Surge Protectors Are NOT all the Same

Surge protectors (including battery back-ups) can be found in homes, businesses, schools, and any other place that require the use of electrical equipment. Surge protectors are important, as they are designed to protect your electronics against power surges. It is extremely important  that your business has the right surge protection for telephone systems and equipment. They can extend the life of your phone system as well as enable your telephones to work when power is out. Power surges have been known to damage electronics which is why using the correct surge protection is necessary. Many people in the Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA areas believe that all surge protectors are made the same, however this is not the case. It is important to know the difference between a reliable surge protector and one that puts your valuable electronics at risk. Below is some general information on surge protectors and how you can chose the right one for you:

1. Surge protectors and power strips are different: It is important to remember that not all power strips are surge protectors. Surge protectors tend to be more expensive than power strips, and it is important that you find a clearly marked surge protector when you are shopping.
2. When shopping for a surge protector be sure to get one with enough ports for all the electronics you intend on plugging into it. Also be sure to check for the UL seal, and make sure it’s a “transient voltage surge suppressor.” In addition, pick a surge protector with an absorption rating of at least 600-700 joules and a clamping voltage of 400 volts or less. Be sure to check the response time listed on the surge protector keeping in mind that lower is better. Finally, is it best to choose a surge protector with a warranty, as some warranty the devices connected.
3. The most expensive surge protectors are not always the best for your needs. Think about the electronics you will be plugging into your surge protector and purchase only what you need.
4. Some surge protectors have fancy features. For example, some surge protectors automatically turn off when your devices turn off or stop charging. Others have a remote control that you can use to turn it on or off along with the devices on them.
5. Do not daisy chain your power strips and surge protectors: This means do not overlap your surge protectors and power strips when you run out of ports. This is why choosing the right surge protector with enough ports is important. Daisy chaining your surge protectors and power strips is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Furthermore, do not plug several power strips into a surge protector, which is not a good idea either.
6. When considering the purchase of new telephone equipment make certain to ask if a battery back-up including surge protection is part of the package. If not, you should ask that it is so you won’t be purchasing a new system sooner than you want!

For more information about battery back-ups, surge protectors and which one is the best for your needs, call America’s Phone Guys today!