Whether you’re setting up a home office or a data center, a surge protector is one of the most inexpensive yet crucial pieces of hardware you can invest in. Surge suppressors prevent electrical devices from being harmed by power surges, poor wiring, and other voltage fluctuations. It may involve a total blackout or even a momentary decrease in line voltage when the lights will brighten again.
How to Choose a Surge Protector?
The sheer variety of surge protectors on the market today might make choosing one that is appropriate for your current devices appear insurmountable. What characteristics define a reliable surge protector? Is there a tiering system for features?
The following is a rundown of the various aspects of surge protectors that should be taken into account prior to purchase.
Lighting Indicators
Like any other technology, surface protectors have a finite lifespan that decreases with use. In addition, the surge protector can be damaged when diverting a power surge.
Therefore, a surge protector’s indicator light is the device’s primary function. If the surge protector were in good working order, it would show that status here. A replacement surge protector should be purchased if the indicator light stops functioning.
UL Rating
A decent surge protector will have a rating from the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for its protective capacity. The surge protector’s UL certification proves it has passed thorough testing and is up to code. If the surge protector doesn’t have a UL rating, don’t even think about using it.
Restrictive Voltage
Clamping voltage refers to the point at which a surge protector begins diverting power away from connected electronics. Lower clamping causes a surge protector to activate sooner, protecting devices from overvoltage damage.
Joule Rating
The amount of power a surge protector can take before failing is measured in Joules. Most surge protectors have a maximum capacity beyond which they become ineffective.
The higher a surge protector’s joule rating, the more power it can safely absorb. That’s why a surge protector with a greater joule rating tends to last longer.
Response Time
How quickly a surge protector responds to a power spike is called its “reaction time.” Faster protection for items plugged into the surge protector indicates a shorter response time. This protection mechanism lessens the duration of exposure to a surge and improves the safety of connected equipment.
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