Mindovermaster Moderator Posted February 27, 2017 Moderator Share Posted February 27, 2017 (edited) Are surge protectors all the same? Is one better than another? what do the joules mean? Right now I have 2 of these: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817106208 One used for my computer, monitor, printer, speakers, a few USB chargers, external HDDs. The other one for my router, modem, phone, desk lamp, etc. These are at least 10 years old. Is there a rule for how long surge protector should last? Or am I OK for another decade? Never had an issue with them. Only reason I ask is because I have a lot of large power cords. Big, bulky... I did try these: https://www.amazon.com/6-Inch-Power-Extension-5-Pack-Outlet/dp/B00DVRUTXW But still looks weird behind the desk. Indulge me... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sc302 Veteran Posted February 27, 2017 Veteran Share Posted February 27, 2017 I would get one that has large adapter capability and some usb capability as well so you don't have to use bulky adapters to charge things. Something like this, it supports 6 wide transformers and 5 smaller plugs and 2 usb cables up to 2.4A draw. Not a bad power strip. 4.5 star rating with over 1100 reviews, can't really say it is all that bad. https://www.amazon.com/APC-11-Outlet-SurgeArrest-Performance-P11U2/dp/B017VXU6GG/ref=sr_1_8?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1488216338&sr=1-8&keywords=surge+protector+with+usb To answer your questions, different surge protectors don't protect the same, that is where ligntening protection and joules come into play. There is some conditioning, but not a lot, with surge protectors. They try to stop the big surges from coming and taking out your equipment. This should help you with understanding surge protectors and why they cost differently/offer better or worse protection between them. http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/home/surge-protector7.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xendrome Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 Are you in an area that is prone to lightning strikes? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mindovermaster Moderator Posted February 27, 2017 Author Moderator Share Posted February 27, 2017 21 minutes ago, xendrome said: Are you in an area that is prone to lightning strikes? We do get lightning, but not that bad. In other words, I'm not out abroad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astra.Xtreme Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 (edited) This is a pretty decent article that lists some basics of how surge protectors work: https://www.cnet.com/news/9-things-you-should-know-about-surge-protectors/ In simple terms, they're comprised of a series of components called metal oxide varistors (MOV) that clamp the surge voltage to a safe level. They're rated in Joules since a the magnitude of a surge is directly dependent on time. Joules = Watts * seconds. Furthermore, the MOV will break down as it's used, so it's not a "live forever" device. The article above explains this, but for example, something rated for 1000 Joules could take one hit of 1000 Joules or 10 hits of 100 Joules, etc. When it's depleted, the device is no longer able to provide protection and needs to be disposed of. Draconian Guppy 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mindovermaster Moderator Posted February 27, 2017 Author Moderator Share Posted February 27, 2017 19 minutes ago, Astra.Xtreme said: This is a pretty decent article that lists some basics of how surge protectors work: https://www.cnet.com/news/9-things-you-should-know-about-surge-protectors/ In simple terms, they're comprised of a series of components called metal oxide varistors (MOV) that clamp the surge voltage to a safe level. They're rated in Joules since a the magnitude of a surge is directly dependent on time. Joules = Watts * seconds. Furthermore, the MOV will break down as it's used, so it's not a "live forever" device. The article above explains this, but for example, something rated for 1000 Joules could take one hit of 1000 Joules or 10 hits of 100 Joules, etc. When it's depleted, the device is no longer able to provide protection and needs to be disposed of. What is the average life span of a surge protector? Just eyeball it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astra.Xtreme Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 9 minutes ago, Mindovermaster said: What is the average life span of a surge protector? Just eyeball it... Honestly it depends on when it has to protect from a surge. The most obvious surge occurrence will be a lightening strike, so it's basically guessing when the next strike will hit near your house. The other crappy thing is that there is no indicator how much life a surge protector has left. Some might have a light that will turn on if it's toasted, but otherwise you don't know if it has 95% life left or 10% life left. If it was me, if a lightening bolt hit my house, I'd probably get new surge protectors, and until that happens, I wouldn't worry about replacing them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mindovermaster Moderator Posted February 27, 2017 Author Moderator Share Posted February 27, 2017 1 minute ago, Astra.Xtreme said: Honestly it depends on when it has to protect from a surge. The most obvious surge occurrence will be a lightening strike, so it's basically guessing when the next strike will hit near your house. The other crappy thing is that there is no indicator how much life a surge protector has left. Some might have a light that will turn on if it's toasted, but otherwise you don't know if it has 95% life left or 10% life left. If it was me, if a lightening bolt hit my house, I'd probably get new surge protectors, and until that happens, I wouldn't worry about replacing them. Is there a way to test how much "juice" it has left? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sc302 Veteran Posted February 27, 2017 Veteran Share Posted February 27, 2017 I am sure there is, do you have a oscilloscope handy and the knowledge to use one? No? If you question it replace it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astra.Xtreme Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 (edited) 7 minutes ago, Mindovermaster said: Is there a way to test how much "juice" it has left? Not to my knowledge, or at least nothing convenient. I use a lot of MOVs in my profession, and all you can do is check if they work or don't work. No middle area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Gary7 Subscriber² Posted February 27, 2017 Subscriber² Share Posted February 27, 2017 What one really needs is an Uninterruptible Power Supply or UPS which most have build in protection. http://www.schneider-electric.com/en/product-category/8000-uninterruptible-power-supply--ups-/ Some are very expensive. I had a very good commercial one that would keep up my two PC's for 4 hours but it was supplied by my company and I no longer have it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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