Drainage Info

Ask the Builder

Surge Protector Manufacturers

By Tim Carter
©1993-2008 Tim Carter

Print Article

Summary: Surge protectors and surge suppressors are not all of high quality. Many are sub-standard protectors that claim to be the best surge protectors. A surge protector should have a certain voltage, joule rating, a good warranty and an alarm. A few manufacturers offer a whole house surge protector.

Related Articles:  surge protectors, surge suppresors, new protection guide

 

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!

Print Article

NOTES:


Visit ExpertToolTips.com to discover a better way to use tools.