4 Things to Know About Surge Protector Strips

Check for a joule rating A real surge protector has a joule rating of 1000 or more. If the package doesn’t list one, it’s just a power strip with a fake safety light.

Look for clamping voltage under 400V Clamping voltage is the point where the protector kicks in. Anything above 400V offers weak protection.

Stick with known brands for electronics Tripp Lite, APC, and Belkin make decent $20-30 surge protectors. Don’t plug a $1000 TV into a $2 gas station strip.

Don’t overspend, but don’t cheap out Your TV doesn’t need a $200 protector. But a $5 strip won’t protect anything you’d be sad to lose.