Surge Protectors - are you protected?

[Martin (deal addict)]

Dynex 7-Outlet Surge Protector (DX-SP100181).

Is this the best value out there? I dont need all 7 ports. Its needed to protect a $2k TV. Any performance difference between Dynex and Monster - these seem to be the main brands FS carry? Is it the same story as with Monster cables? I thought it might be a good idea to get the protector from FS as this is where I bought the TV.

[coriolis]

Is there a Factory Direct near where you live? They have(had?) a decent Belkin kit.

[RastaManMax]

I'd go with the Dell Belkin. Got one for my parents TH50PZ80 and just ordered another over the weekend for my LN37A530. It was and might still be on for $23. It has been on for $20 in the past on DOD's if you can wait then again it's only $3. I trust Belkin more than Dynex.

Monster is overpriced. Can't really comment on the quality but it'd better be damn good for the amount they charge.

LEMAR

[Martin (deal addict)]

Is there a Factory Direct near where you live? They have(had?) a decent Belkin kit.

Thanks. Yes - there is a Factory Direct in London. They have a range of Balkin power bars on their website at very good prices. There is no mention of insurance coverage on protected equipment though. I guess I can phone up and ask.

[Martin (deal addict)]

I'd go with the Dell Belkin. Got one for my parents TH50PZ80 and just ordered another over the weekend for my LN37A530. It was and might still be on for $23. It has been on for $20 in the past on DOD's if you can wait then again it's only $3. I trust Belkin more than Dynex.

Monster is overpriced. Can't really comment on the quality but it'd better be damn good for the amount they charge.

LEMAR

This one looks good but price is getting up there:

The 9-Outlet PureAV™ Home Theater Surge Protector from Belkin® is your premiere solution for clean and safe power. Using advanced design elements and high-quality construction as well as high circuitry-including ... Full Description
Starting From $45.99

You Save $16.00

Now $29.99

[zzz3]

Quick question, how do you determine how many joules you need? Is it important? This Dynex one (see link below) was on sale for $89 a few weeks back, is it any good (has 6000j rating)? Thanks
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10060269&catid=10677

[Martin (deal addict)]

Quick question, how do you determine how many joules you need? Is it important? This Dynex one (see link below) was on sale for $89 a few weeks back, is it any good (has 6000j rating)? Thanks
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10060269&catid=10677

I've just started looking into these. The Joule rating is how much energy it can absorb/block before it is destroyed. The question is what happens if there is a second surge - I would hope it fails safe but I have heard some don't - if so you would lose your protection if there were a series of surges. basicaly i'm intesested in protecting my equipment and would be happy to sacrifice a surge protector as long as it failed safe. Another question is sensitivity - are the meaty ones less sensitive to small surges?

[zzz3]

I've just started looking into these. The Joule rating is how much energy it can absorb/block before it is destroyed. The question is what happens if there is a second surge - I would hope it fails safe but I have heard some don't - if so you would lose your protection if there were a series of surges. basicaly i'm intesested in protecting my equipment and would be happy to sacrifice a surge protector as long as it failed safe. Another question is sensitivity - are the meaty ones less sensitive to small surges?

So how much joules is needed, is it based on your equipment :confused:

[Martin (deal addict)]

So how much joules is needed, is it based on your equipment :confused:

Found the following:

Surge Protector Ratings

On a listed surge protector, you should find a couple of ratings. Look for:

Clamping voltage - This tells you what voltage will cause the MOVs to conduct electricity to the ground line. A lower clamping voltage indicates better protection. There are three levels of protection in the UL rating -- 330 V, 400 V and 500 V. Generally, a clamping voltage more than 400 V is too high.

Energy absorption/dissipation - This rating, given in joules, tells you how much energy the surge protector can absorb before it fails. A higher number indicates greater protection. Look for a protector that is at least rated at 200 to 400 joules. For better protection, look for a rating of 600 joules or more.

Response time - Surge protectors don't kick in immediately; there is a very slight delay as they respond to the power surge. A longer response time tells you that your computer (or other equipment) will be exposed to the surge for a greater amount of time. Look for a surge protector that responds in less than one nanosecond.

You should also look for a protector with an indicator light that tells you if the protection components are functioning. All MOVs will burn out after repeated power surges, but the protector will still function as a power strip. Without an indicator light, you have no way of knowing if your protector is still functioning properly

[zzz3]

Found the following:

Surge Protector Ratings

On a listed surge protector, you should find a couple of ratings. Look for:

Clamping voltage - This tells you what voltage will cause the MOVs to conduct electricity to the ground line. A lower clamping voltage indicates better protection. There are three levels of protection in the UL rating -- 330 V, 400 V and 500 V. Generally, a clamping voltage more than 400 V is too high.

Energy absorption/dissipation - This rating, given in joules, tells you how much energy the surge protector can absorb before it fails. A higher number indicates greater protection. Look for a protector that is at least rated at 200 to 400 joules. For better protection, look for a rating of 600 joules or more.

Response time - Surge protectors don't kick in immediately; there is a very slight delay as they respond to the power surge. A longer response time tells you that your computer (or other equipment) will be exposed to the surge for a greater amount of time. Look for a surge protector that responds in less than one nanosecond.

You should also look for a protector with an indicator light that tells you if the protection components are functioning. All MOVs will burn out after repeated power surges, but the protector will still function as a power strip. Without an indicator light, you have no way of knowing if your protector is still functioning properly

Thanks the dynex seems to have very good specs(like the clamping voltage at 330), clean power and great reviews as well. Are there any other alternatives on sale with similar specs at the moment?

[Riffer]

..... Its needed to protect a $2k TV.....

Remember that everything that connects to the TV has to be on the same surge protector or you have accomplished nothing. The receiver, cable coax, everything.

[Martin (deal addict)]

Remember that everything that connects to the TV has to be on the same surge protector or you have accomplished nothing. The receiver, cable coax, everything.

The connections to the TV will be 1 HDMI cable via a HDMI switcher and the TV power lead. The TV will be connected to a different recepticle to the switcher as they are not co-located. Are you saying my switcher and TV need to be on the same protector? This would mean installing a surge protector on the main panel.

[Tha_Doggg]

I have 3 APC surge protectors in my house. Located where all of my expensive electronics are. I tend to stick with APC, don't really trust any other brands for surge protectors.

[KorruptioN]

Kinda skimmed through the topic, but the original question of whether you're protected comes to mind.

You're not really protected. Surge protectors protect against surges, and not much else. Lightning spikes that come down the line mean your surge protector is just another target. Your surge protector will also do nothing in the event of a brownout (worse than a surge, IMO). And lastly, after so many surges, they just turn into regular power strips as the MOV (metal-oxide varistor) becomes inactive.

If you want protection, get a UPS. Dell has some Belkin units (with automatic voltage regulation, a significant feature) on sale for ~$50 every once in a while with free shipping. That's how I got my two.

[Scott84]

Got a built in surge protector on the new fuse panel put into the house.

And I have a bunch of surge protectors I still use.

Either way, if you guys need to replace your fuse panel, get one with a built in surge protector. My old one didnt.

[maniacshopper]

Dynex 7-Outlet Surge Protector (DX-SP100181).

Is this the best value out there? I dont need all 7 ports. Its needed to protect a $2k TV. Any performance difference between Dynex and Monster - these seem to be the main brands FS carry? Is it the same story as with Monster cables? I thought it might be a good idea to get the protector from FS as this is where I bought the TV.

Belkin Compact Surge Protector - 8 Outlets, 4 FT, 2130 Joule Rating (BZ108000-04)

$22 at CC, this is the one I have.

http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=019668&cid=PS.405

[Aske001]

Another limitation of all the cheap surge protectors is that they normally protect against over-voltage only between 2 of the 3 power leads. Various circumstances can cause power surges between any of the 3 leads, e.g., if a car knocks a power pole over in your neighbourhood and the wrong wires touch each other.

I don't know anyone who has ever successfully made a claim on the surge protector insurance for equipment damaged. Does anyone?

[Riffer]

The connections to the TV will be 1 HDMI cable via a HDMI switcher and the TV power lead. The TV will be connected to a different recepticle to the switcher as they are not co-located. Are you saying my switcher and TV need to be on the same protector? This would mean installing a surge protector on the main panel.

That's a good question. Could a surge travel along the HDMI line? As a practical matter, if the TV is isolated and the switch/receiver/etc on the other end is seperately isolated, you would only have to worry about a difference in potential between the two systems. For example, I have seen this happen with RCA interconnects, manifesting itself in 60Hz hum. I know the two systems can be isolated by digital optical and USB cables, but I am not sure about HDMI.

[Nyte]

i have 3 apc surge protectors in my house. Located where all of my expensive electronics are. I tend to stick with apc, don't really trust any other brands for surge protectors.

+1

[felix]

Another +1 for APC. Had cheaper brands before which had problems. So far no problems with my APC surge protectors and UPS's.

[Gee]

I have a couple of these

http://www.ubid.com/APC_GM6_Game_Manager_Surge_Protector/a602354864.html

420 Joules - 6 Outlets

If anyone needs one, I have two left brand new in the box. I paid $20 for them.

[warpdrive]

This is the one I use on my home theater system

http://catalog.belkin.com/images/product/AP41300fc12-BLK/FUL1_AP41300fc12-BLK.jpg

In reality, surge protectors are a good idea. Factory Direct has good deals on the Belkins, otherwise I'd go with APC which have always had very good disclosure with their spec sheets

[l69norm]

Got a built in surge protector on the new fuse panel put into the house.

And I have a bunch of surge protectors I still use.

Either way, if you guys need to replace your fuse panel, get one with a built in surge protector. My old one didnt.

If some of you guys are looking for whole house surge suppessors ($42 US), check out:
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=696721

[PSiBeR]

I don't know too much about surge protectors, but there was a thread about this certain one last year, and everyone was raving about it.

The Belkin BE9103

http://factorydirect.ca/catalog/product_spec.php?pcode=BE9103

If you can get one its pretty good, but also its a pretty large surge protector. I think it was $30 last yr..

I have this connected with:

- PS3
- Sony HTIB
- HD-A3 Player
- Philips DivX player
- Rogers 4250 HD Box
- 46" LCDTV

[Gee]

Surge supressors offer little protection. They are cheap enough, so people buy them. Better to have a little protection instead of none.

If you get a spike, it will trip the fuse. That is all it offers. Your power supply has a fuse too.

Unless you get lightning to strike your house, you have nothing to worry about.

If you want real protection, get a line conditioner or an active UPS.

[Martin (deal addict)]

This is the one I use on my home theater system

http://catalog.belkin.com/images/product/AP41300fc12-BLK/FUL1_AP41300fc12-BLK.jpg

In reality, surge protectors are a good idea. Factory Direct has good deals on the Belkins, otherwise I'd go with APC which have always had very good disclosure with their spec sheets

Looks fantastic - must be expensive.

[user01]

I use the general APC power surge which can be brought for $20 and there's no point paying for more unless your a typical baller. The moral is all surge works the same way... :|:|:|

[Martin (deal addict)]

If some of you guys are looking for whole house surge suppessors ($42 US), check out:
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=696721

Thanks for putting me onto the above great thread - I'll look into the whole house suppressor for sure.

Initial thoughts - it reacts in 5 nanoseconds which seems slow compared to the recommended < 1 nanosecond. Need to reseach but this may be good as an added layer of prtection (garage door openers, fridges, stoves, washers and dryers etc.) its the electrical boards anbd panels that seem to get fried.

Lightning struck my neighbours house in the summer. Luckily I unplug my equipment or switch off surge bars when not in use. My son left his Wii on and he lost the power supply plus I lost 1 of 2 garage openers (different makes). Could have been worse. Neighbour lost practicaly all electrical gear.

[l69norm]

Thanks for putting me onto the above great thread - I'll look into the whole house suppressor for sure...

They have a group buy going now (to save on shipping).

[vsaint]

The APC Gaming Surge is just a Power Tap.
Just bought one and on the bottom it has a sticker that says UL Power Tap.
There very loose on standards.

You want one that has a UL Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor sticker.
Meaning that it passed the UL standards for Surge protection.

check out link for picture of sticker.
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/surge-protector6.htm

[betamaxman]

Surge supressors offer little protection. They are cheap enough, so people buy them. Better to have a little protection instead of none.

If you get a spike, it will trip the fuse. That is all it offers. Your power supply has a fuse too.

Unless you get lightning to strike your house, you have nothing to worry about.

If you want real protection, get a line conditioner or an active UPS.
+1
Was about to post this myself. Also the only thing that will protect you from lightening is to unplug the unit in a storm. Lightening will even jump the switch in a power bar. Unplugging is the only thing that works for sure.

[teoconca]

Thanks. Yes - there is a Factory Direct in London. They have a range of Balkin power bars on their website at very good prices. There is no mention of insurance coverage on protected equipment though. I guess I can phone up and ask.
Canada Computers has this one cheaper $19 for cash payment. This one has 12 outlets and 3780 Joules. There is a London location too.
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=017582&cid=PWP.437

[MasterXan]

I got a Monster PC800 (before I knew any better :D) for my PC a few years ago and it does 1665 joules. I dunno if that's enough.

And I got a APC PF11VT3 for my TV, 360 and PS3 and it does 2030 joules. I'm planning to get a home theater system soon and I dunno if this is good enough.

oh yeah, most surge protectors have telephone and LAN jacks (and some even have cable outlets as well) but do surges go through cable, telephone and LAN as well? is it important to hookup my cable, LAN and telephone through these surge protectors?

[betamaxman]

I can't see any benefit from hooking your telephone and cable through your surge suppressor.

[Phantasm]

I can't see any benefit from hooking your telephone and cable through your surge suppressor.

You think phone lines, cable lines, and sat dishes are immune to lightning?

Back in the mid 90's I had a power surge come in my phone line during a storm and it fried my 14.4 modem.

[betamaxman]

And guess what. No surge protecter in the world would of stoped it anyway.
As mentioned spend your money on a good line conditioner.

[kxs250]

Surge supressors offer little protection. They are cheap enough, so people buy them. Better to have a little protection instead of none.

If you get a spike, it will trip the fuse. That is all it offers. Your power supply has a fuse too.

Unless you get lightning to strike your house, you have nothing to worry about.

If you want real protection, get a line conditioner or an active UPS.


Kinda skimmed through the topic, but the original question of whether you're protected comes to mind.

You're not really protected. Surge protectors protect against surges, and not much else. Lightning spikes that come down the line mean your surge protector is just another target. Your surge protector will also do nothing in the event of a brownout (worse than a surge, IMO). And lastly, after so many surges, they just turn into regular power strips as the MOV (metal-oxide varistor) becomes inactive.

If you want protection, get a UPS. Dell has some Belkin units (with automatic voltage regulation, a significant feature) on sale for ~$50 every once in a while with free shipping. That's how I got my two.



How is this (http://www.costco.ca/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=10324867&search=surge&Mo=1&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-CA&Nr=P_CatalogName:BCCA&Sp=S&N=0&whse=BCCA&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BCCA&Ne=4000000&D=surge&Ntt=surge&No=1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1) Belkin unit from Costco? The description says that it has Power Conditioning. I want to buy adequate protection for my home theater but don't want to spend too much $$$.