When it comes to protecting your valuable electronics and ensuring your home is safe from electrical surges, the right power strips and surge protectors are necessary. With so many different models available, choosing the best power strips and surge protectors for your home or office can be a bit overwhelming. 

Fortunately, armed with the right knowledge, you can make an informed decision that will protect your devices and enhance your home’s electrical safety. This guide from Thomas Edison Electric will help you choose the best power strips and surge protectors for your needs.

1. Understand the Difference Between Power Strips and Surge Protectors

The first step in selecting the best power strips and surge protectors is understanding their key differences. Power strips provide multiple outlets to expand your power supply, allowing you to plug in multiple devices at once. However, they do not offer any protection against power surges.

Surge protectors, on the other hand, are designed to protect your electronics from electrical surges. They are equipped with a built-in mechanism that diverts excess voltage away from your devices to ensure they are not damaged by sudden spikes in power. These spikes can be caused by lightning strikes, power outages, or electrical malfunctions.

2. Consider the Joule Rating

When shopping for the best surge protectors, the joule rating is one of the most important specifications to look for. The joule rating indicates how much energy the surge protector can absorb before it fails. The higher the joule rating, the more protection your devices will receive.

For example, if you’re protecting valuable electronics like computers or home entertainment systems, look for surge protectors with a joule rating of at least 1000 joules. If you’re only protecting smaller appliances, a lower joule rating may suffice. The typical device has a 1,000 - 2,000 joule rating and higher joule ratings are desirable for sensitive electronics and large devices.

Keep in mind that surge protectors lose their effectiveness over time, so you may need to replace them after they’ve absorbed a significant surge.

3. Look for UL Certification

To ensure safety, always look for power strips and surge protectors that are UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certified. This means the device has been tested for safety and meets stringent safety standards. UL certification indicates that the product is designed to prevent hazards such as electrical fires or malfunctions, offering peace of mind that your home and electronics are safe.

When you choose a surge protector with a UL mark, you’re investing in a product that has been vetted for quality and reliability. If you're unsure whether a product is UL-certified, check the packaging or the product's manual.

4. Check the Number of Outlets

Another key factor to consider is how many outlets you need. Power strips and surge protectors come in various sizes, with some offering just a few outlets and others featuring 10 or more. Think about your current and future needs. How many devices do you need to plug in? Are you likely to add more electronics or appliances in the future?

If you have a lot of electronics or need to power multiple devices at once, look for a power strip or surge protector with enough outlets to meet your needs. Avoid overloading power strips by plugging in too many devices, as this can lead to overheating and potential safety hazards.

5. Consider USB Charging Ports

Many modern power strips and surge protectors come with built-in USB charging ports. These are especially useful for charging smartphones, tablets, and other USB-powered devices. If you frequently need to charge your devices alongside your regular electronics, a surge protector with USB ports can simplify your setup and save you the hassle of using separate chargers.

Check the power output of the USB ports to ensure they meet your charging needs. Higher-powered USB ports will charge your devices faster and more efficiently.

6. Look for Additional Features

Some power strips and surge protectors come with extra features designed to enhance their functionality and safety. For example, some models have built-in circuit breakers that automatically shut off power if the strip is overloaded. This helps prevent fires and electrical hazards.

Another useful feature to look for is a cord that’s long enough to reach your devices but not so long that it becomes a tripping hazard. Surge protectors with swiveling or rotating outlets can also help you save space and reduce clutter.

If you’re using your surge protector in an area with a lot of moisture, such as a bathroom or basement, look for one that is rated for wet environments. These surge protectors are specifically designed to handle the challenges of damp conditions while providing reliable protection.

7. Choose the Right Size and Style for Your Space

Power strips and surge protectors come in many different shapes and sizes. Consider where you plan to use the device and how much space you have available. If you need to plug in devices that are stacked or large, such as power adapters, opt for a surge protector with widely spaced outlets. For office desks or entertainment centers, a slim, low-profile power strip may be more suitable.

Also, consider whether the device will be used indoors or outdoors. Outdoor-rated power strips and surge protectors are designed to withstand the elements and are perfect for powering tools or appliances in your backyard or garage.

8. Regularly Replace Your Surge Protectors

Surge protectors don’t last forever. Over time, the internal components that absorb surges wear out. It’s essential to replace your surge protector every few years or if it has absorbed a significant surge. A good surge protector will often have an indicator light that lets you know if it is still functioning properly, so be sure to check this periodically.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best power strips and surge protectors for your home or office is an important step in protecting your electronics and ensuring electrical safety. By considering factors like joule rating, UL certification, the number of outlets, and additional features, you can find a solution that meets your needs.

At Thomas Edison Electric, we are dedicated to providing expert electrical services throughout Pennsylvania. If you need help choosing the right electrical infrastructure or have any questions about your home’s electrical safety, our team of licensed electricians is ready to assist. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can help protect your home and devices from electrical surges!