Complete Systems Design Information Technology Solutions

October 20, 2008

A cheap but important accessory many people forget to purchase is a surge suppressor.

A $15 purchase can help protect your $1500 PC from severe power damage caused by lightning, brown-outs, power spikes, etc.   The important things to consider for any surge suppressor are the joule and UL ratings.   I would suggest a name brand such as Belkin, APC, Trip Lite, etc. with a joule rating of at least 2400 joules.   The rating is on the box or on any good online web site.

If you have a $4,000 plasma, a $1,000 receiver and a few more items such as a DVD player you may want to spend a few dollars more for a home theatre power console to protect your investment and actually improve picture and sound quality by using a power conditioner.  You don’t have to get a fancy esoteric brand or even an expensive brand which you’ve all seen at home theater stores.   You can use a Belkin PF60 which goes for about $190.   The unit provides excellent power protection, power conditioning and can be used to turn on your other equipment when the receiver or preamp is turned on.

Just remember that $1 extension cord you got is not a surge suppressor and is prohibited by some fire codes.   I would suggest whatever surge suppressor your purchase, select one with at least a 6' cord so you can use it even if the power outlet is not near your equipment.