Beware a Surged Out Surge Protector

Although one should always be aware of the havoc power surges can have on their computer or for that matter all of our expensive high tech toys, May is the month SW Floridians become concerned about surge protection.

Many consider lightning as the most clear and present danger, when in fact it’s actually one of the least common "direct" causes of toasted computers. And even if it was, there’s no in house surge protector adequate to protect your computer from a lightening strike. I suggest your best protection is to unplug your computer.

A more common cause of deadly power surges is electrical devices such as refrigerators and air conditioners without start up delays as they require extraordinary energy when they’re switched on. Particularly if multiple electric devices are turned on in unison after a general power failure.

Though nowhere near the intensity of a lightning surge, their sudden power surges can be severe enough to damage any electrical component.

By the way, one of the most significant causes of fatal surges are surges that arrive via a telephone or cable line. So for those still on dial up make sure your surge protector has phone line surge protection. And if you no longer need your phone line (you’ve upgraded to DSL or cable) and it’s unprotected, best you disconnect it from your computer.

When purchasing a surge protector check for the following ratings:
* Energy absorption/dissipation: This rating is given in joules. The higher the number the greater the protection. Look for a protector that’s at least rated at 200 to 400 joules. Better yet look for a rating of 600 joules or more.
* Clamping voltage: The lower the clamping voltage the better the protection. A UL rating of more than 400 V is too high.
* Response time: Surge protectors don't respond immediately. There’s a very slight delay. The longer the response time the longer your computer will be exposed to a surge. Purchase a surge protector that responds in less than one nanosecond.

Also keep in mind because a surge protector can be "surged out" by one obvious catastrophic surge or by multiple not so obvious, less than catastrophic surges, it’s best to purchase a surge protector with an indicator light indicating whether or not it's functioning properly.

And if you’re as paranoid as I, consider replacing your surge protectors (even those with indicator lights) every two years.

Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.