When choosing surge protectors for your home, it’s important to focus on safety, capacity, and convenience. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right ones, along with a few recommendations:
What to Look for in a Home Surge Protector
- Joule Rating
- Indicates how much energy it can absorb before it fails.
- Recommended: 2,000+ joules for valuable electronics like TVs, computers, or gaming consoles.
- Number of Outlets
- Choose based on your usage — 6, 8, or 12 outlets are common.
- Look for widely spaced outlets to fit bulky plugs.
- Clamping Voltage
- Lower is better (330V is ideal). It’s the voltage at which it begins protecting.
- UL 1449 Certification
- Ensures it meets safety standards for surge protection.
- Indicator Lights or Alarms
- Let you know if the surge protection is still active or if it needs replacing.
- USB Ports
- Many now include USB-A and USB-C ports for charging phones and tablets directly.
- Wall-Mount or Strip Design
- Wall-mounts are good for kitchens and bedrooms; strips are better behind desks and TVs.
Whole-House Surge Protection
For added protection, especially if you live in an area with frequent lightning or power fluctuations:
- Install a whole-house surge protector at the electrical panel.
- Contact a professional electrical contractor