Do UPS's offer less protection against surges than most standard surge suppressors?

[ddeder]

I can buy a standard surge suppressor with 1800 joules of protection for about $20. I see most UPS's under $100 have only 500 or 600 joules of protection. Do I really give up surge protection if I buy a UPS or is there something about the UPS which makes it less necessary to have the higher joules rating?

 

[ViRGE]

While this isn't the most technical answer, UPS's tend to be backed by reputable companies with some good warentees behind them. If you went with a UPS, and a surge blew it, the company should in most cases replace the equipment, although I've never seen a UPS unable to handle a surge.

 

[aka1nas]

A UPS also has a battery backup and can often be used as a line conditioner. My midrange UPS also does its protection at up to 1500VA of load. How much do you think you can load up a $20 surge and still have it give you 1800joules of protection?

 

[Captain4]

From what I've heard, you're more likely to encounter an undervoltage (brownout) than a power surge. In that case, an UPS would be better.

 

[EeyoreX]

From what I've heard, you're more likely to encounter an undervoltage (brownout) than a power surge. In that case, an UPS would be better.

This, of course, depends somewhat on where you live. In my old neighborhood power spikes/surges were fairly common. Also in an area with frequent storms with lightning spikes/surges would be more of an issue. Either way, a UPS is superior to a "surge strip". The only things I use a surge strip for are lower power, low cost electronics. Basically, I use them to add more outlets.

\Dan