Surge
Protector Manufacturers
Recently, I attended the 1998 National
Hardware Show in Chicago, Illinois. I saw numerous surge suppressor vendors
displaying product. Most of the suppressors were low powered units. I was
shocked to see some of these inadequate units being marketed as OK for computers
and such. They simply had way too few joules to do any good. I have listed below
just some suppressor manufacturers / sellers (Sears).
You may find a great surge suppressor on a
store shelf that I have not listed. You are looking for four things as far as I
am concerned: A joule rating near or in excess of 2,000, a UL 1449 clamping
voltage of 330 or less, an audible and visible alarm if the suppressor has been
exhausted, and a generous, enforceable connected equipment warranty.
You should also read the fine print on many
of the packages. Some manufacturers will replace their units if they fail in the
field. All you need to do is make a simple phone call. You may need to keep some
paperwork. If you are organized, this should be an easy task. Pay attention to
the length of the surge suppressor power cord. Some come with a generous length
such as 6 or more feet. This can come in very handy. Look for surge suppressors
that protect your phone equipment and cable TV equipment as well. Call the
following manufacturers and get some literature right now!
-
American Power Conversion
(APC)
877-272-2722
-
Belkin
800-223-5546
-
Pacific Electricord
310-532-6600
-
Panamax (Whole House Surge
Protector)
800-472-5555
-
Power
Sentry
800-852-4312
-
Sears
Simply drive to your local Sears
store!
