Surge Protector Levels/Ratings?

[EQ3282]

Hi All,

After using the search to get a basic idea of surge protectors vs. conditioners (including this thread and m6bigdog's informative post) I've decided to just use surge protectors, as even with bad summer storms and such, we didn't lose power once in my complex.

I purchased a Belkin direct-to-wall mount at Home Depot (kind of like this one, except mine is only rated for 885 joules and has no on-off switch...just indicator lights for 'protected' and 'grounded').

Here are its specs:

125v/60Hz/1875W
Max Energy Dissipation: 885 Joules
Max Spike Current: 45,000A
UL Clamping Voltage: UL 1449 330V
Response Time <1 nanosecond
Noise Filtration: 150kHz - 100MHz up to 43 dB reduction

We have a couple other strip protectors that have similar ratings, but don't mention the Joules on the product.

My question arises from a 'chart' on the Belkin box, that rates the Joule capacity for my model as good for "power tool/workshop use". It lists a few other categories. For the "Home Theater" category (includes HDTVs, Cable Boxes, and Stereo systems) it lists a product with a capacity of 4,320 Joules.

Question: Are the surge protectors I currently have good enough to work, or should I got out and purchase one with a higher joule capacity and/or one that's marketed as a home theater protector?

And please don't post saying, "You really should get a conditioner...". I've read all the for and against arguments, and on top of that I don't have the dough to plop down for one.

I'd like to do this today, so any quick help is appreciated!

[Valore]

I'm not too sure, it depends what other strip protectors you have in your home. I recommend purchasing one with a high joule capacity. Though you may have not lost power once with summer storms and whatnot, winter is around the corner. Snow and ice account for just as many power outages as summer storms. It's inevitable, at some point you might lose power. At any rate, what I'm trying to say is if you have a home theater system you value, why not spend a few extra dollars ensuring its saftey. If I may make a recommendation. I use this: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1186006198854

2775-joule rating

EDIT: You don't need one that has all the bells and whistles like that one. There are similar items that do exactly the same thing with less features. It was simply an example

[EQ3282]

As I said, the others are brand X and don't list Joule capacity. I could always plug one into the wall-mount one, but not sure that's recommended?

Yeah, that one is a bit out of my price range. I was thinking something in the $15-40 range. My question is whether or not I need to pay great attention to the joules. For example, the rating you have on yours is almost half of the rating the Belkin chart says to use for home theater, so does that means yours is not up to snuff for a home theater system, or does it mean that the protection just isn't AS good as it could be?

I understand that the higher the joule protection, the better off it will be. But, at the end of the day, does the Joule capacity play a large role in the protection capacity, or is just a 'recommendation'?

[Valore]

Originally Posted by EQ3282

As I said, the others are brand X and don't list Joule capacity. I could always plug one into the wall-mount one, but not sure that's recommended?

Have you tried google-ing product X and seeing if you can find the joule capacity? I personally wouldn't recommend plugging one in to the wall-mount one. However, I'm also not a surge protector expert. That's just MHO

[Valore]

New Note: I consulted a friend of mine. This is what he had to tell me:

* Do not plug a surge protector or power strip into an existing surge protector or power strip. This practice is called "daisy chaining" or "piggy backing" and can lead to serious problems. *

[Moefiz]

Originally Posted by Valore

New Note: I consulted a friend of mine. This is what he had to tell me:

* Do not plug a surge protector or power strip into an existing surge protector or power strip. This practice is called "daisy chaining" or "piggy backing" and can lead to serious problems. *

I totally agree with you surge protectors should be plug directly into the wall.

[EQ3282]

Originally Posted by Valore

Have you tried google-ing product X and seeing if you can find the joule capacity? I personally wouldn't recommend plugging one in to the wall-mount one. However, I'm also not a surge protector expert. That's just MHO

I said they're Brand X because, well, they don't have the name branded on them. Haha. They just give the ratings on the back. I will say that one of the strips and the Belkin model are TVSS systems, which I read was a good thing to look for with a protector.

[EQ3282]

Originally Posted by Valore

New Note: I consulted a friend of mine. This is what he had to tell me:

* Do not plug a surge protector or power strip into an existing surge protector or power strip. This practice is called "daisy chaining" or "piggy backing" and can lead to serious problems. *

Yeah, I assumed that. I was an RA in college, and we actually had an electrician come in and talk to us about why that isn't a great idea, as it can easily overload and short the circuit.

[Valore]

Originally Posted by EQ3282

I said they're Brand X because, well, they don't have the name branded on them. Haha. They just give the ratings on the back. I will say that one of the strips and the Belkin model are TVSS systems, which I read was a good thing to look for with a protector.

Ahhh I see. Well that's a little bit of a conundrum ay? From what I understand of TVSS's, they play an important part in maintaining the quality of the supply in low-voltage power networks. Transient voltage surge suppressors (TVSSs) using MOV technology are widely used to protect power systems and components against the effects of transient overvoltages. However MOVs can fail explosively under certain conditions, and protection is needed.

EDIT: Yes, I did do a little research on this. Didn't just pop into my head

[PS3-Playb3yond]

Originally Posted by Valore

New Note: I consulted a friend of mine. This is what he had to tell me:

* Do not plug a surge protector or power strip into an existing surge protector or power strip. This practice is called "daisy chaining" or "piggy backing" and can lead to serious problems. *

Oh, crap! That's what I'm doing now. I better go unplug it.

[EQ3282]

I just checked out the Wiki site for 'surge protector', and it states that the Joules capacity is how much energy the surge can absorb before failure. The higher number indicates that the device can divert more energy without failing. For every joule of absorption, the unit can divert anywhere from 4 to 30 joules into the ground.

The Wiki site says ratings above 1000 are considered 'better', and another site I found (a computer site about how stuff works) says 200-400 is 'acceptable', and anything over 600 is considered 'great'. I assume this advice is for computers, but can be extended a little bit for other applications.

With that said, I think my Belkin in-wall will be a sufficient protector, as it seems to have a strong feature set (TVSS, indicator light, max 885 joule rating, and a <1 nanosecond response) to protect my equipment (it also has a $50,000 warranty with it). I am going to take a run out to Wally-world and Circuit City to see if I can find a relatively inexpensive, higher rated one. Otherwise, the Belkin will suit me.

[Valore]

Originally Posted by EQ3282

I just checked out the Wiki site for 'surge protector', and it states that the Joules capacity is how much energy the surge can absorb before failure. The higher number indicates that the device can divert more energy without failing. For every joule of absorption, the unit can divert anywhere from 4 to 30 joules into the ground.

The Wiki site says ratings above 1000 are considered 'better', and another site I found (a computer site about how stuff works) says 200-400 is 'acceptable', and anything over 600 is considered 'great'. I assume this advice is for computers, but can be extended a little bit for other applications.

With that said, I think my Belkin in-wall will be a sufficient protector, as it seems to have a strong feature set (TVSS, indicator light, max 885 joule rating, and a <1 nanosecond response) to protect my equipment (it also has a $50,000 warranty with it). I am going to take a run out to Wally-world and Circuit City to see if I can find a relatively inexpensive, higher rated one. Otherwise, the Belkin will suit me.

Sounds good. Good luck on your journey. May the force be with you.....<-probably the first time in my life I've ever quoted Star Wars besides the cliche "Luke, I am you father".

[crackinhedz]

Acoustic Research 8-OUTLET Surge Suppressor

[Valore]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

Acoustic Research 8-OUTLET Surge Suppressor

that's an excellent deal!

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by Valore

that's an excellent deal!

I have one in my room.

Although I only power my LCD, PS3 and Dishnetwork. I have no real power fluctuation/surge issues so I cannot say Ive had to experience the protection in action. But for the price I can't complain.

[Valore]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

I have one in my room.

Although I only power my LCD, PS3 and Dishnetwork. I have no real power fluctuation/surge issues so I cannot say Ive had to experience the protection in action. But for the price I can't complain.

not at all. The one I use (linked above) is used in my living room powering my tv, BDP-BX1, tivo, receiver ect.

[EQ3282]

I went to Walmart, and all they had were Phillips brand protectors, and only one model above 2,000 joules, and it was $40. No thanks.

Next stop: Target. Got lucky. They had a Belkin 8 plug protector, rated to 3500 joules (or somewhere in there) w/ coaxial cable and phone line protection, insured up to $500,000. On sale for $25.

Thanks for the assistance!