Surge Protectors: Debunking Myths & Choosing the Best

That power strip under your desk, the one with your computer and monitor plugged into it? There’s a good chance it’s offering zero protection against electrical damage. This brings us to the first and most common myth.

Myth #1: All Power Strips Are Surge Protectors

It’s a costly mistake to assume all power strips are surge protectors. A basic power strip is just an extension cord with extra outlets. A true surge protector, however, acts as a bodyguard for your electronics, intercepting harmful power spikes before they can cause harm.

The easiest way to tell the difference is by looking for a "Joule" rating on the packaging. This number measures how much energy the device can absorb before it fails—a higher rating means a stronger shield for your gear. As the photo shows, a real surge protector will prominently feature its Joule count on the box. If you can't find a Joule rating, it offers no protection.

For true peace of mind, also look for a UL 1449 certification. This mark from Underwriters Laboratories, an independent safety company, proves the device has passed rigorous tests for surge suppression. The UL 1449 rating acts as an official seal of approval, guaranteeing the bodyguard you've hired is qualified to do its job when a power surge actually hits.

Myth #2: Lightning Is the Biggest Threat to Your Electronics

When you picture a damaging power surge, a lightning bolt probably comes to mind. While those are certainly dangerous, the vast majority of power surges are silent, invisible events generated right inside your own walls. These small, frequent surges are the real, everyday threat to your electronics.

Every time a large appliance like your air conditioner or refrigerator cycles on, it creates a small but potent electrical fluctuation. You might have noticed this as a brief flicker of your lights. These mini-surges won't fry your TV instantly, but they act like tiny shocks that slowly degrade the sensitive internal components, shortening the lifespan of your expensive gear.

This is why electronics need protection from constant, small hits—not just a single, catastrophic event. A surge protector acts as a daily shield, but like any shield, it can only absorb so much damage before it wears out.

Myth #3: Any Surge Protector Is Good Enough

The most important number on a surge protector is the Joule rating. Think of Joules like a shield's total health points—it’s a measure of how much electrical energy the surge protector can absorb over its lifetime before it fails. Once it takes enough hits to deplete its Joule capacity, its protective components are spent, and it becomes a simple power strip. A higher number means it can either take one very large hit or, more commonly, thousands of smaller hits over a longer period.

So, are expensive surge protectors with high Joule ratings worth it? For anything valuable, absolutely. Plugging a $2,000 smart TV into a basic 500-Joule protector is like using a cardboard shield in a sword fight. It offers minimal protection that will be used up quickly. A higher rating not only provides a stronger defense but also ensures the protector has a longer functional lifespan.

To make the right choice, match the protection level to the value of what you're plugging in:

• For small items (chargers, lamps): 500-1000 Joules is okay.
• For your home office (computer, monitor): Look for 1000-2000 Joules.
• For a home theater (TV, soundbar, gaming console): Insist on 2000+ Joules.

Myth #4: A Surge Protector Lasts Forever

That “shield” of Joules we just discussed has a critical weakness: it never regenerates. Every time your surge protector absorbs a small, everyday surge—like the one from your air conditioner kicking on—it permanently loses a few of its protective Joule points. This answers the common question, “Do surge protectors wear out?” The answer is a definitive yes. Over time, these tiny hits degrade its internal components until nothing is left to protect your gear.

This leads to a dangerous assumption that many people make about the “Protected” indicator light. You might think that as long as the light is on, you’re safe. Unfortunately, on most affordable models, this light only confirms the unit is receiving power, not that its protective capabilities are still intact. It can create a false sense of security, leaving your expensive electronics connected to what has essentially become a simple, unprotected power strip.

Since there are no reliable signs a surge protector is bad, the best defense is proactive replacement. Think of your surge protector like a smoke detector battery—it’s a small, crucial investment in safety that needs to be swapped out on a schedule. As a rule of thumb, plan on replacing your protectors every three to five years.

Your 3-Step Checklist for Total Electronics Protection

Protecting your electronics is a simple, three-step process. Here is your clear action plan:

1. Check Your Current Strips: Find the Joule rating on the device or packaging. If there's no number, it's not a surge protector.
2. Choose the Right Shield: Buy a protector with at least 2,000 Joules for valuable electronics (TVs, PCs) and a UL 1449 logo.
3. Replace on a Schedule: Set a calendar reminder to replace your protectors every 3-5 years, or after any major electrical storm.

You will never look at that power strip under your desk the same way again. What was once just a piece of plastic is now clear: it's either an unprotected risk or a certified shield. That clarity gives you the power to make the right choice, securing the technology you rely on every day.