Nearly all of my picks have this kind of warranty, often in the range of hundreds of thousands of dollars. It lacks telephone ports and coaxial connectors, but those are rarely used outside of a media center or home office anyway. Bottom Line. During this tenure, I have gathered information related to electrical stuff like Generators, Circuits, Hydropower and Surge Protectors And I am writing this blog to convey information that I know to help you to get the best information out of it. AmazonBasics 8-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector. 20 diuice 2 yr. ago The surge protector does not have a ground pin. When youre looking at ratings, a surge protector rated at 1000-2000 Joules is typically good enough for smaller electronicsnetworking gear, smartphones, printers, and so on. This is a cheaper solution than the smart surge protectors currently on the market. These are the best surge protectors and power strips you can buy. While surge protectors often come in power strip shape, they dont always. Govee RGBIC Neon Rope Lights Review: Your Lights, Your Way. What Is Wayland on Linux, and How Is It Different From X. These also offer surge protection and the ability to plug in multiple devices, but also protect against sudden power loss with a battery backup. Connecting a device to a surge protector provides more protection than simply connecting it to a wall outlet. However, if you must, you are better off daisy-chaining extension cords than surge protectors. That being said, the majority of surge protectors in your store have multiple outlets. the thickness of the wiring). One of the easiest ways to tell if the product you're considering is a basic strip or an actual surge protector is by checking if it has a joule rating. Heres how it works. 9. However, a standard extension cord doesn't have built-in surge protection. Don't plug a surge protector into an extension cord, power strip or another surge protector. Do not use an extension cord. Most quality surge protectors and power strips have a built-in kill switch which will make the surge protector inoperable if it cant provide protection any longer. Surge protectors are a bit more expensive. It depends on the setting. The AC and USB ports are pretty tightly spaced, but thats to be expected on such a small unit. Hard to say. And unlike our other picks, it has a 90-degree plug thats ideal for tight spaces. 'https://':'http://') + 'secure.wufoo.com/scripts/embed/form.js'; s.onload = s.onreadystatechange = function() { var rs = this.readyState; if (rs) if (rs != 'complete') if (rs != 'loaded') return; try { zhiu38i0xc8wb6 = new WufooForm(); zhiu38i0xc8wb6.initialize(options); zhiu38i0xc8wb6.display(); } catch (e) { } }; var scr = d.getElementsByTagName(t)[0], par = scr.parentNode; par.insertBefore(s, scr); })(document, 'script'); 2023 Weather Master Heating & Air Conditioning | Powered byCornerstone Advertising. Electronics like a steady stream of pressure coming from the source, but when a sudden surge of pressure comes barreling through, it can overwhelm electronics and result in damage. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. We select and review products independently. Its ideal for people who have very expensive electronics to protect. Surges can occur for any number of reasons, including lightning strikes and faulty wiring. In this article, we'll discuss a surge protector's average load and what you . This product has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars with 22 reviews on B&H Photo. View On Amazon View On . In terms of design, theres plenty of room to plug on oddly-shaped power pricks. In fact, if a surge protectors surge protection stops working, you can use it as an ordinary power strip. $40.99. This surge protector was among the best at preventing surges. Surge protectors are installed separately in most cases. I feel like this is enough reason to buy it, but it may not be for everyone. So why do you need surge protection anyway? Six of the eight wide-spaced outlets are controlled by this switch, which you can mount somewhere nearby via its included wall mount and sticky-tape. A joule is a measure of energy. "It is so convenient to plug in so many cords in one location. Another common solution that is often used is to create a "mixed daisy chain," by interconnecting several extension cords and surge protectors or power strips in series. Like power strips, most surge protectors plug into a wall outlet and offer outlets for multiple devices. Or maybe a six-legged octopus. We dismissed it because it let through more volts in our testing and its extra height makes it harder to slide under a nightstand. Plus, its cheaper. The protector itself is very flat, with far less bulk than the APC or Tripp Lite. Join 425,000 subscribers and get a daily digest of news, geek trivia, and our feature articles. One of the 22 reviewers said: "Really useful. However, if you're looking for a specific feature or a smaller size (the P11U2 is pretty large), we have more recommendations below. The Anker's smaller size and dedicated USB-C connection are more convenient, but if you're connecting larger wall warts they'll likely fit better on this. How can you tell the difference?Surge protectors will have a rating in Joules of energy showing the maximum voltage it can handle from a power spike. Plain and simple. The misconception about extension cords and surge protectors can be traced to a misunderstanding about the difference between a power strip and a surge protector. Whats the Difference Between a Power Strip and a Surge Protector? A power strip is essentially just a wired, multi-outlet extension of a power outlet. How could they make a difference in the way your computers, laptops and gaming systems function? As for picking out the best surge protector, that can be tricky. However, the rotating outlets add a lot of bulk to an otherwise streamlined unit without adding much utility. Most of the time, no, but there are certain exceptions. If you see a light that doesnt turn on when the surge protector is connected to an outlet, the surge protector has worn down and it just functions as a power strip with no surge protection. Weather Master is committed to 100% customer satisfaction and our team is insured and trained to the highest standards. It really is ideal for the kitchen counter where kids may need to plug in laptops to do schoolwork or charge devices. Tripp Lite offers a limited lifetime warranty that protects against any defects or failures for the life of the productbut be warned that its not considered a defect for the surge protection to eventually wear out as designed. How to View Kubernetes Pod Logs With Kubectl, How to Manage an SSH Config File in Windows and Linux, How to Run GUI Applications in a Docker Container. Plus, rather than the tiny LED you get on most units, this one has a clearly visible strip of plastic on top that lights up to signal that its protection is working. Have you ever looked at the multi-port plug by your computer and wonder, is this a surge protector or just a power strip? As long as you know to look for surge protection, the product packaging (or web product listing) makes it easy to avoid plain power strips and find a surge protector. How-To Geek is where you turn when you want experts to explain technology. During his off-hours, Tony enjoys reading comic books, playing video games, reading speculative fiction novels, and spending too much time on Twitter. We put 16 of the top surge protectors under $100 to the test, and against all of our requirements the APC P11U2 hit the mark, impressing us with its 11 outlets -- six of which have a wide spacing to accommodate larger power adapters -- along with its USB ports that allow you to directly charge your devices, its high joule rating (more on that in a bit) and its long power cord. If you see anything that refers to protection or suppression on it, the device you have in your hands is a surge protector. Three primary factors differentiate extension cords from surge protectors, namely: Many of the surge protectors and extension cords you find on the market have a similar design. These can happen during lightning strikes, power outages, or just a random malfunction in the power grid. Most estimates put the average lifespan of a surge protector at three to five years, and if your home has frequent brownouts or blackouts, you might want to replace your surge protectors as often as every two years. for pricing and availability. 50-ft 12 / 3-Prong Outdoor Sjtw Heavy Duty Lighted Extension Cord. But a simple two-outlet Zero Surge model costs more than $200, exceeding every item on this list by a wide margin. The APC Performance SurgeArrest P11VT3 is nearly identical to our top pick, but it has one fewer outlet and blocked fewer volts in our testing. Firstly, one of the most important things was having enough outlets to fit the wall wart power adapters that come with most products. The Tripp Lite Protect It 12-Outlet Surge Protector TLP128TTUSBB failed to measure up to our top pick during testing, letting more than twice as many volts slip through. A higher joule rating also means a surge protector can absorb more energy before it fails. Power Strip Surge Protector - 6 Widely Outlets with 3 USB Ports (1 USB C), 3-Side Outlet Extender Strip with 5 Ft Extension Cord, Flat Plug, Wall Mount, Small Power Strip for Travel Dorm Room Office. Finally, if you want to protect equipment that could be damaged by a sudden loss of power, a hard disk drive thats susceptible to data corruption, or vital gear, such as a CPAP machine, you should be looking at an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) with built-in surge protection. This is why you wont find a joule rating listed for the PST-8, according to Furmanother surge protectors rely solely on MOVs to absorb energy, so its not an apples-to-apples comparison. Answer (1 of 6): No, any duration of high-enough current to fry an extension cord (by heating the conductor enough to vaporize or to melt the insulation and create a short) would be vastly more than enough to fry the device you're trying to protect. Even though it juts out about an inch, its curved edges allow it to hug the wall fairly seamlessly. Although its expected lifespan is shorter than that of the rest of our picksits rated for 540 joules, versus ratings in the thousands for our other picksit comes with a lifetime warranty, which is impressive for such an inexpensive device. This means that if either of its other two legs (L-G or N-G) breaks down first, it will continue to send power to your devices. In our tests, it averaged a let-through voltage (the remaining amount of the surge that passes through to your devices) of 182.8 volts, well below ULs 400-volt rating. This is perhaps the biggest no-no out of everything mentioned here, and if youre at the point where youre running out of plugs on your surge protector, you probably have too many things plugged in anyway. Its thick, rubberized cord is 8 feet long, making it convenient to run underneath bookshelves and couches. In addition to its outlets, the Tripp Lite TLP1208SAT has two coaxial connectors and three telephone ports. Is The Electric Meter Supposed to Spin? Get Curiosity Boxs Custom Denary Dice in the Autumn Box. Tony is a computing writer at Toms Guide covering laptops, tablets, Windows, and iOS. Surge protectors often (but not always) have a Protected or Protection light on them that lights up when theyre plugged in. On paper, yes, you can. Advanced Energy Saving Surge Protector 7-Outlet 1440 Joules 120-Watt 1875Va Indoor Ac Surge Protector. You can get extension cords with surge protection features. The Belkin 3-outlet Mini Surge Protector with USB Ports is a bit of an oddball but could come in handy for specific situations. A surge protector (sometimes called a "surge suppressor" instead) often comes in the shape of a power strip. This model also typically costs more than most of the compact options we tried. Surge protectors have multiple outlets, just like power strips but they also offer surge protection. Its essentially an extension cord with multiple outlets and no fancy features, although it might have a switch to quickly cut power to all connected devices. When it comes to the best surge protectors, its all too tempting to choose the cheapest option. I have one in my testing lab. Can You Plug Surge Protectors and Extension Cords Into Each Other? It has a critical auto-shutoff feature, more than enough outlets to keep all your gadgets powered, and both coaxial and telephone connectors. Again, technically you can, but its not recommended, as its considered a fire hazard. In our guide to small power strips for travel, we recommend a variety of models that are well suited to stowing in a backpack or suitcase to bring on a trip. And of all the units we tested, it was the sturdiest of the bunch, with a flat and wide base. This could be excused if the Monoprice 12 was a value leader. By submitting your email, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. This is not a comprehensive list of every surge protector weve tested. Tower Manufacturing. This article was edited by Ben Keough and Erica Ogg. The other two outlets are widely spaced from each other, but are close to the bottom of the protector. Find My Store. It has a modern look and a slim design. With 12 outlets and two USB charge ports, it matches the APC Performance SurgeArrest 12. (And bear in mind that lifetime warranties usually arent.). They are both power strips. When we sent 5,000-volt surges of electricity through this model, it suppressed as much as any surge protector we tested (with the exception of the much more expensive series-mode or hybrid options like our upgrade pick). The CyberPower P1004UC has a USB-C port and a USB-A port in addition to 12 outlets, but in our surge tests it shut down permanently after being zapped with 1,800 volts. Between the two, surge protectors are more expensive. Learn more. But the Furman Power Station 8 (PST-8) goes further, providing the best surge suppression of any model we testedenough to give owners of very expensive electronics peace of mind. Weve scoured thousands of deals to find you the very best that our CNET experts recommend. According toCroppMetcalfe, you can overload power strips, starting electrical fires in the process, by plugging too many appliances into a single power strip, plugging multiple power strips into a single wall receptacle, and using a power strip to feed power-hungry devices like refrigerators. Think of voltage as the amount of water pressure in a pipe. The CyberPower Desktop Power Charger is meant for a desk, to plug in accessories or charge phones. Like the TLP1208SAT model, this model performed well in our surge tests, its UL listed, and it has a surge-protection indicator light, a ground/fault indicator light, 12 well-spaced outlets, an 8-foot cord, three telephone ports, a lifetime warranty, and a great joule rating. 7. We tested the cheapest surge protector we could find at a local Walmart (the Hyper Tough 6-Outlet Surge Protector PS682B_B), and it failed spectacularly in pretty much every way. The PST-8s improved protection comes at a cost, and not just in terms of price. Like our SK30USB pick, the Tripp Lite TLP26USBB performed well in surge tests, is UL listed, and has a lifetime warranty. Other things to know about surge protectorsSurge protectors do wear outsome might warn you, but others wont. However, you should only do this as a temporary solution, as extension cords and surge protectors are not recommended to be daisy-chained together in the long term. You're better off using more surge protectors, plugged into their own separate outlets, than fewer. Thats why we suggest looking for a surge protector with an auto-shutoff feature, which stops the device from conveying power when the protection wears out. Instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. The Tripp Lite Protect It 3-Outlet Surge Protector SK30USB offers the portability of our favorite small power strips for travel, but with even more protection. The Accell Power Air used to be our favorite bedside surge protector, but the latest version lacks an auto-shutoff feature. The surge protector is relatively slim and compact, making it an easy fit behind media consoles or televisions. The SK30USB has a three-prong plug, as well as a plastic rod that fits into the bottom hole of the second outlet, ensuring a snug connection. Most people probably won't need this specific type of functionality, but I'm sure some of you are looking at it and know exactly how it will fit in your home. Like our TLP1208SAT pick, this model performed well in our surge tests, its UL listed, and it has auto-shutoff capabilities, ground/fault and surge-protection indicator lights, and a lifetime warranty. Well tell you how to recycle your tech, with privacy tips so you can do so safely. Our top picks were the ones that had the best combination of features, specs, and felt the most practical in normal use. You use it to power multiple gadgets and appliances with a single wall socket. He's written about technology for over a decade and was a PCWorld columnist for two years. As of this writing smart surge protectors are inexplicably expensive. While this is technically correct, it's actually a misconception: In truth, it's against Occupational Safety and Health Administration and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) safety regulations to use a surge protector with an extension cord in either combination. 8 09Klr650 2 yr. ago The Belkin PivotPlug Surge Protector BP112230-08 is similar to our top pick in many ways: It has an auto-shutoff mechanism, an 8-foot cord, three phone ports, two coaxial connectors, and a lifetime warranty. Power Strip with 6 Outlets & 3USB Ports: 6 AC Surge protector outlets(1680 Joules) including 1 Widely Spaced Outlet, 2 USB A Ports & 1 USB C Port (5V/3.0A, 15W) , 6 feet power cord (1250W/10A), Surge protector indicator and 10A Overload Protector switch protects against spikes and fluctuations.Wide range voltage design, can be used on 120v to 240v circuit. It is primarily a safety devicea relatively inexpensive way to protect expensive electronics. Model # 30438062. RELATED: How to Select an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for Your Computer. A lot of electrical fires happen due to overloaded extension cords. The three-outlet Tripp Lite SK34USBB has lots of great features: UL certification, an auto-shutoff mechanism, and a lifetime warranty. Weve removed models that no longer meet our requirements or are discontinued. I am very pleased that I learned about the Anker Strip Surge Protector," said one reviewer. This told us how many volts would be able to reach and potentially damage your devices at home. Surge protectors and extension cords have certain similarities. Check the wattage rating on your gear. Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. A conventional extension cord cannot help you. It has a surge rating of 440 joules. But it does have more surge protection than other barebones power strips. It provides protection to a circuit from sudden voltage surges or spikes. Its fine for your coffee maker, but you probably dont want to hook up your home theater system to it. Model # SC73T1. A Message from Weather Master about COVID-19. You probably noticed a recurring theme here. Can Power Companies Remotely Adjust Your Smart Thermostat? So, regardless of shape or size, all units on this list will give strong levels of protection. It can auto-detects your connected devices and can reach faster charging efficiency. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate. Belkin USB Power Strip Surge Protector. First of all, many experts believe that daisy-chaining can affect the surge protection abilities of the surge protectors in question. It is best to combine these only with low-current machines and to ensure that the cord and surge protector are rated to work with the same amount of power. ), but its not really a risk thats worth taking, especially considering that there are other (and better) solutions to take advantage of. Think of surge protectors as an extra insurance investment on your items inside your home, albeit a little less expensive. If there are no numbers listed, it is just a power strip. To minimize risk and guarantee safety, the best solution is permanent wiring. The units exterior matches its solid performance with a sturdy, utilitarian shell. The Tripp Lite SpikeCube used to be a pick, but unlike our current picks, it has just one outlet and lacks an auto-shutoff mechanism. That means surge protectors don't last forever. Max output of . Still, it sits cleanly on a wall and can work well next to a nightstand to plug in a lamp and some phone chargers. PortablePowerGuides is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Misused and damaged extension cords (see photos 1-6 below) have caused painful injuries, fires, equipment damage, and regulatory citations and penalties.Take the time to choose the proper extension cord for the equipment being used. The surge protector is backed by a two-year limited warranty. Some models differ in design. (Hexapus?) But our upgrade pick from Furmana hybrid model that costs a fraction of what true series-mode options askproduced similar results in our testing, so we think you should consider it first. But they are not infallible. That undercuts the competition by around $10. Like our top pick, the Belkin 12-Outlet Home/Office Surge Protector BE112234-10 performed well in our surge tests and is UL listed. Secondly, a joule rating was required, and all my picks had joule ratings comparable to or higher than their competitors. They are both power strips. So, what exactly is the difference? This is technically true for surge protectors as well. Even with its smaller size, it wont slide around. 12 Outlet Surge Protector with USB Charging. It has three outlets, one each on the front and sides, plus two USB-A connections. Just make sure not to plug in a heater, generator, medical device, car, or any other major electrical device, as that will voice any warranty protection. Most household power surges dont come close to 5,000 volts, but some are tens of thousands of volts. The power cord is 28 inches long, and the surge protector can sustain 300 joules. You'd be surprised how few accessible outlets many hotels have. Before we get into the nitty gritty of plugging stuff into other stuff, its important to first know a little about surge protectors and extension cords. My favorite Roku is still $40 off after Prime Day, OnePlus 12 leak just confirmed big upgrade to challenge iPhone 15 Pro Max, This is my 9th year covering Prime Day here are the best deals still available, Google TV just got the Roku Channel here's everything you can watch now, iOS 17 beta just borrowed two key Android features what you need to know, This new foldable could take on both the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Google Pixel Fold, The best tech tutorials and in-depth reviews, Try a single issue or save on a subscription, Issues delivered straight to your door or device. (0) 6-Outlet Surge Protector with 6 ft cord. You can find power strips with long cables as well but that isnt the norm. It'd be great to have a minimum or recommended joule rating, but such a thing doesn't exist for these kinds of products. Why you can trust Tom's Guide? GFCI protection in extension cords is an extra layer of safety that helps protect people from electrical shock. Amazons biggest shopping event of the year is officially here. Its state-of-the-art circuitry offers protection for sensitive electronic equipment against larger power surges and more common power fluctuations. It blocks virtually all excess voltage. This will ensure your electronics stay safe, even if it means having to go pick up another unit. How to Use Both Outlet Receptacles with a Bulky Smart Plug. It fits snugly into a wall outlet. These devices do wear down over time, and while there's no easy way to tell how much the protection is reduced, some strips do offer a dedicated "protected" LED. If you want to place furniture flush against the wall in front of the AC outlet, choose a surge protector with a right-angle plug. The best power strip for travel in North America is the easily packable Tripp Lite Protect It 3-Outlet Surge Protectorour top pick for eight years running. The seven-outlet, UL-listed Tripp Lite SUPER725B performed well in our surge tests. The practice is hazardous regardless of whether you are using surge protectors or extension cords. But, when youre just plugging in a coffee maker or toaster, a simple power strip is just fine. Its not cheap, and its warranty could be longer. However, it lacks coaxial connectors. Protects desktops, servers and switches Advanced Surge Protection Against Damaging Power Transients Traveling Over Computer, AV and Network Data Lines. Although, the warranty on the surge protector itself only lasts for 18 months. It also has an auto-shutoff feature, surge-protection and ground/fault indicator lights, a 25-foot cord, a lifetime warranty, and a great joule rating. Shop the Collection. This equals approximately 1,800 to 2,400 watts. Its layout leaves something to be desired, too, with just two AC outlets properly spaced to accommodate large plugs. But while theyre great defenders of your precious gear, they dont last forever. Surge protectors and extension cords have certain similarities. If the surge protector is very old, theres a chance that it no longer functions as a surge protector and needs to be replaced. But, surge protectors also have electronics built in that help prevent power surges from damaging connected devices. This is the biggest difference between ordinary extension cords and power strips. New York, for pricing and availability. Reviews ethics statement. Whether youre looking to replace your old TV or laptop or you want some great everyday non-techie gear, weve got it right here. Read more Surge protectorsoften look just like power strips, but not all power strips are surge protectors. Most manufacturers recommend replacing a surge protector every few years. What is SSH Agent Forwarding and How Do You Use It? It has 612 joules of surge protection, and a five-year, $100,000 connected equipment warranty.
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