The Best Surge Protectors for 2021
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Best Surge Protector
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These simple yet essential devices are a must-have when plugging in any electronic equipment. From computers and TVs to phones and gaming consoles, it will help provide a layer of protection for all of your gadgets. To help you select which one is best for you, I have outlined the various features below along with a list of the best surge protectors currently available.
UPDATED: November 19, 2021.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the APC P11VT3 because it features 11 outlets with a surge energy rating of 3020 Joules, accommodates a range of plug sizes and offers an equipment protection policy.
Why do you need a surge protector?
The component that is most vulnerable when it comes to power surges is the microprocessor. In today’s modern world, a surprising number of seemingly “basic” electronic devices are susceptible. These components are so precise that even a tiny change in voltage can cause a problem or permanently disable the equipment.
Here are some things to consider when selecting a model:
What is the rating?
The level of protection offered by a surge protector is measured in Joules. This ranges from around 600 Joules up to 4,000+ Joules. Depending on what devices you have connected will determine what level of protection you require. This is something you will need to determine based on your current and future needs. To provide some guidance, most experts recommend approximately 1,500 Joules of protection for a standard TV.
Outlets and Jacks
How many things do you plan on plugging in? This will determine the number of outlets you need on the power strip which typically ranges from 6 to 12 plugs. Beyond just how many things you will be connecting, keep in mind that the large plugs on some devices can overlap other outlets, so having more than you actually need can be helpful. The configuration of the outlets can help accommodate large plugs. For example, if they are facing outward in two rows (instead of just in a line) and spaced appropriately.
Other Connections
If you have TV coaxial cables and/or phone lines, it can be beneficial to also connect these devices to provide protection. Some of the surge protectors will provide phone and TV jacks for this purpose.
Sliding Covers
Most units are equipped with sliding outlet covers that provide protection from dust and debris when it is not in use. They also function in the same way a child safety cover protects a standard outlet.
Mounting
Typically I will just place the surge projector behind a desk or piece of furniture to keep it hidden from view. However, they are usually equipped with keyhole mounts on the back that allow you to attach them to a wall or vertical surface. For example, this is particularly helpful if you have a TV wall mount and would like to minimize the visibility of the cables by attaching it behind the TV.
Circuit Breaker
All of these devices are equipped with an on/off power switch to control the flow of electricity between the wall outlet and the components that are plugged in. This switch also typically functions as a resettable circuit breaker that when tripped can be simply turned back on.
Cord Length
A simple thing, but noting how long of a cord you need to reach everything you want to plug in is important. The standard lengths are from 6 to 10 feet.
Plug Type
Also, be sure to take note of the wall plug type since there are two standard variations. The first features a 90-degree angle so that when it is plugged in the cord extends straight down parallel to the wall. This is helpful if it is being placed behind a shelf or bed as it minimizes the amount of clearance required. The second option simply extends straight out from the wall, when plugged in, which often requires more clearance. However, when using an upper socket, it can help to keep the cord clear of the lower socket.
Warranty
Most manufacturers will offer a connected equipment warranty that will provide reimbursement for items that are damaged while they are plugged into the surge protector. These range from around $50,000 up to $300,000 of total protection.
Help to keep all of your computers, drawing tablets, TVs, and phones safe from spikes and surges with one of these versatile pieces of equipment.
RELATED: The Best Outdoor TV Antennas
For an overview of what a surge protector is, how it works, and things to look for, check out this quick video:
The following surge protectors use the latest innovative components to meet your needs and help to keep your electronics working as intended.
So here is my list of The Best Surge Protectors for 2021.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: APC P11VT3 11-Outlet Surge Protector
The APC P11VT3 11-Outlet Surge Protector incorporates both a removable cable guide and rotating cord retainer.
Offers protection for your professional computers, electronics, and connected devices, as well as provides surge protection for all of your data lines.
Includes safety shutters, overload, and status indicator.
Features an eight-foot power cord and phone line splitter.
Includes a lifetime equipment protection policy.
Runner-up: AmazonBasics 12-Outlet Surge Protector
The AmazonBasics 12-Outlet Surge Protector features a 4,320-joule energy rating.
Equipped with 12 wide-spaced outlets to accommodate a range of plugs and adapters.
Includes sliding outlet covers to protect the unused outlets from dust and debris.
Equipped with a 15 Amp overload resettable circuit breaker with an on/off power switch.
Features LED lights to signal if the plugged-in devices are protected and the wiring is grounded.
Includes a keyhole mount on the back of the strip to mount it to the wall.
Features a 10-foot long 14 AWG power cord.
Best Value: Belkin BE108000-08-CM 8-Outlet Surge Protector
The Belkin BE108000-08-CM 8-Outlet Surge Protector provides maximum protection for all of your sensitive electronic devices.
Equipped with 8 surge-protected outlets to provide 3-line AC protection.
Features a 2500-joule energy rating to help provide protection in the event of a power surge.
Includes a $100,000 connected equipment warranty.
Comes with a 14-gauge, 8-foot power cord.
Best Connection Options: Tripp Lite TLP1208TELTV 12-Outlet Surge Protector
The Tripp Lite TLP1208TELTV features 12 outlets, two coaxial jacks for cable equipment, and three phone jacks to protect landline phones and modems from surges and RFI/EMI noise interference.
Provides a surge suppression rating of 2,880 Joules.
Includes two 2.2 GHz gold coaxial jacks for protecting cable or satellite connections.
Equipped with three RJ11 jacks to help protect modem and phone equipment.
Features two LEDs to indicate the protection and ground status.
Includes a rocker on/off switch to power down the whole strip if needed.
Equipped with a resettable circuit breaker to prevent potential damage to connected items.
Features a 14-Gauge, 8 foot cord that has a flat-profile plug, that makes it easier to place behind furniture that is against a wall.
Features built-in child safety covers and mounting slots on the back.
Includes a $150,000 of insurance that covers connected equipment.
Best Premium Option: Belkin BP112230-08 12-Outlet Surge Protector
The Belkin BP112230-08 12-Outlet Surge Protector provides powerful protection for everyday household electronics.
Equipped with 12 surge-protected outlets with 4320-Joule energy rating.
Includes phone line protection ensures open and continuous phone line connections.
Equipped with an eight-foot heavy-duty power cord.
Includes eight outlets pivot to provide extra room for large AC adapter plugs.
Features a $300,000 connected equipment warranty.
Best USB Connections: BESTEK 8-Outlet Surge Protector
The BESTEK 8-Outlet Surge Protector features four built-in USB ports enhanced with fast-charging that supplies up to 5.2 amps.
Features hanging slots allow you to mount it on the wall.
Equipped with rubber feet prevent sliding around on the floor.
Built-in EMI filters block unwanted line noise.
Includes safety shutter to provide protection from electric shock.
Features a 15-amp circuit-breaker.
Includes 6-foot heavy-duty power cord.
Best for Large Plugs: APC P11U2 11-Outlet Surge Protector
The APC P11U2 11-Outlet Surge Protector offers protection for up to 11 electronics, in addition to conveniently charging mobile devices via two additional USB ports.
Equipped with side-facing outlets to easily accommodate large plugs.
Features a convenient 180-degree rotating power cord and right-angle plug.
Features three LEDs that indicate if there are any overloads or wall wiring issues.
Equipped with sliding safety shutters on each receptacle protect children and adults from accidental contact with unused outlets.
Features a noise filter that reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI).
Features a building wiring fault LED to warn you of potentially dangerous wiring problems in the wall circuit.
Comes with a red overload indicator that warns if the surge protector is loaded in excess of its rated capacity.
Best Compact Design: ON Smart Solution 4-Outlet Surge Protector
The ON Smart Solution 4-Outlet Surge Protector offers the flexibility to charge while protecting multiple devices.
Equipped with four AC outlets within a compact housing.
Includes four USB ports that allow for plugging in several devices, such as a phone and tablet, at the same time.
Features a six-foot-long power cord.
Provides 600 Joules of surge protection.
Best Wall Plug: APC P6W 6-Outlet Surge Protector
The APC P6W 6-Outlet Wall Surge Protector features SurgeArrest fail safe, which means that once the circuit of an APC SurgeArrest has been compromised the unit disconnects equipment from the power supply ensuring that no damaging surges reach your equipment.
Features noise filtering.
Includes catastrophic event protection.
Features a fail-safe mode.
Includes a protection-working indicator.
Lifetime equipment protection policy of $50,000.
Best for Small Electronics: GE Power 14092 6-Outlet Surge Protector
The GE Power 14092 6-Outlet Surge Protector features six standard outlets and an integrated circuit breaker for overload protection.
Equipped with a protection indicator light to let you know at a glance that your components are protected.
Includes keyhole slots for convenient mounting.
Comes with an 800-Joules protection rating.
Features an $80,000 connected equipment warranty.
Equipped with a long 10-foot power cord for added versatility.
I hope this list of the best surge protectors was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
