5 Things to Know About Surge Protectors for Computers

Check the joule rating For a computer, get at least 1,000 joules. Lower ratings offer little real protection.

Look for 330V clamping voltage This is the standard for decent protection. Higher clamping voltage means less protection.

Surge protectors wear out over time Every big power spike reduces the joule budget. A five-year-old surge protector may no longer work.

Never daisy-chain surge protectors Plugging one into another creates a fire risk, not extra protection.

Avoid cheap power strips with surge claims Many budget models barely count as surge protectors. Your computer is worth more than a ten-dollar cord.