Looking for not too expensive Surge & power stripe

[Epsonfan]

Looking for not too expensive but good Surge & power stripe . Thank you in advance .

 

[Mark E. Long]

Check out Parts express or Crutchfield they have many to choose from look up Furman or Panamax ect .

 

[TLS Guy]

Looking for not too expensive but good Surge & power stripe . Thank you in advance .

Those strip surge protectors give little protection and are not worth the money. It is not just your AV gear that needs to protection these days. All you appliances are packed with vulnerable chips, and even your LED light bulbs contain at least one IC chip each. So one surge can wipe your whole home out in an instant.

Because of that NEC has had a lot of revisions in the last few years.

NEC were last revised November 2024. If you have any electrical work done then you would have to update to NEC 2024.

I strongly advise every one to update to NEC 24. That is an SPD-1 surge protector at service entry and an SPD-2 surge protector in every electrical panel. Most homes only have one panel (breaker box).

Updating to NEC 24 in this day and age, has to be a very strong recommendation.

 

[Verdinut]

I strongly advise every one to update to NEC 24. That is an SPD-1 surge protector at service entry and an SPD-2 surge protector in every electrical panel. Most homes only have one panel (breaker box).

Not everyone can do that. A lot of people including myself don't reside in a house which they own. In my case, I have been using an APC H15 power conditioner on my AV system, and an APC Line-R 1200 voltage regulator for the 15 year old Panny plasma TV set, that is connected to a separate outlet. Fortunately, in the greater Montreal area, large voltage fluctuations are rather scarce. I have been living locally for close to 24 years and so far none of my electronic stuff was ever damaged by a voltage surge.

 

[TLS Guy]

Not everyone can do that. A lot of people including myself don't reside in a house which they own. In my case, I have been using an APC H15 power conditioner on my AV system, and an APC Line-R 1200 voltage regulator for the 15 year old Panny plasma TV set, that is connected to a separate outlet. Fortunately, in the greater Montreal area, large voltage fluctuations are rather scarce. I have been living locally for close to 24 years and so far none of my electronic stuff was ever damaged by a voltage surge.

You are further North and you don't get the storms that we do in the mid west and most of the US now.

The other thing that has changed is that devices are much more sensitive to lightening storms than they used to be. For instance washing machines had contact switching and point to point wiring, but no more. My furnace has no mechanical switching, it is all mosfet digital switching. To make any adjustments a guy has to come with the right software and connect to the cloud to make any adjustments.

So, what I outlined is now law in the US. So ALL new construction must meet those requirements I outlined. That NEC, the National Electrical Code is Federal law. So any situation that requires pulling a permit and requiring an electrical inspection must now meet NEC 24 in terms of surge protection. That includes any new construction. So when I did my solar installation, that required a building permit and I had to meet NEC 24, that had only been in force for a month!

When I built this house there had to be surge protection at entry. This protected me a couple of years ago when we had a direct hit, and the surge protector showed red after and had to be replaced. I have all units that are vulnerable protected by UPS in addition, but they don't protect from sudden surges like lightening strikes.

I do not know the regs in your jurisdiction, but it may be your owners have to keep units to code. When inspected here they certainly do.

In the US as weather gets more violent from climate change building codes have to change accordingly.

 

[Verdinut]

With regard to surge protectors, two characteristics are of most importance when choosing the right product: 1) Total number of joules that it will absorb:

https://www.cyberpowersystems.com/blog/joules-the-key-to-surge-protection/

But another distinctive quality which has as much importance as the joule count is:
2) Clamping voltage:

What is clamping voltage?

Clamping voltage, also referred to as let through voltage or the Voltage Protection Rating (VPR), is the amount of voltage a surge protector permits to pass through it to the...

www.penlight.org

A low clamping voltage offers a better protection for fragile electronics that we have in our AV systems, TVs and even refrigerators and air conditioners.

But IMO, this product provides the best portable surge protection that we can get. It has no varistors that get destroyed with each surge. It’s design guarantees its long durability. It’s not cheap but it’s worth every penny:

Furman PST-8 Advanced Surge Protector & Power Conditioner

Get professional-grade power protection with the Furman PST-8. Features SMP+ and LiFT to stop surges and ensure your AV system performs at its best.

furmanpower.com

 

[Speedskater]

My thoughts:
1) a Whole Home Protection unit is by far the best plan.
2) W. H. P. units are located in or near the main breaker panel or in the meter.
3) recent NEC books require W. H. P. units in new construction. But your jurisdiction may not.
4) types of W. H. P. units.
a) in the main breaker box. matching the box's manufacture.
b) near the main breaker box. Some of these aftermarket units are very high-tech. They text you if they have a problem.
c) In the meter, rented from the power company.

On Point of Use Protection units.
1) a modern home my have a couple of dozen P. of U. P. units. Some hidden in appliances.
2) only use units from major industrial/commercial manufactures.
3) only use metal units.

 

[Verdinut]

My thoughts:
1) a Whole Home Protection unit is by far the best plan.
2) W. H. P. units are located in or near the main breaker panel or in the meter.
3) recent NEC books require W. H. P. units in new construction. But your jurisdiction may not.
4) types of W. H. P. units.
a) in the main breaker box. matching the box's manufacture.
b) near the main breaker box. Some of these aftermarket units are very high-tech. They text you if they have a problem.
c) In the meter, rented from the power company.

On Point of Use Protection units.
1) a modern home my have a couple of dozen P. of U. P. units. Some hidden in appliances.
2) only use units from major industrial/commercial manufactures.
3) only use metal units.

Not everyone can use a whole home surge protection unit. If you don't own the house you reside in, or rent an apartment, you're limited to portable surge protectors.

You must have noticed that most portable surge protectors are made of plastic. In most situations, that doesn't seem to cause a fire risk, except for some localities which are subject to frequent and severe winds and storms like you get in Minnesota and other central US states.

The Furman protector that I mentioned above in post #6, has an aluminum chassis which makes it preferable to most other surge protectors. As I rent an apartment, that product will be the next protector that I will get when I purchase my next TV set next year most likely. I still have a 16 year old Panasonic plasma set that produces a lot of heat and contributes to higher air conditioning costs. It's not cheap but, with the electricity cost savings, I will recover the cost of this protector rather fast. It's well designed as it works without the usual varistor destruction.

 

[Epsonfan]

thank u all

 

[Teetertotter?]

To chime in late, we live on the IL/WI Border. We have had lightning strike 3 houses down. 3 pole transformers replaced in our back yard due squirrels. Had a number of power outages the past 15 years. I must say, we have NOT lost any of these pieces of electronic equipment. Refrigerator, washing machine, Dryer, dishwasher, furnace, and AC unit w/o any protection, are still working. We get surges every once in a while too.

I have 5 Surge Protector Power Strips, at 5 different outlet locations in our home, with 2100 Joules each. But, one of the Surge Protecters is around 4000 Joules, for TV, AVR and Satellite receiver. All Belkin protectors.

 

[TLS Guy]

To chime in late, we live on the IL/WI Border. We have had lightning strike 3 houses down. 3 pole transformers replaced in our back yard due squirrels. Had a number of power outages the past 15 years. I must say, we have NOT lost any of these pieces of electronic equipment. Refrigerator, washing machine, Dryer, dishwasher, furnace, and AC unit w/o any protection, are still working. We get surges every once in a while too.

I have 5 Surge Protector Power Strips, at 5 different outlet locations in our home, with 2100 Joules each. But, one of the Surge Protecters is around 4000 Joules, for TV, AVR and Satellite receiver. All Belkin protectors.

You have been lucky! Get your house up to NEC24 spec.

 

[Verdinut]

To chime in late, we live on the IL/WI Border. We have had lightning strike 3 houses down. 3 pole transformers replaced in our back yard due squirrels. Had a number of power outages the past 15 years. I must say, we have NOT lost any of these pieces of electronic equipment. Refrigerator, washing machine, Dryer, dishwasher, furnace, and AC unit w/o any protection, are still working. We get surges every once in a while too.

I have 5 Surge Protector Power Strips, at 5 different outlet locations in our home, with 2100 Joules each. But, one of the Surge Protecters is around 4000 Joules, for TV, AVR and Satellite receiver. All Belkin protectors.

I reside in an apartment. I have been using a APC H15 power conditioner on my HT equipment for the last 24 years and we occasionally get power failures. However, in Montreal we very seldom get voltage surges. This APC product really does the job to protect the AVR, CD players and power amplifiers. The TV set is protected by a cheap APC voltage regulator which also does an adequate job.

Recently, I replaced the surge protector for my desktop PC and printers. After a comparison of various brand products, I opted for the Belkin 8 outlet surge protector which provides 3550 joules of protection and carries a $200,000 connected equipment warranty. I got it for less than $60Cdn and I consider that as a bargain. If Belkin can sell their products that provide excellent protection at cheaper price than other manufacturers, it has to do to a certain point, with the fact that their surge protectors work properly with a very low percentage of claims. Otherwise, I believe they would have had to increase their prices.

 

[Epsonfan]

i got this from Amazon: 15A 8 Outlet Surge Suppressor Strip w/SMP, LiFT and EVS (PST-8) Furman

 

[Verdinut]

i got this from Amazon: 15A 8 Outlet Surge Suppressor Strip w/SMP, LiFT and EVS (PST-8) Furman

That's an amazing product and looks like the best power strip surge protector available. It has no self destroying varistors and shots down power if voltage reaches over 137 volts.

According to some clients' reviews, since Amazon is apparently not an authorized Furman dealer, this manufacturer doesn't honor the warranty. But I wouldn't worry too much as it is well designed and IMO, the risk of damaging your equipment is rather minimal.

Furman PST-8 Advanced Surge Protector & Power Conditioner

Get professional-grade power protection with the Furman PST-8. Features SMP+ and LiFT to stop surges and ensure your AV system performs at its best.

furmanpower.com

 

[Eppie]

That's an amazing product and looks like the best power strip surge protector available. It has no self destroying varistors and shots down power if voltage reaches over 137 volts.

According to some clients' reviews, since Amazon is apparently not an authorized Furman dealer, this manufacturer doesn't honor the warranty. But I wouldn't worry too much as it is well designed and IMO, the risk of damaging your equipment is rather minimal.

Furman PST-8 Advanced Surge Protector & Power Conditioner

Get professional-grade power protection with the Furman PST-8. Features SMP+ and LiFT to stop surges and ensure your AV system performs at its best.

furmanpower.com

Damn, looks like APC discontinued the H15 last April 2025 with no replacement model. I wonder if it's worth getting used? There's one on Ebay for $225.

APC AV Black 1.5kVA H Type Power Conditioner 120V - H15BLK | APC Canada

H15BLK - APC AV Black 1.5kVA H Type Power Conditioner 120V | APC Canada

www.apc.com

 

[Verdinut]

Damn, looks like APC discontinued the H15 last April 2025 with no replacement model. I wonder if it's worth getting used? There's one on Ebay for $225.

APC AV Black 1.5kVA H Type Power Conditioner 120V - H15BLK | APC Canada

H15BLK - APC AV Black 1.5kVA H Type Power Conditioner 120V | APC Canada

www.apc.com

You're referring to the one which was dropped and a back corner was damaged. This power conditioner has a relay which can fail. I understand that it's irreplaceable.

I've been using mine for 24 years or so and it never happened. The seller says that the unit works properly. He has a good reputation according to his feedback score, and I would be inclined to trust him.

 

[kajol]

Looking for not too expensive but good Surge & power stripe . Thank you in advance .

Furman Anyday

 

[mono-bloc]

When you can replicate the shear power of a lighting strike, for testing purposes on a power strip, / power conditioner and publish the final results.
Then and only then can you justify the use, and purchase price of the unit.. Saying you have had one working for X number of years without a problem
might justify the cost, but that's simply because it hasn't survived a full on lighting strike. Paying for a fancy power strip, with false claims on it's use is crazy.
It really justifies the saying "a fool and his money are soon parted "

 

[Speedskater]

No unit is expected to withstand a direct lightning strike!
But lightning can induce a very high voltage into the AC power lines a quarter mile or more away.
True, tests units can't be done at home.

 

[highfigh]

Damn, looks like APC discontinued the H15 last April 2025 with no replacement model. I wonder if it's worth getting used? There's one on Ebay for $225.

APC AV Black 1.5kVA H Type Power Conditioner 120V - H15BLK | APC Canada

H15BLK - APC AV Black 1.5kVA H Type Power Conditioner 120V | APC Canada

www.apc.com

If you want a warranty, no- it's not transferrable and now that APC has been sold, they're not even replacing damaged surge protectors with an equal product. The protector on the AV system I installed for one of my customers went bad after a nearby lightning strike and I filed the claim- they sent a 400 Joule UPS as the replacement for the original, which was rated at 1650 Joules. Hardly adequate.