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At T. Webber we’ve come across the same age-old question that many new (and even experienced) homeowners ask: What’s the difference between a power strip and a surge protector? And which one should I be using in my home? 

If this is you, you’re not alone. At T. Webber we believe that every resident in the Hudson Valley should know how to better protect their home and what they love inside. Join us as we go through the similarities and differences between surge protectors and power strips so you know which is best for you, and what to look for when making your decision.

What Are Power Strips?

You may already be familiar with power strips or have many in use in your home right now. A power strip has multiple sockets you can plug electrical devices into and receives power from a singular cable designed to be plugged into your wall or electricity source/outlet.

Power strips can be found behind TVs that have many cords or next to other devices that hook up to your TV like DVD players and video game stations that need power. They are also common during the holidays when you’re decorating and need an extension cord to power lights all around your home. There are multiple types of power strips, the most common are plastic coated with an LED switch that turns the strip on and off. Some brands offer better quality than others, and can even make them in fun colors.

Since power strips offer such great convenience, many forget the potential risks that come with them. If you have too much electricity running through the power strip with nowhere to go, it ends up in your electrical devices, causing them to overheat, turn off, or fry.

What Are Surge Protectors?

A surge protector is a type of electrical socket that is also very common in homes. It’s used to protect electrical devices from a power surge with a special circuit inside that allows it to safely redirect a spike in electricity.

There are multiple types of surge protectors, and are differentiated by their “joules,” which is a measurement of energy, similar to watts. It’s important to recognize the joule level in a surge protector so that you get the best one for your needs. When you first buy a surge protector, you’ll notice a label with the level of joules, but this number will deplete over time. A surge protector functions like a reservoir—every time a power surge occurs, the joule level goes down, and the protection it provides decreases. Some types of surge protectors have an indicator on them to let you know when the “reservoir” or joule levels are low, making it easy to remember to replace.

Do I Need a Surge Protector or a Power Strip?

Everybody has different opinions on what they prefer, but there is no denying that surge protectors offer superior protection. The two main differences between a surge protector and a power strip are the level of protection they offer, and how much they cost.

The best rule of thumb to follow if you’re unsure if you need a surge protector or power strip, ask yourself, “Do I want my devices to be protected from a power surge?”

If you answered, “Yes”, then you should go with a surge protector. If you don’t care about protection and want a cheap route to power your electronics, go with a power strip.

The Level of Protection

A power surge offers protection to your electronic devices and a power strip does not. If a surge does occur, your TV, plug-in lights, or anything else connected to a power strip can get fried and destroyed. A surge protector allows you to have peace of mind knowing that you can plug in whatever you want without the worry of them sparking, frying, or never turning on again.

Cost

A power strip is going to cost less than a surge protector since it doesn’t offer protective benefits or special materials. You can find them at almost any store for as low as $5. It’s a cheap upfront cost but can end up costing you more down the road if a power surge happens, and your electronics are damaged and need to be replaced. Making the initial purchase of a surge protector saves you money in the long run and isn’t much more expensive than a power strip anyway, costing only around $30 for a good one.

The Benefits of Surge Protectors

A power strip offers the benefit of allowing multiple devices to be connected to one strip, a surge protector can do that and more. A surge protector offers benefits a power strip couldn’t, such as:

• Protection against power surges and spikes.
• Safeguarding sensitive electronics.
• Long-term cost savings.
• Preventing electrical fires and disasters.
• Peace of mind for homeowners and businesses.

Talk to a T. Webber Electrician About Surge Protectors for Your Home

We hope this blog has now answered the pressing question of whether or not a power strip or surge protector is best for you. A surge protector is the go-to solution for supreme protection against possible voltage spikes that could damage your expensive electronics, appliances, or equipment. A power strip is a quick and easy solution to power multiple devices at once without any protection.

Remember that the professionals at T. Webber are here for you to answer any questions and offer suggestions. If you need help with your surge protectors or have any other electrical concerns, call T. Webber today. Talk to a T. Webber Electrician Today