Power surges are not only unnerving – but they are dangerous as well. Depending on the gravity of the fluctuation, this power surge can cause as little as a flicker – and as much as a fried hardware system.
For that reason, you need to make sure that you buy only the best surge protector. These little gadgets can keep your utilities safe in case there’s a problem with electricity fluctuation.
If you’re not sure what to look for in a good-quality surge protector, then you have come to the right place. With this guide, not only will we advise you on important features – but will also offer suggestions on a couple of good products.
Best Power Strip Surge Protector
Let’s take a look on our top recommendations for the best power strip surge protector:
Winner: Holsem Small Cubic Power Strip
If you are looking for a versatile yet stylish power surge protector, then this Holsem model is definitely the best choice for you. Not only does it look good and classy, but it’s also compact enough to be dropped into a pocket.
Pros
- Compact design
- Great for all kinds of fast-charging systems
- Fire retardant
- It has a fairly long power cord
- It can also be mounted on walls
Cons
- It is not suitable for flat plug appliances
- Users reported a strange clicking sound after some time of use
The advantage of this power strip surge protector is that it doesn’t use the classic, one-after-another long strip that most models use. Instead, it’s shaped in the form of a cube, with an outlet placed on each side.
This one is a perfect choice if you are traveling. Not only is the size perfect, but it also has a fairly wide voltage range – going from 100v to 230v. This means that you can put anything from a smartphone to something bigger in the outlet.
This cubic power strip also features 3 smart USB ports, all of which have a smart IC technology. This will automatically detect your device and deliver the fastest charging speed possible. The limit, however, is 5V (or 2.4A).
Source: ebay.com
The outside of the cubic surge protector is made from a lightweight plastic. This not only makes it lower-priced than other similar products but also makes it more durable.
It is also fire retardant – which means that it will likely not catch on fire if great power surges were to happen. It can safely handle a maximum temperature of 1,380 degrees Fahrenheit (750 degrees Celsius) which is less likely to go over. You may, however, want to disconnect it quickly if you hear or smell anything odd coming from it.
This cube is wall mountable, which means that you can simply plug it in and not be bothered by the space used. Plus, you also have a 6-foot heavy duty power cord that further increases its portability.
Overall, this is the best surge protector power strip that will fit your safety needs without cramping too much of your space. Furthermore, if you need more outlets, you can just attach them one to another; they were made to be combined safely.
Runner-Up: Poweradd 5-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip
Convenience meets style when it comes to the power strip. Unlike most models that use the long strip, this one uses a flower-type – each petal representing a new petal.
Pros
- Interesting circular design
- It is fairly compact, considering the number of outlets
- The flat wall plug makes it easy for you to place objects or furniture against it
- Variety of port types, from traditional to USB and type C ports
- It is fire resistant
Cons
- It cannot be mounted on the wall
- The USB-C port won’t support MacBook laptops
This surge protector features 5 outlets, 2 USB ports, and also a type C port. For that reason, it’s perfect for any house appliance that you may have – regardless of their connection ability.
The Poweradd features a 5-foot heavy duty cord made from copper. Not only does it conduct electricity like a charm, but it also does it in safety. Copper is one of those metals that deliver without producing a lot of heat.
The power surge protector also features a cable winder that allows you to retract the wire to your desired preference. This means that there will be no troublesome wires for you to trip on – or frown upon.
The shell is fire-resistant – however, keep in mind that it’s not also fireproof. If left unattended, it may melt from the fire. However, if you take out the ignition source, then the surge protector will extinguish by itself in 3 seconds.
Featuring a built-in circuit breaker, this surge protector will automatically shut down if there’s an excessive voltage going through the wires.
With the surge energy of 300 joules and a max power of 1525 watts, a lot of people consider this to be the best power surge protector for all kinds of household utilities.
Considering that it supports as many outlets, it’s not the smallest strip surge protector out there – but it can still be moved easily from one place to another. Furthermore, if you retract the cable, it becomes even more portable.
Overall, if you are looking for the best surge protector for TV, then this one is a great choice. It’s not only good looking, but it can also take a lot of power – while keeping your utilities safe.
Alternative: APC “Surge Arrest” Surge Protector
If you are looking for the best surge protector with a decent amount of “outlet power,” then you may want to try the Surge Arrest by APC. With the option to pick between 8 and 12 outlets, you won’t need to overcrowd the place with outlets.
Pros
- High Joule power
- Many outlets to choose from
- Fast-charging USB ports
- It comes with a lifetime warranty
- $300,000 connected equipment protection
- It can be mounted on a wall
Cons
- The power cord is fairly short
- The surge protection ability will still weaken over time
There are also many joule options for you to pick from, going from 2160 to 4320. It is a great option for people who want to protect larger house appliances such as the refrigerator or the television.
This surge protector also features two USB ports – each having a 2.4 Amp power. This means that all of the gadgets that you want to charge (tablet, mobile phone, etc.) will be dealt with fairly quickly.
Featuring a 6-foot power cord, this surge protector can connect the outlet to almost any corner of the room. While it may not be big enough to go over very big rooms (such as big living rooms), it’s the best surge protector for the average household.
Source: connection.com
Furthermore, this product is also convenient and space-saving. Considering that it features holes on the back, you may easily mount it onto a wall. You will no longer have to trip over the cables each time you pass by.
This model also brings insurance to another level. First of all, the surge protector in itself has a lifetime warranty. This means that if it ever malfunctions in a lifetime, you have every right to request for a free repair or a change.
Furthermore, while it is not likely to be needed, this product also features a $300,000 connected-equipment protection policy.
This means that if your TV was damaged by a surge while being connected to the protector, you’ll receive repairs or a new device. All that it matters is that the costs stay within $300,000.
Overall, this model is definitely the best power strip surge protector to attach your high-power appliances. It’s safe, it’s backed up, and you can rest assured that even in the worst-case scenario, you will not suffer any losses.
Good Value: JACKYLED 3000W Wire Extension Surge Protector Universal Socket, 10 Outlet Plug
When it comes to the JACKYLED 3000W Surge Protector, the first word that comes to mind is superior flexibility. Designed for heavy-duty use, without any chance of compromising your safety, or its performance. Due to the fact that this strip has a power rating of 3000W, it can be used for large appliances, such as refrigerators, washer/dryer units, and more. Not to mention, this gadget is surge protection enabled, with a joules suppression – to keep spikes and overloads away.
Pros
- USB output ports (4 ports)
- 10 AC output ports
- Capable of powering big appliances, all at once
- Casing is made of fire-proof plastic
- Intelligent, multi-compatible ports for charging a variety of devices, such as: cellphones, laptops, tablets, and more
Cons
- A handful of purchasers complained that the cord for this power strip surge protector is shorter than they’d hoped for
Source: connection.com
We spent time reviewing the JACKYLED 3000W Surge Protector, and have determined this power strip is well worth the money. The cable attached to this unit is easy to conceal, just about anywhere in your home or office. The standing structure of this power strip makes for easy access, and a unique design with more than enough plug-in ports to power all of your electronics and/or appliances.
The life of the JACKYLED 3000W Surge Protector is astonishing. After much research, we’ve discovered hundreds of buyers who’ve had this unit for years, with no problems whatsoever. The power supply is significant, and can easily run a home theater system, work office, or a large kitchen full of appliances.
Since both USB and AC power ports are offered on this strip, it’s incredibly versatile and fully capable of supporting all of your power needs.
Best UPS Surge Protector
Here are our top picks for this category:
Winner: APC Back-UPS Surge Protector
If you are looking for the best surge protector for your computer, then you might want to give this APC model a try. It’s a great way to ensure you will not lose your data.
Pros
- Many outlets to plug your devices
- It includes USB charging ports
- Lasting runtime compared to other similar products
- It features a fast-charging construction
Cons
- Some customers complained that the battery life is not as long-lasting
- It is not very compact
Here’s the problem with computers: when there is a power surge and the power is automatically shut down, this will damage your computer. Maybe not instantly – but over time, it definitely will.
The more you forcefully disconnect a computer, without going through the proper shutdown routine, the more your device will have to suffer from it. That’s how we end up with a blue screen and a faulty hard drive.
This is why a surge protector with a battery backup is such an appropriate choice. In the event that there is a power surge and the power is automatically shut down, then the battery will automatically kick in, preventing the shutdown.
Source: apc.com
For this reason, this is deemed to be the best surge protector to keep sensitive electronics safe. The size and power vary when it comes to this model. You may go for the 425VA or you may choose the 850VA. The runtime will also depend on the device that you are powering.
If it’s a high-consumption unit, the 450W battery backup will only last for a couple of minutes. A gaming computer, for example, may only get a couple of minutes runtime – just enough to safely shut down your computer.
Tablets and smaller devices, on the other hand, may last a lot more – so if you still have to work through the power surge, this unit will be very helpful.
Furthermore, considering that this model features 9 outlets (3 simple ones and 6 with battery backup), it’s the best surge protector if you have many connecting cables – like most computers tend to have.
Runner-Up: CyberPower Standby UPS System
No matter if you are looking for the best home theater surge protector or simply for something to keep your WiFi going after a power surge, then the CyberPower is definitely something you may want to take an interest in.
Pros
- LED indicators showing the status of the battery and power
- It comes with sufficient outlets
- It has a fairly big capacity and long runtime
- It includes USB ports
Cons
- Some customers reported odd noises
- The cord is not removable to increase the portability
Featuring several LED indicators, this battery-powered power surge will indicate to you when there’s a power problem or if there’s an issue with the wiring.
The Cyber-Power also features 8 outlets, making it the perfect choice if you have several interconnected cables. Out of those 8 outlets, 4 of them are backed up by the battery and 4 of them are plain ol’ surge protectors.
Source: cyberpowersystems.com
This surge protector also features a USB port for you to charge your gadgets. Plus, considering that it has a 550VA (330W) power, it has a pretty decent runtime – although this will also depend on the gadget that it’s connected to.
The battery features a 3-year warranty during which you may report any malfunctions. Furthermore, in case of a power surge damage, you also get a $100,000 connected equipment guarantee.
It’s definitely the best surge protector you can go for – especially if you want to be safe rather than sorry.
Features To Look For
The best surge protector is different for everyone, depending on what you are looking for. Some may be smaller and more compact; others may focus on power. Some want a USB connection while others want a longer battery life.
Overall, it is just a matter of preference – and obviously, budget. In case you are looking for the best surge protector, here are the features that you might want to keep in mind.
Connectivity
Generally speaking, a power surge protector is meant to protect every device that features a standard AC plug from sustaining dangerous power fluctuations.
Depending on the type of power surge protector that you opt for, it may be plugged directly into the wall or energy panel, or it may have a long cord that connects to an outlet.
The best surge protector will also have an extra feature such as a phone connectivity, Ethernet (network) connections, or even cable connection.
Keep in mind that power strips and surge protectors are different – or at least distant relatives. Every power strip can be a surge protector, but not every surge protector can be a power strip.
A power strip is generally connected by cable – and depending on the model, it may or may not provide surge protection. Make sure to read the label, therefore making certain that you indeed have fluctuation.
Last but not least, you may want to consider how many USB ports a surge protector has – if there are any. Also, you may want to pay close attention to the Amps.
For instance, charging a small device – such as a phone, you generally will not need more than just one amp (1A).
On the other hand, if you want to go with a USB-compatible surge protector, you may want to choose a two-amp (2A) model. This way, your electronics will charge much faster.
Cable Length
Not many people pay much attention to this – although they really should. Still, it would be very awkward to purchase the best surge protector for a gaming PC only to realize that it won’t reach the outlet.
At that point, it can only mean one of two things: wasted money or forced furniture redecoration. It’s for this exact reason that you should always measure the length from your outlet to where you need surge protection.
Size
A surge protector will come in various shapes and sizes. Some may be bulkier, but with more outlets. Others are more compact, but may not have as many places for you to plug in an outlet – and this applies particularly to power strip surge protectors.
Before buying a surge protector with countless outlets, think about it this way: do you really need that many plug-in spaces? If you only have a computer in that area, the chances are that you will not need more than two or three outlets.
At the same time, you may also want to consider the design of your house. If you hate cables lying around, you may want to go for a standard built-in surge protector; it will be a much more attractive option.
Plus, going for an in-wall surge protector will also save you on space, since you will no longer be tripping over your own feet in cables and power strips.
Size matters – so think about how much space you are willing to give up when you are shopping for the best surge protector.
UPS Battery
If you are opting for UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), then there are two things you should first keep in mind: what its electrical load is and how much running time does it give you.
Before buying a UPS, make sure that it can handle the electrical requirements of your device. The best surge protector for refrigerator, for instance, may need a much stronger joule power to keep your appliance going.
To find out its wattage, look at the nameplate. Sometimes, however, it may be expressed in amps – which is when you may want to use a calculator/converter to find out the exact value.
Next is the rundown time: exactly how much time do you think you’ll need in case the power gets shut down? Most of the time, it is just a matter of minutes, until the power goes back on.
However, some companies make powerful batteries that may last even a couple of hours before they run out. Some UPS systems even accept external batteries in order to extend their runtime.
However, this will also depend on the appliance that it’s “protecting.” If it’s a refrigerator or a TV, then it may not last as long – mostly because these require more power.
Smaller devices such as clocks or printers may last longer – but that will also depend on their requirements. Furthermore, the more equipment you add to your UPS, the shorter its runtime will be.
Flame Proof
We are obviously trying to prevent this from happening; however, sometimes it CAN happen. The power goes off, the flames spark, and you suddenly feel a burning smell going around.
The flameproofing feature is generally determined by the materials in which it was encased. If it’s cheap plastic, then the chances are that a bigger spark will set it off. On the other hand, if it’s made from metal, it will be much more resistant to sparks.
Technically, it should not really matter if it’s fireproof or not. Considering that the power gets turned off the moment the voltage gets too high, it should be completely safe.
However, the “what ifs” should also be considered. Just in case a power surge is really bad, you should make sure the device won’t burst into flames the moment it catches sparks. There’s a big difference between frying your hard drive and frying your entire house.
The best surge protector should tell you whether the unit is fireproof or not. While it may not be a crucial feature – it’s definitely not something that will hurt having around.
Conclusion
The best power surge protector is definitely something worth investing in. You never really think about the possibility of power surge damage until it happens to you.
It can be because of a lightning strike, or it can be because your local electricity supplier “tripped” over some wires. Regardless of the reason, it’s not worth putting your electrical gadgets in dangers – especially if they’re particularly expensive.
Hopefully, our surge protector reviews helped you make your choice. All of the products mentioned are secure and at decent prices. Some may be cheaper, others may be more expensive – but they all deliver their best.
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