Subject: Indianapolis Star
From: "Merilee:::Kern Communications" <[email-masked]>
To: <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:20:22 -0700

http://www.indystar.com/article/20090323/LIVING17/903230316

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Staying current
Surge protectors can prevent serious damage to your home electronics
 
By Zach Dunkin
Posted: March 23, 2009

Thunderstorm season is upon us. Is your big-screen TV prepared for it?

Lightning strikes and power line disturbances caused by thunderstorms generate surges in electricity that can destroy TVs, computers, phones, fax machines, VCRs, stereos and microwave ovens.

"Spring is our heaviest time for lightning-strike damage," said Don Hart, spokesman for Indianapolis Power & Light. "You should really make sure you have enough protection from power surges."
Surge protectors, sometimes called suppressors, act like an electrical sponge, absorbing excess voltage and preventing most of it from reaching your equipment.

A surge protector is rated in joules; the number defines how much energy it can absorb without failure. A higher joules number indicates greater protection.

Normally, harmful spikes are larger than 200 joules; low-cost protectors rated at less than 200 joules might not offer enough security. Be sure the protector has an indicator light. Once the unit has reached its capacity, the light will go out.

Hart said surges can also come through phone lines, cable lines and satellite. Specific surge devices are designed to protect those lines.

Although lightning is the primary source of power surges, Hart says everyday occurrences such as falling trees, auto accidents, construction projects and even turning on a large appliance can cause surges.

Surge protectors shouldn't be confused with power strips, which simply offer additional outlet space. And never plug a surge protector into an extension cord or power strip.

Also, make sure the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) has approved the surge protector. 

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- FRANK ESPICH / The Star

RELATED INFORMATION
Surge protectors come in various sizes for various purposes. Here's a collection of surge suppressor devices for varied applications:

. Power Squid Computer/Telephone Surge Protector: Features automatic shutdown technology to isolate connected equipment in the event of a damaging power surge or outage. Five outlets on flexible arms easily accommodate bulky adapters. $25.93, www.cableorganizer.com.

. Internet Surge Suppressor: Features transformer-spaced outlets on a 6-foot cord with an on/off switch. $14.97, Menards.

. Tripp Lite Home Theater, Ethernet & Audio Power Surge Suppressor: Equipped with eight or 10 outlets, child safety covers and a cord of either 8 or 10 feet with space-saving right-angle plugs and diagnostic LEDs to warn of problems. From $29.99, www.cableorganizer.com.

. SmartSockets Portable Surge Protector: Ideal for travel, it provides protection for portable devices. $15.99, www.cableorganizer.com.

. Cyber Power Battery Backup System: It features shutdown software that automatically saves files and shuts down your computer. This eight-outlet battery back-up system provides up to 70 minutes of back-up time. $86.99, Best Buy.

. Dynex 6-Outlet Wall-Mount: The device plugs into the wall outlet to reduce power cord clutter. The two vertical rows of plugs rotate 90 degrees to face out to either side. It has coaxial and phone line inputs and outputs for suppressing cable or phone surges. $13.99, Best Buy.

. Belkin Home/Office with Phone/Ethernet/Coaxial Protection: Rated at 2,996 joules, this 12-outlet model helps protect workstations, printers, telephones, home-theater systems, as well as your everyday household electronics. A 10-foot cord provides extra reach to a wall outlet. $37.80, Office Depot.