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| What do I need to look for when choosing a power outlet strip? In my experience
you often get what you pay for. The more expensive units sold by well known name brand
manufacturers often user higher quality more robust components. The use of higher quality
components can translate into a longer life expectancy for the product. The electrical
components inside a power outlet strip or UPS wear out with time and exposure to adverse
electrical conditions like spikes and surges.
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The power outlet strip you buy should carry an Underwriters Laboratories UL listing.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is an independent, non profit product safety testing
and certification organization. A UL listing means the power strip meets minimum
standards for the prevention of fire, electric shock and personal injury hazards.
One of the most important things to look for when choosing a power outlet
strip is it's "let through voltage". This is a measure of the maximum voltage the surge
suppressing circuitry allows to reach your equipment. The "let through voltage" is
determined by the "clamping voltage" of the unit. Choose a power outlet strip with a
rating of 330V (volts).
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Choose a power/outlet strip or UPS that protects your dialup, DSL, cable modem or fax
machine if you use these devices. Some companies refer to this protection
as "data line protection". Depending on your needs the unit should provide receptacles
to plug in your computers modem, a fax machine, cable or DSL modem line. Any surge
suppressing device you buy should also filter "noise". This is often listed as
"RFI/EMI" filtering/attenuation in the product documentation. RFI stands for Radio
Frequency Interference and EMI stands for Electro Magnetic Interference. EMI/RFI
line noise can cause data errors and keyboard lockups. Surge protection
equipment must be installed in a home/office with a separate "ground" to work
correctly. The electrical outlet must be a three prong not the older two
prong type (see image below). A few brand names you may want to look at are
Tripplight, APC, Rocoton, Belkin and Powerware.
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additional features to consider:
- Space for at least 3 or 4 large AC adaptors and 8 total protected outlets
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Ground fault, surge and protection working indicators: Usually small lights (LED's)
located somewhere on the face of the unit. The "ground fault" light lets you know if
your electrical wiring is correct, properly grounded, correct hot and neutral polarity.
The "surge light" indicates an electrical surge or other extreme condition is occurring.
The components used to make surge suppressing equipment wear out with time and use.
These components can be damaged if exposed to extreme electrical surges, spikes. The
"working light" warns you if the unit has been damaged and is no longer protecting
your equipment. What the various indicator lights mean may vary between manufacturers.
(check your owners manual)
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Audible alarm: The alarm sounds when a surge occurs and the unit is protecting you.
It's nice to be made aware of a problem before it becomes serious. If you are routinely
alerted to surge and spike conditions you may want to contact an electrician. He or she
may be able to suggest changes to your electrical systems design/layout that could better
isolate your computer equipment. For example, new separate circuits could be added
specifically to supply electrical power your computer equipment. Another more expensive
solution is to use what is sometimes referred to as "whole house" surge protection. In this
case surge protecting equipment is added at the point where your electrical service
enters your home or business. Contact the utility company that provides your electrical
power for more information.
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Warranty: Some manufacturers have both product and connected equipment warranties.
I have no personal experience regarding the value of such warranties. Will the
manufacturer actually write you a check for the value of your computer if their equipment
fails to protect it? I suggest you carefully read and gain an understanding of the
companies warranty terms. Verify what you need to do to comply with all aspects of
the warranty to increase your chances of full coverage if your equipment is damaged.
I also suggest you check with your home or renters insurance carrier to see if
damage to your computer and peripherals is covered under their policy.
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Final Points
Make sure you take the time to read the installation directions and user manual
before installing or using any new device. If you use a cable, DSL or ISDN service
your surge suppressor must be designed for use with a cable, DSL or ISDN modem.
For any surge suppressor to work properly it must be connected to a correctly
wired and grounded electrical outlet. A grounded electrical outlet will
use 3 prongs (see picture below) not the older 2 prong outlets
and plugs. If your home or office does not have a separately grounded electrical
system you can still benefit. The noise filtering/attenuation some power outlet
strips offer will work with an ungrounded (2 prong) electrical system. The benefits
you derive from this will depend on the design characteristics of your electrical
system.
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