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General discussion

Surge protector buying tips

Mar 20, 2010 1:53PM PDT

Our current surge protector is now 10 years old, and I've decided to buy a new one. Does anyone have any advice for buying one (as in, how much protection I should seek)? The only threads I saw here in a search were several years old. Is there a minimum of joules of protection that I should get? I don't recall the last blackout so I'm not sure I need a UPS along with it.... Also, can anyone recommend any brands?

Discussion is locked

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This is the most recent...
Mar 22, 2010 8:45AM PDT
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Visit the support websites
Mar 23, 2010 3:21AM PDT

APC and Tripplet offer basic protection info/details so visit their respective support websites.

When it comes to protection, buy what you can afford or absolutely whats needed. You have no protection if you buy below your required level and if repeated power surges occur they do "DEGRADE" the surge protection if not take it out. While that can be limited in its use, once actually coming into play, the surge protection can be a one time saver, so be sure to review it now and then or check it. Alas, all protection should include decent home wiring(3-wire), surge, UPS and lightening apparatus.

tada -----Willy Happy

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OK Thanks
Mar 25, 2010 12:57AM PDT

to you both. I read the article linked to above. It had a few good ideas. I will also look over the sites of those two manufacturers as well. Don't know why I didn't think of that one before. Happy


OK then I take it there is no magic number of joules I should look for? This is basically just to power our desktop, scanner, printer, cable modem, and two routers.

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I suggest further...
Mar 28, 2010 11:13AM PDT

Sorry for the late reply...

When it comes to joules, the higher rating the better. If you can afford better then get it. No surge protection is capable of stopping everything out there but helps reduce damage and/or manage as best as possible. Understand once a surge is detected and actually been engaged, best to replace. It maybe downgrade of its capabilities but also actually done in and can't provide any more protection. One reason I buy with "tell-tale" LED to see if activate still.

tada -----Willy Happy