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/pro...69&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/pro...69&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

[Martin (deal addict)]

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

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.