Let's talk surge protectors- what is one you'd like to see included with a new computer?

[StattlichPassat]

I run a computer business and am about to start offering proper surge protectors with the purchase of any new system (and to also help make me un-responsible when a client comes to me with a shorted out computer because they just had it plugged straight into the wall or with just a simple power strip- warranty legalese is going to be changed too). I currently use a pretty popular Belkin SurgeMaster 900 joule 7 outlet strip that has served me flawlessly for the last 4 years. What should I look for in shopping around and choosing the right strip? The average system leaves my place with a 300w or 400w power supply, and can expect to hold a 19" CRT monitor on that as well, along with probably a printer, fax and some speakers. Maybe a desk lamp.

Let's start throwing out some good name brands that you've had good experiences with, what joule ratings I should be looking for and other critical stuff like that which I'm probably overlooking. Go!

 

[LethalWolfe]

I've always been happy w/APC. And they have enough variety to suit almost anyone's needs.


Lethal

 

[techfuzz]

APC, the ones with the larger flat surface on top for large transformer plugs are very useful! Solid construction too conveys the quality they put into making them.

techfuzz

 

[StattlichPassat]

Totally forgot about APC- which models should I be looking at? What features are needed? Do they have models in the ~$20 range? Really, I'm just looking for a simple surge strip that will reliably protect a system and the equipment that can connect to it.

 

[LethalWolfe]

Originally posted by: StattlichPassat
Totally forgot about APC- which models should I be looking at? What features are needed? Do they have models in the ~$20 range? Really, I'm just looking for a simple surge strip that will reliably protect a system and the equipment that can connect to it.

I'd hit APC's website. They have products ranging from $13 to over $50 and 3 or 4 different product lines just for surge protectors.


Lethal

 

[darqice]

if you can find them for cheap, consider an AVR: automatic voltage regulator: ie battery backup unit as well.

 

[tigerwannabe]

the isobar brand surge protectors have been good to me. they have jacks for modem and when properly grounded, are very tough. i think they will cover your equipment up to $10,000 if it gets damaged by electricity while plugged into the isobar surge protector.

 

[techfuzz]

APC SurgeArrest Professional
APC SurgeArrest Personal

These are the ones that I use. These are a bit more expensive than you're looking for. Try the SurgeArrest Personal series that is a bit cheaper and more in the price range of around $25.

techfuzz

 

[StattlichPassat]

Awesome, thanks techfuzz- can you tell me more about the difference between these joule ratings on the Personal SurgeArrest? Or anyone else?

Surge Protection and Filtering
Surge energy rating 240 Joules
eP Joule Rating 1060

 

[techfuzz]

Joule Rating - A joule is a measurement of energy. The joule rating on a surge protector indicates the amount of energy that a device is capable of absorbing. In general, the higher the joule rating, the better the unit is able to protect your equipment and the longer it will last. The joule rating is determined by the total number of MOV's. An MOV (Metal Oxide Varistor) is a component in surge protectors that absorbs excess electrical energy and clamps the voltage to a safe level.

Still looking for a definition of eP Joule Rating.

EDIT: I tried talking to APC technical support and got the runaround. Apparently no one I talked to could give me a definition of the eP Joule Rating they apply to their own products. They kept pointing me to the definition of what a joule is and I finally gave up.

After some more research I believe that eP could stand for electrical pressure which is another name for voltage. To me that means the surge protector has some kind of maximum rating of X Joules. The higher the rating, the better the surge protector would protect your equipment. This is probably synonomous with Surge Rating.

One more thing I found, APC pointed out that although the surge energy rating is a good indication, the "Let Through Voltage Rating" is a better indicator of quality. This has something to do with how much voltage is let through at the initial spike before the MOV's kick in. Check out their Knowledge Base/FAQ at their site for more information on that.

techfuzz

 

[StattlichPassat]

More great info- thanks, man. Bump for more voices!