ESFI offers the following tips when using surge protectors and power strips to help protect electronic devices against damage from electrical surges this season:
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Make sure that you purchase and replace surge protectors when buying high-end electronics.
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Plug-in protectors go to work inside your home to help guard against damage from high voltage surges passing through electric, phone and cable lines.
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Make sure you have enough outlets to power all pieces of your home office and entertainment equipment.
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Be sure you are not overloading the circuit. Know capacity of the circuit and the power requirements of all the electrical items plugged into the power strip and into all the other outlets on the circuit as well as the light fixtures on the circuit.
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A heavy reliance on power strips in an indication that you have too few outlets to address your needs. Have additional outlets installed where you need them.
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Understand that surge suppressors only protect the items plugged into it, not back along the circuit into which it is connected.
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In the event of a large surge or spike, such as a lightning strike, the surge suppressor is a one-time-use protector and will likely have to be replaced.
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Consider purchasing surge suppressors with cable and phone jacks to provide the same protection to your phone, fax, computer modem and television.
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Not all power strips are surge suppressors, not all surge suppressors can handle the same load and events. Be sure the equipment you buy matches your needs.
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For homes in areas with a high incidence of lightning, consider having a surge arrestor installed at the fuse box or breaker panel for whole house protection.
