How To Choose The Best Surge Protector for Your Home
Investing in electronics can truly add up over time, so it’s important to protect your devices from electrical surges. And the best way to do that is with surge protectors. These ensure that your electronic devices and home appliances don’t get damaged in the event of a power surge. In this article, we discuss why surge protectors are important, how they work, and how to choose the best surge protector for your home.
What is a surge protector?
A surge protector is a device designed to protect electrical equipment from voltage spikes by acting as a barrier between the outlet and the electronics. Voltage surges can occur due to events like lightning strikes, power grid issues, power outages, or appliance malfunctions. Without the appropriate safeguards, these surges can damage sensitive electronics, resulting in costly repairs or even a full replacement.
How does it work?
Surge protectors work by disbursing and diverting excess electricity safely away from the connected pieces of equipment. When the voltage exceeds the safe threshold, the remaining amount of electricity is diverted into a ground wire, helping to prevent damage to important pieces of property.
Is a surge protector safe?
As long as the surge protector has been tested and verified as safe and reliable, then yes! Most surge protectors are safe when used correctly.
How much do surge protectors usually cost?
The cost associated with surge protectors is often dependent on the type and the unit’s specifications. Some basic surge protector strips cost around $10, while other, more advanced, multi-use setups can cost over $100.
Types of surge protectors for the home
While most may be familiar with strip protectors, there are other options available on the market. Knowing the difference between each type can help determine which method is the best option for your household electrical needs. Here are several types of surge protectors you can find for your home:
Whole-house surge protectors
These heavy duty surge protectors live up to their namesake. Whole-house surge protectors are installed at the connection point of your home’s electrical panel. Although they are much more expensive and require installation from a professional, these units provide comprehensive coverage for your home and protect all devices plugged into the outlets inside your home.
Surge protector strips
Looking for the most common and affordable way to protect your appliances? Surge protector strips are what most use to safeguard their electronics. These easy-to-use solutions plug right into an outlet and protects all devices that are plugged into the docking station while also acting as an extender cord for easy access.
Wall-mounted surge protectors
Similar to surge strips, wall-mounted surge protectors also plug directly into an outlet - the key difference is that wall-mounted protectors are small and take up less space as they remain on top of the outlet itself. These types of surge protectors can also come with USB outlets for a more diverse way to plug in things like cell phones, cameras, and gaming devices.
How to choose the Best surge protector
When choosing a surge protector, consider these five factors before making a purchase:
Joule rating
The joule rating indicates how much energy can run through the surge protector prior to it failing. The higher the joule rating, the more protection the device offers. An average good joule rating is 600 to 1,000, but for valuables, the rating should fall somewhere around 2,000 joules or higher.
Clamping voltage
Clamping voltage references the threshold at which the surge protector begins to divert excess voltage. For optimal results, find something with a clamping voltage of 330 to 600.
Response time
Think of the response time as the surge protector's reflexes. This value measures how long it takes for the unit to trip and react to a surge — the quicker the better!
Number of outlets
Need to plug in a few different devices? Surge strips come with around 6 to 12 outlets for use, while wall mounts generally only offer one or two. Be sure to account for the number of outlets you will need in one area prior to purchasing.
Number of connections
Some protectors offer other connection options such as USB and USB-C ports. Take full inventory of your electronics and if that outlet could benefit from additional connection types.
Young Cardinal is Here to help you find the best surge protector for your home!
Keep electronics safe from power surges and enjoy peace of mind with the right surge protector! Whether you purchase your products in person or online, Young Cardinal Electric is here to help you with your surge protector needs. Contact our team with any home electrical questions you may have.