Circuit and Surge Protection

Tripp Lite

Guide to Surge Protectors and Surge Suppressors

Keep your electronic equipment safe from electrical surprises
By Judy Artunian

	Surge Protector Tips Know your needs. Some devices have surge protection built in. Be comprehensive. Surge protection isn't just for computers. Location, location, location. Consider all-weather for surge protectors when needed.

There is nothing like the abrupt meltdown of a company’s computer system to bring out the raging maniac in all of us. But before you take out your maniacal rage on the computer manufacturer, check to see if your system is connected to a surge protector. Computers, phones and other electronic equipment can be seriously damaged when a sudden change in electricity demand sends a surge of excess voltage through your building’s electrical utility lines and phone lines. Surge protectors (also called surge suppressors—more on that later) connect to your equipment and your wall outlet. They save your devices by keeping most of the excess voltage from reaching the devices. The damaging surges and spikes (which don’t last as long as surges) can happen when an air conditioner or other motor-driven equipment switches on or off. Surges and spikes can also be triggered by lighting storms and when your utility company switches power from one area of the power grid to another.

Although the terms surge suppressor and surge protector are often used interchangeably to refer to the same type of product, true surge protectors usually lose their surge-protection ability after they’re hit by a single electrical surge. This guide doesn’t cover that type of surge protector. To make sure you’re getting the protection you need, check the product’s capabilities before you buy.

Look for these important surge protector and surge suppressor features:

1. A high joule rating. The joule rating tells you how much energy it can absorb. When your suppressor reaches its capacity, it can’t protect your equipment. The higher the rating, the longer the suppressor will last.
2. A low clamping voltage rating. That tells you how much voltage the suppressor will send to your devices before diverting the voltage to the ground.
3. An alarm or light that alerts you when your surge suppressor has stopped working and needs to be replaced.

Action Steps for Surge Protector Shopping

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

All-in-one surge protectors and surge suppressors Save space and money by safeguarding several devices with a single, multiple-outlet surge suppressor. You can also buy a surge protector power strip, but make sure it offers sufficient protection. For the most versatile protection, install surge suppressors that protect your equipment from power surges that shoot through your phone, cable and data lines as well as your electrical lines.

I recommend:  Look for a workhorse such as Belkin’s 8-Outlet SurgeMaster Maximum.

Specialized surge protectors and surge suppressors If every outlet in your multiple-outlet surge suppressor is taken or you need to protect specific types of equipment, look for more specialized surge suppressors.

I recommend:  At PhoneGeeks.com you’ll find surge protection to fit a variety of phone systems. Surgeassure’s SAV1 is designed to keep your cable modem service from conking out due to electrical skips and surges (it also protects your cable TV service, not that you’re watching “The Price is Right” at work). APC and ACData Solutions offer surge protectors for data centers and industrial equipment. Business.com also provides dedicated listings for fuses and circuit breaker accessories and enclosures.

Wild weather surge protectors and surge suppressors Do your computers and lights often go “poof” due to lightening or high winds? If so, you need an outside surge suppressor. These devices, also called surge arrestors, are designed to safeguard your equipment from electrical damage caused by the elements. Some also protect phone and cable lines. They don’t replace your indoor surge protection however, so be sure you’re covered from the inside out.

I recommend:  NoOuttage.com offers a variety of outside surge protectors for commercial applications. If you have a home office, check out the Siemens Circuit Breaker and Secondary Surge Arrester. You’ll also find sources for outside surge suppressors at Business.com.

Tips & Tactics for Picking Surge Protectors

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• For maximum protection, look for power surge protectors that are equipped with power shut-down protection. This feature ensures that your equipment is protected even after your surge suppressors reach their capacity.
• It’s not just devices such as computers, copiers and phones that need surge protection. Be sure to safeguard equipment like security systems and barcode scanners.
• Surge suppressors won’t save equipment from major lightning strikes that hit close to your building. During a heavy thunderstorm, you’re better off unplugging your computers and other equipment.