Use surge protector power strips

Plug valuable electronics into surge protector power strips rather than basic power strips. Surge protectors divert excess voltage away from connected devices, absorbing the spike before it reaches your equipment.

How to Choose

• Look for a Joule rating above 1,000 — higher means more absorption capacity before the protector wears out
• Verify the strip has an indicator light confirming active protection; once it goes dark, the protector is spent
• Choose models with UL 1449 certification for verified safety standards

Tips

• Replace surge protectors every 3-5 years or immediately after a major surge event like a nearby lightning strike
• A basic power strip with no Joule rating offers zero surge protection — always check the packaging
• Daisy-chaining surge protectors is a fire hazard and voids most warranties