Have You Checked Your Surge Protector Lately?

Every Spring we talk about how severe weather beats on your computers and other electronics, and the last few days of severe weather is the perfect backdrop to have that conversation again.

Schrock Innovations has their high-end 3000 joule surge protectors on sale for 50% off, this week only through the 12th. These surge protectors are equipped with an audible failure alarm, seven outlets, and satellite, telephone, and network protection for only $24.99 while supplies last!

Everybody knows that computers and other expensive electronic equipment should be protected by a surge protector. What many people do not know is that not every surge protector is the same, and that ALL surge protectors, regardless of their price, wear out after a period of time.

What Kind of Surge Protector Should I Buy?

Surge protectors tend to fall into two categories – inexpensive (less than $20) and expensive (more than $20). While there is usually some difference in the features offered between these two classes, most of the differentiation comes from the number of joules of protection the device offers.

As a general rule, the more you spend the better off you will be. Of course there are exceptions, but typically you should buy a more expensive surge protector to protect more expensive electronics. However, after you cross the $50 threshold, surge protectors are pretty much all the same. Optional offerings like power conditioning and battery backup are available in the more expensive models, but are not necessary for most home and small business users.

How Do Surge Protectors Wear Out?

Cheaper surge protectors offer fewer joules of protection than the more expensive models do. When a surge hits your surge protector, the impact of the surge is measured in joules. If you have a 1,000 joule surge protector and you take an 800 joule surge, you only have 200 joules of protection left.

When your surge protector has no joules left, all surges are allowed to pass through to your equipment.

How Do I Know When to Replace my Surge Protector?

Some sure protectors have a “protected” light, but often times this light is just a plain old LED that will remain lit as long as power flows through the strip. In Nebraska surge protectors with 2,000 joules of protection or less usually last around a year to two years before they should be replaced.

Keep in mind that even if your surge protector has shielded you from one surge, the protector is now damaged slightly. This is the purpose of a surge protector – to take the electrical beating so your $3,000 plasma TV doesn’t have to. You should have surge protectors on any piece of electronic equipment you don’t want to have to replace any time soon.

How Can I Buy a Surge Protector on Sale?

Through this coming Saturday (the 12th) Schrock Innovations has their high-end $50 surge protectors on sale for only $24.99. There is no quantity limit, but there are only a total of 84 units available during this sale. If you can’t remember the last time you replaced your surge protector, it is probably time to do so.

You can call either of our Service Centers to order by phone, or stop in and pick one up while supplies last.