The Ultimate Buying Guide for Surge Protector Box
Overview
A surge protector box is a device that protects your electronic devices from power surges, spikes, and other electrical disturbances. It is an essential device for anyone who wants to protect their expensive electronics from damage. In this buying guide, we will discuss the various types of surge protector boxes, key considerations when buying one, features to look for, prices, tips, and frequently asked questions.
Types
1. Basic Surge Protector Box: This type of surge protector box is the most common and affordable. It provides basic protection against power surges and spikes and is suitable for low to medium-end electronics.
2. Advanced Surge Protector Box: This type of surge protector box offers more advanced features such as automatic shutdown, surge protection indicator, and more outlets. It is suitable for high-end electronics and home theater systems.
3. Whole House Surge Protector Box: This type of surge protector box is designed to protect your entire house from power surges and spikes. It is installed at the main electrical panel and provides protection to all the devices connected to your home's electrical system.
Key Considerations
1. Joule Rating: The joule rating indicates the amount of energy the surge protector box can absorb before it fails. The higher the joule rating, the better the protection.
2. Number of Outlets: The number of outlets you need depends on the number of devices you want to protect. Make sure to choose a surge protector box with enough outlets for your devices.
3. Clamping Voltage: The clamping voltage is the voltage at which the surge protector box will start to divert excess voltage away from your devices. A lower clamping voltage provides better protection.
4. Response Time: The response time indicates how quickly the surge protector box can react to a power surge. A faster response time provides better protection.
Features
1. Automatic Shutdown: This feature automatically shuts down your devices when a power surge is detected, providing additional protection.
2. Surge Protection Indicator: This feature alerts you when the surge protector box has reached its maximum capacity and needs to be replaced.
3. EMI/RFI Noise Filtering: This feature filters out electromagnetic and radio frequency interference, providing cleaner power to your devices.
4. USB Charging Ports: This feature allows you to charge your mobile devices directly from the surge protector box.
Prices
The price of a surge protector box varies depending on the type, features, and brand. Basic surge protector boxes can cost as little as $10, while advanced surge protector boxes can cost over $100. Whole house surge protector boxes can cost several hundred dollars.
Tips
1. Choose a surge protector box with a higher joule rating for better protection.
2. Look for a surge protector box with a low clamping voltage for better protection.
3. Consider the number of outlets you need before buying a surge protector box.
4. Look for surge protector boxes with additional features such as automatic shutdown and surge protection indicator.
FAQs
Q: Do surge protector boxes wear out over time?
A: Yes, surge protector boxes have a limited lifespan and need to be replaced periodically.
Q: Can surge protector boxes protect against lightning strikes?
A: No, surge protector boxes cannot protect against direct lightning strikes. However, they can protect against power surges and spikes caused by lightning.
Q: Can I plug a surge protector box into another surge protector box?
A: No, it is not recommended to plug a surge protector box into another surge protector box as it can reduce the effectiveness of both devices.
Q: Can I use a surge protector box with a power strip?
A: Yes, you can use a surge protector box with a power strip, but make sure the power strip is not also a surge protector.