Surge Protector vs Power Strip: What You Need to Know

Have you ever been advised to use a surge protector to shield your devices from unexpected power surges, only to discover that it looks remarkably similar to the power strip you have at home? You're not alone. Many people struggle to differentiate between power strips and surge protectors.

This guide aims to help you clarify the surge protector vs power strip confusion, providing essential knowledge on what each device offers, their differences, and how to select the right one for your needs. Read on to learn all the insights and make informed decisions to protect your electronics.

What Is a Power Strip?

A power strip is a block of electrical sockets that allows multiple electrical devices to be powered from a single electrical outlet. Typically, power strips are used to expand the number of devices that can be run in a single location, effectively increasing the accessibility and convenience of power supply in areas with limited outlets. Designed primarily for functionality, power strips come in various shapes and sizes, often equipped with a cord of varying length to reach remote or inconveniently placed outlets.

What Is a Surge Protector?

A surge protector, often mistaken for a standard power strip, is a device designed to protect electronic equipment from sudden surges in electrical power. These surges can be caused by various factors such as lightning strikes, power outages, or issues with the utility company's equipment. Surge protectors work by detecting excess voltage and channeling the extra electricity into the grounding wire, thereby preventing it from reaching and damaging connected devices.

Unlike basic power strips, surge protectors come with built-in mechanisms to safeguard sensitive electronics. They often feature a joule rating, which indicates the level of energy the surge protector can absorb before failing. This is crucial for high-value electronics like computers, televisions, and audio systems, where unexpected voltage spikes can cause significant damage or data loss.

Key Differences Between Surge Protectors and Power Strips

While surge protectors and power strips may look similar at first glance, their functionalities and the protection they offer vary significantly. Here are the key distinctions:

Protection against Surges

• Surge Protectors: These devices are specifically designed to protect your electronics from voltage spikes and surges. They have built-in components that divert excess voltage to the ground, safeguarding connected devices from potential damage.
• Power Strips:Regular power strips do not offer any form of surge protection. They function primarily as an extension of your wall outlet, allowing you to plug in multiple devices, but without any added protection against electrical surges.

Intended Use

• Surge Protectors: Ideal for use with high-value electronics that are sensitive to voltage fluctuations, such as computers, televisions, and stereo systems.
• Power Strips:Best suited for low-power devices or when surge protection is not a priority, like lamp lighting and kitchen appliances.

Design and Features:

• Surge Protectors:Typically come with a more robust and intricate design to accommodate their protective components. They often include LED indicators to show the protection status.
• Power Strips:Are generally more basic in design. Their features are usually limited to the number and arrangement of outlets, with some models including a switch for turning on and off all connected devices simultaneously. 

Cost

• Surge Protectors:Generally more expensive than power strips due to the added technology and protection mechanisms.
• Power Strips:Less expensive and more basic in functionality, making them a cost-effective solution for simply extending outlet capacity.

How to Choose the Right Device for Your Needs

Selecting a surge protector or a power strip involves assessing the overall requirements of your devices and the level of protection they need. Here's how to make an informed decision:

How to Choose Between a Surge Protector and a Power Strip

Choosing between a surge protector and a power strip depends largely on the value of devices you need to plug in and the environment in which they are used. Consider the following:

• Assess the Risk:If you live in an area with frequent electrical storms or fluctuations in power supply, or if you're plugging in sensitive electronics (like computers or TVs) that hold valuable data or are expensive to replace, opt for quality surge protectors. 
• Functionality Needs:If you simply need to increase the number of outlets for devices that are less sensitive to surges, such as lamps or small kitchen appliances, a power strip may suffice.

How to Choose a Power Strip

When selecting a power strip, consider these factors to ensure you get a model that suits your needs:

• Outlet Number and Arrangement:Ensure the power strip has enough outlets to accommodate all your devices and consider the physical size of the plugs to avoid blocking other outlets.
• Cord Length and Build:Choose a cord length that adequately reaches from your outlet to where the devices are located without creating a tripping hazard or needing additional extension cords.
• Safety Features:Look for power strips with built-in circuit breakers or overload protection, which help prevent damage to your devices and risk of fire. The Anker Nano Charging Station (6-in-1, 67W), for instance, features a comprehensive 7-Point Safety System, including over-voltage protection, over-current protection, fire-resistance, an ActiveShield system that monitors temperatures over 3,000,000 times daily to prevent overheating, and more.

How to Choose a Surge Protector

Choosing the right surge protector involves more detailed considerations to ensure comprehensive protection:

• Joule Rating:A higher joule rating indicates a greater capacity to absorb energy before failing, providing better protection against surges. Look for a minimum of 600 joules for basic protection but consider 1000 to 2000 joules for more expensive devices. The Anker 341 USB Power Strip surge protector, for example, boasts a rating of 2000 joules, perfect for protecting your high-end computers or gaming PCs.
• Response Time:Surge protectors have a response time to surges, usually measured in nanoseconds. A lower response time means faster protection from surges.
• Clamping Voltage:This is the voltage at which the surge protector begins to redirect excess electricity away from the connected devices. Lower clamping voltage indicates better protection.
• Warranty and Insurance:Some surge protectors offer warranties that cover damage to connected devices if the surge protector fails. This can be an indication of the manufacturer's confidence in their product.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences of surge protector vs power strip is crucial for anyone looking to protect their electronic devices while expanding their connectivity. Throughout this guide, we've explored the fundamental aspects of each, highlighting the key differences and offering guidance on choosing the appropriate device for your specific needs. Remember, the right choice depends not only on your immediate power needs but also on the value of the electronics you are protecting. Equip yourself with the knowledge to make the best decision and ensure the longevity and safety of your devices.

FAQs

Is it better to plug into wall or surge protector?

It's safer to plug sensitive electronics, like computers, TVs, and home entertainment systems, into a surge protector rather than directly into the wall, as surge protectors offer added protection against voltage spikes that can cause damage.

Do surge protectors wear out over time?

Yes, surge protectors do wear out over time. Each time a surge protector absorbs a power surge, the internal components that provide protection degrade slightly. This degradation can accumulate, and over time, the effectiveness of the surge protector diminishes. It's important to replace surge protectors every few years or after a major electrical event to ensure continuous protection for your devices.

What should I look for in terms of surge protection rating when choosing a surge protector?

When choosing a surge protector, look for a model with a high joules rating, typically between 600 to 2000 joules or higher. This rating indicates the amount of energy the surge protector can absorb before failing. Additionally, consider a surge protector with a low clamping voltage (the voltage level at which the surge protector starts to block or redirect excess electricity), ideally around 400 volts or less.