Computer Surge Protectors

April 08, 2010, By Jeff Waddle 0 comments

All of the sophisticated computers and other digital equipment we rely on are great but man is it sensitive. And, with wacky weather, rolling brown-outs and other problems plaguing the power grid on any given day, there’s a lot to be sensitive to.

Power surges can come from a variety of sources including on/off cycles of large appliances or power tools, faulty wiring that deteriorates over time, lightning and power grid issues such as downed power lines or brown-outs. Surges can even enter your computer or other equipment through phone and cable lines.

Whatever the source, surges in power over the standard 120 volts for just 10 milliseconds or more can cause a host of problems in high speed microprocessors using increasingly dense chips that are vulnerable to even slight surges. And, with so many things in the digital world using microprocessors, chances of power surge-related damage have shot up in recent years.

That’s why it’s a must to protect your computer, flat screen, stereo and any other valuable pieces of electronic equipment with a surge protector or suppressor. You could even make a strong argument for using them on refrigerators, washers and other appliances although larger appliances are less susceptible but by no means immune.

Enter the Surge Protector

Luckily, a new generation of advanced surge protectors are up for the challenge. Designed to render excess voltage harmless by channeling it to the ground wire, surge protectors help deliver a clean and steady stream of proper voltage to your equipment. They come in a variety of styles and configurations, but here is a rundown of some of the key features you’ll want to consider in a surge protector.

• Multiple outlets: This feature is especially useful if you’re protecting a computer/printer/router setup or a home theater system with lots of components. Some top-end models offer protection for up to 12 plugs.
• Volt clamping: Look for a UL (Underwriters Laboratories) volt clamping rating of 330 (vs. 400) because the lower the rating, the more sensitive the suppressor is to voltage spikes.
• Joule rating: Opposite from the volt clamping rating, the higher the joule rating, the better the protection. Low ratings mean the suppressor may not be able to handle more significant spikes. Cheaper models may not even list their joule rating (usually around 50-200), but superior suppressors offer up to 5700.
• Noise filters: Disruptions on the smooth AC power line sine wave—otherwise known as line noise—can occur between components plugged into the same power source. Filters can keep your TV’s picture at true high-definition and make digital audio crisper as well.
• Phone jacks: Power surges can come through phone lines so some models offer jacks to protect fax machines, cordless phones, digital video recorders (DVRs) and internal computer modems. If two components share a single line, look for a suppressor with a splitter (one line in, two out).
• Coax cable lines: Similar to protecting against phone line surges, coax lines on suppressors keep the bugs out of the cable lines. Some protectors offer three connections in case your system incorporates cable, satellite and antenna coax lines.
• Indicator lights & alarms: Quality suppressors always will have an indicator light (or lights) that will alert you to damaged or deteriorated protection circuitry. In other words, it will let you know if the protector has stopped protecting and that can happen over time because they do wear out. Some suppressors even have an audible alarm that goes off when the system has been compromised.
• Battery back-ups: Some suppressors offer a battery back up system that alerts you (usually an audible alarm) that you’ve lost power and gives you a couple minutes of power so you can save your work and shut down your system safely before power is lost. This is especially useful for computers.

Surge protectors are great but they may not be able to provide total protection against extreme power surges like a nearby lightning strike. So, when you’re traveling or you won’t be using your equipment for a while, the best protection is simply to unplug it. That way, you’ll be saving electricity, too.

Jeff Waddle is a featured contributor to ManoftheHouse.com.