This morning I woke up to the startling sound of my backup alarm clock. Thinking we’d had a power outage, I looked at my digital clock radio, which showed the correct time even though the alarm didn’t go off.
As I walked into the dark kitchen, I could see the glow of the coffeemaker’s clock. I flicked on the lights and poured myself a cup of coffee — which was ice-cold. I tried to turn on the TV and nothing happened. That’s when I realized that during the night our electronics had been zapped by the silent killer: a power surge.
Today’s electronics and appliances are smarter — and more sensitive — than ever. Take a look around and you’ll see sensitive electronics everywhere: TVs, stereos, computers, microwaves, stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, etc.
And don't overlook furnaces, washers and dryers: The new ones contain microprocessors that can easily be incapacitated by a power surge resulting from a nearby lightning strike, a downed power line or even a motor’s starting or stopping in your air conditioning unit, furnace or vacuum cleaner.
The best way to protect electronics is with a surge suppressor, a device that absorbs large voltage spikes so they can’t cause damage. The amount of protection a surge suppressor offers is measured in joules, a quantification of how much energy the suppressor can successfully absorb. A higher number indicates greater protection and longer life expectancy because the device will divert more energy elsewhere.
A good suppressor should be rated for 1,000 joules or more and be UL 1449-certified. (Underwriters Laboratories evaluates surge suppressors for fire, electric-shock and personal-injury hazards as well as for how much voltage they can suppress.)
A higher price does not necessarily indicate superior protection. Always look at the joule rating when comparing devices.
Here are examples of the various types of surge suppressors available:
Point-of-entry, whole-house surge protection
A whole-house surge suppressor provides a common, low-impedance path to the ground for electrical, telephone and coaxial-cable TV systems. It is installed at the main circuit panel and protects all devices in the house. It usually requires the use of two 15- or 20-amp circuit breakers. The Intermatic model 4870 costs about $80 at The Home Depot; more powerful (and more expensive) models are available from electrical contractors.
Point-of-use surge protection
Not all power strips provide surge protection: Choose only devices that are UL 1449-rated, meaning they have met the UL standard for surge suppressors. Associated with the UL listing is a number indicating the maximum amount of voltage the suppressor will allow to flow to your equipment. The lower this voltage rating, the better; 330 to 400 volts is best.
Point-of-use surge suppressors are great for protecting home-theater components, computers, modems and small electronic appliances. Many styles and brands are available, so shop carefully. The Power Sentry Seven-Outlet Home Electronics Surge Protector is rated for 2,450 joules and costs about $15 at Walmart.
Personal surge protection
Smaller versions of the point-of-use suppressors are great for travelers to use in hotel rooms or airports. The Belkin BZ103050vTVL Mini Surge Protector/Dual USB Charger is rated for 918 joules and costs about $20 at Target and The Home Depot. It features two USB ports for charging portable electronics such as MP3 players and cell phones.
Most manufacturers offer a warranty on surge suppressors, but the warranties are often vague about coverage. Some warranties cover replacement of the surge suppressor only; others also cover repairs to the devices the suppressor failed to protect. Refer to the manufacturer’s literature for more information on the coverage provided, and be sure to save your receipt for any claims.