Because of this visual similarity, they are sometimes used interchangeably.
What Is a Surge Protector?
A surge protector protects electrical devices from power surges.
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It is an intermediary between electrical spikes and delicate devices like computers and smart TVs.
A surge protector safely diverts electrical spikes to the ground linean action called clamping.
Surge protectors can clamp multiple power spikes and still keep working.
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Surge protectors contain a small disc called an MOV (metal oxide varistor).
MOVs don’t clamp down when there is a sustained electrical overload, only for anomalies like spikes.
Though MOVs can handle multiple spikes, they do wear down over time.
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It provides surge protection for two to six devices.
Since it is compact and remains on the wall, it is valuable where space is limited.
The power strip can rest on the floor or be mounted to a wall by screws.
Battery Backup Surge Protector
A battery backup surge protector plugs into a wall outlet.
A large battery is at the other end.
The battery keeps devices running for a limited time even if all power in the house should fail.
This gives the user enough time to properly shut down the rig.
The battery backup isn’t meant to keep the house runningthat’s for awhole-house generatoror a power wall.
It only allows for uninterrupted power supply to safely shut off devices.
What Is a Power Strip?
Basic power strips have an ON/OFF switch that can simultaneously turn activate or deactivate all devices plugged into it.
The switchacts like a fusewhen the strip is overloaded with electrical current.
It will flip OFF, similar to acircuit breakeron yourelectrical panelflipping off.
Warning
A power strip’s overload switch is not a surge protector.
Electrical noise can scramble computer memory or lock up software.
Surge protectors can save a computer from these devastating events.
But it doesn’t provide more power in an outlet.
The power strip and all devices plugged into it still must operate within the outlet’s limitations.
Only power strips described as surge protectors can manage power spikes, though.
Surge protectors are substantially less expensive than the electronic devices they are protecting.
Plug a smart TV or any TV with microprocessor components into a surge protector.
Plug only one surge protector into one outlet.
Guide to Power Strips and Surge Protectors.
UL Solutions / Underwriters Laboratories
Eaton’s Guide to Surge Suppression - Applications Notes.
Eaton Corporation / Electrical Group
