Surge Protectors

Relative Cost Indicator: $

A surge protector, which defends your hardware from damaging power fluctuations, should not be confused with a mere power strip, which only gives you more electric receptacles and no power protection. 

Ever year I hear sad accounts from hundreds of small business owners who thought they had surge protectors, but merely had virtually worthless power strips.

Don't be fooled by power strips in the $5 to $10 price range. 

Expect to spend a minimum of $15 to $35 for a business grade surge suppressor from one of the leading manufacturers of power protection devices.

I've always been very happy with the reliability, variety and value of APC's (www.apcc.com) power protection products. However, Tripp Lite (www.tripplite.com) is also a very popular power protection vendor among small businesses and technology professionals.

Most business-grade surge suppressors, and virtually all UPS units, include equipment protection warranties -- the ethical equivalent of the vendor’s money where its mouth is. 

If you do not see any financial guarantee on the product packaging, keep looking for another surge protector or UPS unit. For example, the APC Personal SurgeArrest currently includes a $2,500 lifetime equipment protection policy. 

Basic business-grade surge protectors also typically include a "Protection working indicator," distinct from a more generic, ambiguous “Power” LED indicator.

Battery Backups : Next >>