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.
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.
Surge suppressors that solve the space problem
It's can be tough to use all six sockets on a surge strip -- power adapters are often too large or angled in such a way that the take up two sockets. But some clever surge suppressors find a way around the problem.
I recommend: The
Socket Sense expands to accomodate any adapter and the
PowerSquid, with six wires coming out of a common base, keeps adapters separated.
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