include built-in USB ports, LED status lights, power filtration, an uninterruptible power supply, and an audible alert system if a surge protector activates and the device it is protecting turns off. Look for added features that you need or that the devices connected to it will benefit from.
“Surge protectors with features like EMI filtering, RFI filtering, and automatic shut-off improve device life and energy efficiency,” says Eugene Madondo, founder of Recon.
