How To Buy A Surge Protector Apr 2026

Buying a surge protector involves looking past the number of outlets to technical specs that determine how well it will actually shield your electronics. While basic power strips simply add outlets, true surge protectors use components like Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) to divert dangerous voltage spikes away from your gear. 1. Essential Technical Specifications

Basic protection for lamps or small appliances. how to buy a surge protector

High-level protection for sensitive electronics like gaming PCs and home theaters. Buying a surge protector involves looking past the

This is the voltage level that triggers the protector to start diverting power. Lower is better. Look for a rating around 330V to 400V . Lower is better

When comparing models, check the packaging or product label for these three critical ratings:

A quality protector should react in under one nanosecond . 2. Key Features to Look For Surge Protector Buying Guide - Eaton