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General discussion

how many joules do i really need?

by montrealguy Sep 22, 2008 10:32AM PDT

i just bought a samsung ln46580 brand new in the box. The salesperson at my local best buy told me that " just for the tv , not including any other accessory, i would need at least 2400 joules of protection.
he then gladly showed me a unit by MONSTER that had 6000+ joules for ONLY $ 399.00. I feel that I am being misled because the average i have seen is in the 1600 range.

Can any body explain how to calculate what is actually needed?
Thanks

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2 Posts

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The problem is a lightning stike is 1 to 10 billion joules.

by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Sep 22, 2008 12:11PM PDT

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=JOULES+LIGHTNING+STRIKE&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=

While I'm going to go out on a limb here, you should be getting more if your area is prone to strikes and always putting more as you add more outlet strips around the house. Over the years it adds up.

Skip the Monster line and keep shopping.
Bob

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by jonnybones Sep 22, 2008 2:53PM PDT

I offer this, Monster Power IS over-priced, hands down. Their power centers are damn good though. If you can find one on clearance or at a lower cost, they are worth it. I picked up an HTS1000MKII from amazon for about half what the stores are asking. If you cannot, look into Tripplite, or Belkin.

As a side note, I have an HTS2600MKII for my main power center. To it I have hooked up a 90wpc receiver, a 50" plasma, a dvd player, my cable box, a ps2, my subwoofer, and a Wii. It has 2600 "joules of protection" as they call it, and has never missed a beat. What you heard from the salesperson is probably overkill, but you DO need something.

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