Key Takeaways
- Surge protectors help keep devices safe from voltage spikes and surges.
- Look for specifications like high joule ratings and low voltage protection ratings (VPR) to find the best surge protectors.
- Power strip surge protectors and wall tap surge protectors plug into a standard home outlet.
- Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) devices combine voltage protection with battery power that protects electronics from unexpected power outages.
- Whole-house surge protectors install in a breaker box to protect all the circuits in the home.
- Plug-in surge protectors typically last three to five years, while a whole-house surge protector can last up to 10 years.
- Follow the surge protector instructions for use and safety and don’t overload its power capabilities.
What’s a Surge Protector?
Surge protectors or surge suppressors protect equipment from electrical spikes and surges, which can carry thousands of volts. These voltage increases can result from electrical storms, power line damage and even appliances turning on and off in your home. Even minor surges or spikes can destroy a device or damage it over time.
What Does a Surge Protector Do?
When connected to a properly grounded outlet, surge protectors absorb and then channel excess voltage to the outlet grounding wire, preventing it from reaching your devices. Surge protectors also typically filter out interference that some electrical devices create in video and sound systems.
Surge Protector Joule Ratings and Other Specs
- Joule rating is the total energy a surge protector can absorb over its life, with higher ratings indicating better protection and a longer lifespan.
- Voltage Protection Rating (VPR) or clamping voltage tells you the highest voltage the surge protector allows through, with lower ratings indicating better protection.
- Noise reduction in decibels (dB) tells you how effectively a surge protector keeps interference from reaching sound and video systems, with higher ratings indicating better filtering.
- A UL Listed or ETL Listed designation for safety means the surge protector has been independently tested to ensure it meets designated safety standards.
What Are the Different Types of Surge Protectors?
Most surge protectors work for individual devices, but whole-house surge protectors can provide voltage protection for all the devices on a home electrical system.
Power Strip Surge Protectors
These surge protectors have a cord that connects to a household wall or floor outlet, giving you flexible placement options for connecting multiple devices to power. Power strip surge protectors include a power switch that turns all connected devices on and off. Some models turn off connected devices when you turn off a device plugged into a primary outlet. Most power strip surge protectors are designed to rest on the floor, but you can find some that mount to a wall or workbench.
Wall-Tap Surge Protectors
Wall-tap surge protectors have no cord but instead plug directly into a household outlet. A wall-tap surge protector doesn’t usually offer as many receptacles as larger power strip models but is more compact, saving floor or desk space.
Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) provides voltage protection along with a battery to protect devices from sudden shutdowns in a power outage. The battery keeps devices powered for safe shutdown. A UPS might have some outlets that provide surge protection and battery power and some with battery power only.
Whole-House Surge Protectors
Whole-house surge protectors guard all devices on a home’s electrical system from power surges. These surge protectors divert voltage spikes to ground at the service panel, before they reach devices on the electrical system. However, it’s a good idea to use plug-in surge protectors with sensitive electronics as a second level of protection. Since a whole-house model connects to the home breaker box, installation is best left to a professional.
If you have a camper or a camper trailer, look for a recreational vehicle (RV) surge protector. This type of surge protector connects your camper power cable to the power tap at an RV park or campsite.
How Long Do Surge Protectors Last?
In general, expect a plug-in surge protector to last three to five years. Whole-house models can last up to 10 years. Replace a surge protector when it reaches the end of its lifespan.
Factors That Affect Surge Protector Lifespan
- Power Spikes: More or higher voltage spikes wear the components in a surge protector, reducing its effective life.
- Joule Rating: Surge protectors with higher joule ratings can divert more energy, so they tend to last longer.
How to Tell If a Surge Protector Has Gone Bad
Regardless of the surge protector life expectancy, replace it if:
- You notice heat, smoke or unusual sounds, like buzzing or popping.
- You see damage, including melting, cracks in the housing or exposed wires.
- The PROTECTION indicator, if equipped, is dim, unlit or has turned from green to red.
- The surge protector displays a REPLACE indicator or sounds an alarm, if equipped.
- One or more receptacles aren’t working correctly.
- A lightning strike or power grid problem causes a known voltage spike.
Surge Protector Features
- Models with three-line protection protect along hot, neutral and ground wires.
- Auto shut off turns off power to connected devices if a catastrophic spike occurs.
- A PROTECTION light shows you the unit is working correctly.
- A REPLACE light or audible alarm tells you the surge protector has reached the end of its life.
- A GROUND light shows that the surge protector is connected to a properly grounded outlet.
- Widely spaced outlets and rotating outlets allow you to connect bulky plugs.
- Universal serial bus (USB) ports allow you to charge mobile devices.
Surge Protector Safety
- Follow the manufacturer instructions for use and safety.
- Use surge protectors indoors and in dry locations, unless they’re designed for outdoor use.
- Make sure the power the connected devices draw doesn’t overload a surge protector or the circuit you plug it into.
- Don’t plug a surge protector into an extension cord, power strip or another surge protector.
- If the surge protector has a power cord, unwind it before use and don’t cover it.
- Keep children and pets away from the surge protector.
Protect Equipment From Excess Voltage With the Right Surge Protector
Shop Lowes.com for surge protectors with different protection ratings and designs to keep your devices safe from voltage spikes and surges. If you’re not sure which surge protector is best for you, visit your local Lowe’s. Whether you need protection for appliances, computers, an RV or your whole house, one of our Red Vest associates can help you find what you need to keep your devices running smoothly.
Surge Protector FAQ
Use the answers to these common questions to help protect your devices from power surges.
How Does a Surge Protector Work?
A surge protector channels voltage spikes to the ground wire on a home electrical outlet. A voltage protection rating (VPR) tells you the maximum voltage the surge protector allows through, with lower ratings being better. A joule rating tells you the maximum amount of energy a surge protector can handle over its lifetime. Higher joule ratings indicate more protection over time.
Is a Power Strip a Surge Protector?
No, while basic power strips have multiple outlets like a power strip surge protector, a basic power strip doesn’t protect devices from power spikes and surges. Check the product specs and look for a joule rating and a VPR or voltage protection rating to ensure you’re purchasing a surge protector.
Do Surge Protectors Go Bad?
Surge protectors lose the ability to protect over time. You won’t see an expiration date on a surge protector, but plug-in models typically have a maximum effective lifespan of three to five years. Whole-house surge protectors can last longer, up to 10 years. A high-voltage spike, such as from a lightning strike, can destroy a surge protector’s effectiveness prematurely. Some models have indicator lights that let you know if the surge protector is working.