Which one?

[Jskn]

I get the difference between 2 surge protectors.  Both are monster but one is a strip.  The strip says it can be used with computers but the one directly in the wall says it can be used for appliances in the kitchen.  One is rated for 1080 joules and the other as 540 joules.  Is the strip overkill?

[vanished]

When it comes to surge protection you never know what could happen so I lean towards the belief that nothing is "overkill".  Things you do want to watch out for are:

1. Making sure you get an actual surge protector, not just a power bar that splits one outlet into many with little or no protection
2. Check the covered amount; any reputable brand will likely list on the packaging a total value that they will cover in losses in the event of a failure.  You might end up in an endless dispute trying to prove they should pay and get nothing, but it's still something to consider since different products will guarantee different amounts, usually in the several hundred thousand dollar region.
3. Check the amount of energy it can absorb (as you did).  This is really where the more, the better.  The 1080 Joule strip in this case (assuming both products were tested properly and the reported values are accurate) can absorb a larger spike than the 540 Joule one, so it offers better protection.

[Jskn]

On 6/6/2016 at 2:30 PM, Ryan_Vickers said:

When it comes to surge protection you never know what could happen so I lean towards the belief that nothing is "overkill".  Things you do want to watch out for are:

1. Making sure you get an actual surge protector, not just a power bar that splits one outlet into many with little or no protection
2. Check the covered amount; any reputable brand will likely list on the packaging a total value that they will cover in losses in the event of a failure.  You might end up in an endless dispute trying to prove they should pay and get nothing, but it's still something to consider since different products will guarantee different amounts, usually in the several hundred thousand dollar region.
3. Check the amount of energy it can absorb (as you did).  This is really where the more, the better.  The 1080 Joule strip in this case (assuming both products were tested properly and the reported values are accurate) can absorb a larger spike than the 540 Joule one, so it offers better protection.

Thank you.  Btw monster covers I think covers a lot if it fails.  Probably going to get a power strip surge protector

[Mira Yurizaki]

I'm weary of Monster. They're the ones who charge $150 for an HDMI cable.

 

See if there's another brand that does the same thing for cheaper (like Belkin)