Not all surge protectors are the same. They come in different shapes, sizes and levels of protection so it’s important to know what you need before you begin shopping. Whether you’re simply looking for more outlets or need some extra protection when it comes to your home’s electrical system, here are a few things to keep in mind:

They’re Not All The Same

It’s common for people to confuse power strips and surge protectors. Power strips are simply an extension of a wall outlet and usually have a circuit breaker of some sort. However, unlike surge protectors power strips don’t offer any real protection from electrical problems.

How Many Joules Do You Need?
Surge protectors are measured in joules. When it comes to protection levels, the more joules the better. For example, a 1,000 joule surge protector can take ten 100 joule hits or just one 1,000 joule hit.

They Don’t Last Forever
You shouldn’t count on your surge protector to last forever. They will wear out over time especially if there is a serious electrical event like lightning hitting a transformer in your area. Surge protectors also won’t serve as a replacement for old wiring in your home. If you have old, damaged wires it’s vital to have them upgraded right away.

For quality electrical solutions and on-time service across Twin Cities – St. Paul, rely on the professionals at Uptown.