How Surge Protectors Work

By: Tom Harris & Talon Homer  | 

Surge Protector Ratings


  • 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 means your 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.

Better surge protectors may come with some sort of guarantee of their performance. If you're shopping for more expensive units, look for a protector that comes with a guarantee on your equipment. If the unit fails to protect your equipment from a power surge, the company will replace it.


Surge Protector FAQ

What does a surge protector do?
The main job of a surge protector is to protect devices from power surges, or an increase in voltage significantly above the designated level of electricity. If the surge is high enough, it can cause some heavy damage on electronics and appliances in your home.
Are all power strips surge protectors?
Surge protectors and power strips look very similar, but not all power strips are surge protectors. In fact, many are just glorified extension cords.
Is a whole-house surge protector worth the money?
Whole-house surge protectors are called "surge arrestors". These protect all the circuits in your house from a certain range of voltage surges, but only ones coming from outside sources like utility company problems, lightning, and transformer switching. They only cost $300-600 including installation and you may qualify for a discount on your home insurance, so it can be well worth the cost.
What are the types of surge protectors?
There are four common types: basic power strips, better power strips, surge stations, and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) strips. The cost, protection rating, and additional features increase from basic to UPS.
Do wall outlets have surge protection?
Standard electrical outlets (including three-prong) don't have protection against power surges. Surge protectors are primarily sold in the form of power strips or bars, although you can buy single-outlet surge protectors that sit flush with the outlet.

Originally Published: Jan 5, 2001

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