What is the difference between a surge suppressor and a power strip?
Both look similar. If you pay between five dollars and twenty dollars for one, it is probably just a power strip. The way to be sure is to look on the device for a clamping voltage and a joule rating. 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. A power strip simply gives you the ability to plug in multiple devices and it does not protect you from power surges or rolling brownouts and lightening strikes. Make sure your comput
