You got the holiday lights. You’ve plugged in your foot warmer. Let’s also not forget the phone, the computer, your mobile phone’s charger and –oh— that electric photo frame that your mom got you two Christmases ago. To make sure that you don’t burn down your cubicle during the holiday season, it’s important to purchase a surge protector. How do you know what type to get? Well that’s what we’re here for!
Power Surge vs. Power Strip – What’s the difference?
Both have multiple plug-ins for electronics; so it’s easy to get confused. What it boils down to is that a surge proctor protects you from an electrical surge. It makes sure that your equipment doesn’t get more then it’s recommended voltage in the event that there’s a voltage spike.
How Power Surges Work
Usually, a surge protector works in one of two ways. The first way is by limiting voltage. It only lets through what your equipment is required, and it blocks all the rest. The second is by shorting the voltage to a safe source, such as the ground.
Choosing a Power Surge
Choosing the right power surge comes down to a lot of preferences. First and foremost, buy the surge with the right number of ports. Consider what you always have plugged in (such as your computer) and also think about things you occasionally plug in (such as a phone charger). Any surge protector you buy should come with a UL seal, which makes sure it’s a “transient voltage surge suppressor.” It’s also a good idea to inquire about any product warranties, in the event that the area you’re in receives a lot of spikes and you need to renew your product.
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