To further demonstrate the importance of using a surge protector, Johnson subjected a (very old) Dell LCD monitor to a 5,000-volt surge, both with and without protection. With a three-wire outlet, which is required for surge protectors, those are line, neutral, and ground. But common equipment, such as a computer monitor, will be fine protected by one of our less expensive picks, so this model is best for people who insist on extra protection for particularly precious gear. Learn more. The former has one fewer outlet than our top pick while the latter has a shorter cord, and in our surge tests they both let through more volts than our top pick (309.2 and 268.6, respectively, compared with 206.8), but they should still provide plenty of protection for most household devices if you can overlook those drawbacks. But if you need the extra cord length and can live without those ports, thats a fine trade-off. The Tripp Lite Protect It 12-Outlet Surge Protector TLP128TTUSBB failed to measure up to our top pick during testing, letting more than twice as many volts slip through. If you prefer to have complete peace of mind no matter your situation, theres no more affordable way to get it than the PST-8. This is a very flexible and adaptable surge protector, with an eight-foot cord and both protection and ground-fault indicators. You have to look at the protection light to know the state of protection. The circular outlet layout makes the Power Air usable with a variety of plug sizes. They are there to help you repair or replace your damaged TV in a wide array of circumstances. 1. Its rather homely, too. We like the Accell Power Air for light-duty use around the house, even though its UFO-like looks might be off-putting for some. In 2016 and 2017, Johnson dissected each surge protector to assess the components inside. Even though our other picks have lifetime warranties, the five-year warranty on the Power Air is appropriate considering thats about as long as you should keep a surge protector anyway, since most protection circuits will wear out in three to five years. Thats a problem. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. *At the time of publishing, the price was $140. And its not just pretty, this surge protector has all the features youd want to protect your expensive electronics, plus a USB-C Power Delivery port. TheTripp LiteTLP1008TELis another good choice, but it doesnt have the USB charging ports and it has two fewer outlets.
Homeowners can opt to install a surge protection device (SPD) for their entire home, which is marketed on the premise of eliminating the need for plug-in surge protectors. Plus, its extendable USB hub feature is hard to maneuver and not all that useful (it seems like a gimmick). This means that if either of its other two legs (L-G or N-G) breaks down first, it will continue to send power to your devices, and they could sustain damage in the event of a surge. The resulting figures effectively tell us how many volts would be able to reach and potentially damage your devices at home. But there are three variants when protection fails: All power stops flowing, which will immediately remove electricity to all connected devices. Sure, it doesnt offer much in the way of flashy features, but it will protect whatever hardware you plug into it, and its in the rare class of devices that will shut off when it can no longer fulfill that mission. If you are accident-prone or unlucky, consider buying the extended warranty. We attach each model to an EM Test NX5 surge generator to produce surges from 200 volts to 5,000 volts in 100-volt increments along each of the three legs of the wiringline-to-ground (L-G), line-to-neutral (L-N), and neutral-to-ground (N-G)and record the resulting output that would be passed along to any devices plugged into the surge protector. Like our top pick, this model has an auto-shutoff mechanism, so itll stop working when its surge protection has worn off. Please try again. Does it offer advanced features, such as USB charging? Even if you plug in a reading light, a sunrise alarm clock, an essential oil diffuser, and a Qi wireless-charging dockthe makings of a well-equipped bedside tableyoull still have a couple of outlets to spare. Weve spent more than 150 hours researching and testing surge protectors, and were confident that the Tripp Lite Protect It 12-Outlet Surge Protector offers the best combination of protection and outlet quantity at a reasonable price.
We tested leading UPS models and found that the CyberPower CP900AVR is the best option to keep essential gear running for up to four hours during a blackout. The Insignia warranty will not cover: If you are overseas and get your hands on an Insignia TV, you might not be so excited to know that the warranty for the product will not apply to you. The APC product below does the same and it has twice as many outlets, but it costs more than twice as much. Will buy more for wall outlets that need surge protection but do not have a lot of devices plugged into it. Far better than ordinary power strips, these products will protect your expensive electronics from dangerous power spikes. While 330V or above might seem high compared to the 120V nominally delivered in the U.S., its not really that out of whack. Replaces standard duplex in-wall outlet And fits your existing decora-style outlet cover. Many cheap models continue to pass power to their outlets even after the protection is long gone. Most estimates put the average lifespan of a surge protector at three to five years. The Tripp-Lite Protect It 6-Outlet Clamp-Mount Surge Protector TLP606DMUSB performed well, but its really useful only for a desk or workbenchit has a desk clamp but no wall mount, and its impractical to set on the ground. The Insignia TV warranty is only valid for residents of the United States and Canada that have purchased an Insignia TV through Best Buy or Future Shops. I will for sure not buy any more Insignia products and will not recommend buying their products to others. As for look and feel, the SK30USB is made of glossy plastic and has a sleek, streamlined design. Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2020, Mounts right into a outlet box , no cords. Its flipped two or three times when weve had flickering lights or other weird power issues, he told me. When that time comes with almost any other surge protector, youll need to toss it in the garbage. Joules provide a rough basis of comparison thats nearly impossible to test in lab conditions, as youd have to simulate a variety of surges over long periods of time with multiple identical units of each model. And unlike our other picks (except the Tripp Lite TLP825), it has a 90-degree plug thats ideal for tight spaces.
We also looked at smaller units designed for kitchen outlets or bedside tables, as well as series mode and hybrid models for people who want the highest level of surge defense. As much as we like it, there are some areas that could use improvement: The outlets on the two strips wont accommodate oversized wall warts without blocking an adjacent outlet, for instance. Start your vinyl music journey here with our picks for turntable, receiver, speakers, and more. Weve spent hundreds of hours researching and testing office-organizing gear to help keep your workspace clutter-free. The 12-outlet APC Performance SurgeArrest P12U2 used to be a runner-up pick in this guide, and it actually blocked more volts (all but 205.2) than our top pick did in surge testing. Certification from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) provides assurance that the product has been independently tested. Additionally, weve asked Lee Johnsonan electrical engineer with more than 15 years of experience designing and testing electronicsto put our picks and new contenders to the test in six separate rounds of testing since 2016. TP-Link really has produced the ultimate surge protector. GeekSquad protection goes above and beyond the manufactures warranty. *At the time of publishing, the price was $42. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission. However, its no longer a pick because it has a slightly inferior auto-shutoff feature that kicks in only when the main (L-N) leg wears out. (Unlike Ethernet connections, telephone ports dont support high-speed internet, so although you can use these ports to protect a landline telephone, you cant use them to shield network gear from damage.) The surge protection components inside wear out a little more with each surge, and theres virtually no way to know how much protection remains. Two surge-protected outlets To protect the equipment in your home office. (On the downside, this light might be annoying in a bedroom while youre trying to sleep.). Its a 12-outlet modeltwo more than our previous pick hadand it has two super-convenient fast-charging USB ports. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. All surge protectors will wear out over time. To protect the equipment in your home office. The APC Essential SurgeArrest PE4WRU3 and the Tripp Lite Protect It Surge Protector with 4 Rotatable Outlets SK40RUSBB are nearly identical: Both have four rotating outlets, which are ideal for large or oddly shaped plugs, and two USB-A ports. What's Included Insignia 2-Outlet In-Wall Surge Protector White outlet cover Wall plate screws Quick setup guide Product Features 1080-joule rating Absorbs a high amount of energy to adequately protect your equipment and prolong the life of the unit. In our surge testing, the Tripp Lite TLP825 blocked all but 216.4 of the 5,000 volts we pumped into it. Like our top pick, the Power Air safely shuts down once it can no longer protect your electronics, so youll know when you need to replace it. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). Despite being 25 feet long, the rubber-sheathed cord is just as flexible as that of any other surge protector weve tested. So in an exactly equal situation in the same house with routine surges, a unit rated for 1000 joules should last half as long as one rated at 2000 joules.
Even though our tests showed that common equipment like computer displays can survive surges when protected by our less-expensive picks, spending more for added protection may be worthwhile in some casessay, if your home theater, recording studio, or office workstation budget is in the five figures. The downside is that they can cost more than 10 times as much to replace as our top picks. It provides all the safety features you need, plenty of outlets, stellar surge protection performance, and noticeably nicer build quality than weve seen on other units weve tested. Fortunately, you can spend a very reasonable amount of money to put an almost literal firewall between your expensive (and cheap) electronics and the electrical coming in from a wall socket. The two models are nearly identical, except the latter had a worse let-through voltage in our testing, allowing 350 volts compared with the formers 291.8 voltsnot great, but still well under our 400-volt cutoff. It performed about as well as Tripp Lites 12-outlet TLP1208TELTV (and better than Accells Power Air and Tripp Lites three-outlet SK30USB) in our surge tests. Theyre superior to their more common, MOV (metal oxide varistor) counterparts in pretty much every way: Weve tested several such models in the past and found that they let virtually no extra voltage through. Safeguard valuable home theater equipment with this Insignia in-wall surge protector. There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. That puts it in the same class as our top picks, though their results were closer to 200 volts. Weve tested dozens of surge protectors, and we are confident that the Tripp Lite Protect It 12-Outlet Surge Protector TLP1208TELTV is the best one to use with typical living room or office equipment. It let through more volts than the Power Air did in our testing, too. Most estimates put the average lifespan of a surge protector at three to five years. (Furman says these units are often used by touring musicians and therefore subject to more wear and tear than household surge protectors, hence the comparatively short warranty.). The Tripp Lite TLP1208TELTV also has dual coaxial connectors, so you can hook up your cable box, plus three telephone ports. It also performed a smidgen better than our top pick in testing, blocking all but 202 volts.
You can use one of those clever 3-to-2 adapters that I know too well as the owner of an old house, in which only about half the outlets were ever upgraded to modern standards. If you are confident your TV will work straight out of the box and not suffer any future defects, forgo the extended warranty. Im about to blow your mindor at least the minds of most people. Filed a claim with Insignia under their warranty claim, they said this breakage is not covered. Fortunately, it can be cheap to fix unless the house was badly wired. Before that, she worked as a science writer and fact checker for numerous publications, and she studied journalism at the University of Wisconsin. This doesn't affect our editorial independence. Some protectors thus only stop power passing through if that critical junctures MOVs die. For light-duty powering, such as under a nightstand or end table, the Accell Power Air is the way to go to protect gadgets such as phones, tablets, or alarm clocks from surges. Tripp Lites three-outlet SK30USB has an auto-shutoff feature and offers almost as much surge protection as full-size models. It has a three-prong plug, as well as a plastic rod that fits into the bottom hole of the second outlet, ensuring a snug connection. These devices allow you to replace a single component, rather than the entire surge protector, when its protective capabilities have worn off. But if you dont mind those drawbacks, it has all the key features our picks offer (UL certification, an auto-shutoff mechanism, and a lifetime warranty) and four USB-A ports, which is more than weve found on any other small, portable model weve tested. If you have a wall outlet right behind your desk or entertainment center, youll be perfectly happy with our top picks 8-foot cord. Instead of relying on standard MOVs to absorb the entire surge, Furman adds extra protection: Once a surge goes over 137 volts, the entire unit shuts down to protect itself and any connected equipment (switching the unit on and off resets it). When we sent 5,000-volt surges of electricity through the Tripp Lite 12-outlet model, it suppressed as much as any surge protector we tested (with the exception of series mode or hybrid options like our upgrade pick). Its similar to our pick in many ways: It has an auto-shutoff mechanism, an 8-foot cord, three phone ports, two coaxial connectors, and a lifetime warranty. For that, youll need to step up to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), which combines a continuously charged battery backup, power conditioning, and surge protection. Even if you arent using this model to power pricey equipment, as you might do with one of our main picks, its nice to have the added peace of mind. It has three outlets and two USB charging ports and was going for $25 on Amazon at the time of this writing. The Furman Power Station 8 (PST-8) offers the strongest surge protection of the dozens of models weve tested, besting even high-end series mode surge protectors that cost hundreds more. Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. It had a slightly worse let-through voltage in our testing, and we dont think its built-in phone holder is especially attractive or practical.
With the weight of six plugs and cords coming out of these models, they could more easily get pulled out of the wall (which can cause arcing and sparking). Specifications Warranty Terms - Parts 1 Year Warranty Terms - Labor 1 Year Height 4.69 inches Width 2.94 inches Depth 1.81 inches Weight 0.3 pounds Product Name 2-Outlet In-Wall Surge Protector Brand Insignia Color White Color Category White Model Number NS-HW120S18 ENERGY STAR CertifiedNo Cord Length 0 feet USB Port(s) No Number Of Outlets 2 Coaxial Protection No Fax Protection No Joule Rating 1080 joules Modem Protection No Phone Protection No Child Safety Covers No USB Charger Included No Indicator Light(s) Yes Amperage15 amperes Voltage 125 volts UPC 600603213878. This site is owned and operated by Time Off Club, LLC. It has four well-spaced outlets for large power bricks, but the single row of eight outlets quickly gets overcrowded, especially with bulky plugs. Unlike TP-Links product, Belkins device has been selling for more than MSRP lately. In contrast, when he funneled 5,000 volts directly into the unprotected monitor, it promptly cried out in pain, never to turn on again. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. Although the PowerAdd 12 in 1 Surge Protector has an impressive array of six high-amp USB-A ports in addition to its six AC outlets, we found that it didnt slide as neatly under a nightstand or bed as more streamlined models like the Accell Power Air. Thats why we suggest looking for a surge protector with an auto-shutoff feature, which stops the device from conveying power when the protection wears out. If you have pricier-than-average gear, though, these trade-offs make sense. Some power stops flowing. This Tripp Lite models 12 AC outlets should be more than sufficient for most peoples needsthats enough for a TV, a gaming console, a soundbar, and an excessive number of lamps.
The Power Air is sleek and compact, with a flattish shape that makes it easy to slide under an end table. But whereas most of those power strips offer only low-level protection against power surges, the SK30USB proved almost as protective as larger contenders in our testing. In practice, this is very, very hard to determine. These reviews are of surge protectors designed for a home office or a home-entertainment system. After your equipement gets fried is the wrong time to realize you need a surge protector. Dont buy generic surge protectors if you care about actual surge protection. However, the estimated cost to have an electrician install an SPD range from $500 to $1,000, and your homes electrical panel and utility service must be modern enough for it to be safely wired in. Although surge protectors cant do much to protect your property against direct lightning strikeswhich are pretty rare, anywaythey can help with the much more common surges that originate inside your home or building. You do not have to register your Insignia TV to be eligible for the basic warranty that their TVs come with. The Tripp Lite Protect It 3-Outlet Surge Protector SK30USB offers the portability of our favorite small power strips for travel but with even more protection. It also feels pretty lightweight and flimsy. Those cost from a little to much more. (If that describes you, read our guide to our top UPS picks.). Weve had good experiences with Tripp Lites customer support in the past, and that can be helpful if you run into any issues with your unit. In her spare time, she eats as much cheese as her body will tolerate. And its sturdily built overall, with an aluminum body and a long, 8-foot cord. If the light isnt lit, the MOVs have burned out, and theres no protection left. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we dont use a simple average. How easy is it to plug in both regular 2-prong and 3-prong cables intermingled with various kinds of USB adapters and wall warts? For reputable brands selling surge protectors in the $15 to $50 range, the guts were so similar that the dissection yielded no useful information, so we havent torn down the models weve tested since. It would have been nice if some of the outlets had been located on a different face of the body, or if the unit had rotating outlets like Belkins 12-outlet PivotPlug does. It provides a new source of entertainment but can serve as a major upgrade from your previous TV. It has a critical auto-shutoff feature, more than enough outlets to keep all your gadgets powered, and both coaxial and telephone connectors. If you find your house isnt grounded, call an electrician immediately; its a hazard. But when the MOVs burn out, what happens next? You want to make the modest investment in a surge protector for the same reason you want to have a backup of your data: because theres no going back after an adverse event. In this scenario, you must stay alert, particularly during a storm and right afterwards, or whenever your lights flicker . All six of its outlets can be controlled and scheduled individuallyand with a polished mobile app, no lessand you can also control any of them with voice commands. Please try again. We also dig that all the plugs can be hidden on the underside of your desk, and that cord is super long.
To separate fact from fiction about surge protectors, our team at Wirecutter reached out to experts in multiple fields while writing the original version of this guide. *At the time of publishing, the price was $21.
Although the PST-8 isnt quite as convenient, it will provide more protection than our other picks. Like the other Tripp Lite models weve tested, this one is backed by a lifetime warranty. Phone jacks and coax connectors dont add much to value to a surge protector. Insignia does not stand behind its products, the component failed and they just gave me a run-around, Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2019. Because you can plug so much power into a multi-outlet device, its very easy to overload the thing into which youre daisy chaining the surge protector, which can cause product failure or even an electrical fire. Another good alternative to our top pick is the Belkin PivotPlug 12-Outlet Surge Protector BP112230-08. Unfortunately it was too late to return this. And fits your existing decora-style outlet cover. The electrical grid wasnt designed for electronics, and surges and spikes used to be more regular and higher, as they didnt affect electric motors. Were also interested in testing advanced power strips, such as those from TrickleStar or Bits Limited, which are designed to automatically cut off power to nonessential devices when theyre not in use. Choose a ranking for this item. Industry reports and testing indicates these protections are effectively pointless, so we didnt consider their presence or absence in our testing and reviews. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company, Tripp Lite Protect It 3-Outlet Surge Protector, Tripp Lite Protect It 12-Outlet Surge Protector, Tripp Lite Protect It 12-Outlet Surge Protector TLP1208TELTV, Tripp Lite Protect It 3-Outlet Surge Protector SK30USB, Tripp Lite Protect It 8-Outlet Surge Protector TLP825, Our pick: Tripp Lite Protect It 12-Outlet Surge Protector TLP1208TELTV, Best for the nightstand: Accell Power Air, For light use and travel: Tripp Lite Protect It 3-Outlet Surge Protector SK30USB, For reaching faraway outlets: Tripp Lite Protect It 8-Outlet Surge Protector TLP825, For maximum protection: Furman Power Station 8, catch fire or damage your electronics (PDF), The Best Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), The Best Portable Power Strips and Surge Protectors With USB Charging, electromagnetic or radio-frequency interference, Belkin PivotPlug 12-Outlet Surge Protector BP112230-08, Nekteck Power Strip with 12 AC Outlets NK-12A2UPD18W-6FT, cheap, generic model we picked up at a big-box store, Tripp Lite Protect It Personal Charging Station with 3-Outlet Surge Protector SK34USBB, Tripp Lite Protect It 10-Outlet Surge Protector TLP1008TEL, Belkin SurgePlus 3-Outlet Mini Surge Protector with Dual USB Ports BST300bg, Tripp Lite Protect It Surge Protector with 4 Rotatable Outlets SK40RUSBB, Belkin PivotPlug 6-Outlet Surge Protector BP106000, Hyper Tough 6-Outlet Surge Protector PS682B_B, Tripp-Lite Protect It 6-Outlet Clamp-Mount Surge Protector TLP606DMUSB, Tripp-Lite Protect It 6-Outlet Surge Protector TLP66USBR, Tripp Lite Protect It 12-Outlet Surge Protector TLP128TTUSBB, The Best Record Player Setup for Beginners, Wirecutters 100 Most Popular Picks in October 2021. The two models are nearly identical, except the P11VT3 blocked fewer volts (all but 270.8, compared with 206.8) in our surge tests and has one fewer outlet. We started our research by scanning the top results on Amazon, Google Shopping, and retailers like Home Depot and Walmart, as well as the websites of well-known brands such as Accell, Belkin, and Tripp Lite, to compile a list of models.
Many homes, especially older ones, dont have a ton of outletsand you should never plug a surge protector into an extension cord. With SSDs or streaming audio/video equipment or a Blu-Ray or other disc player, thats not a big deal. Also, whole-house surge protectors are typically rated for a much higher let-through voltage than our picks, clamping at 600 to 1,200 volts rather than 400 volts or less. Full content visible, double tap to read brief content. If you spot a price drop, you might consider the Tripp Lite Protect It 10-Outlet Surge Protector TLP1008TEL. With a brushed-aluminum enclosure, polished beveled edges, and a braided-fabric power cord, we havent seen anything else that comes close in terms of its industrial design. TechHive helps you find your tech sweet spot. As you can see from the link above, the model HS300 has been selling for much less than its $79 MSRP. The Tripp-Lite Protect It 6-Outlet Surge Protector TLP66USBR has four USB ports, whereas the most that many other models have is two.
Tripp Lite offers a limited lifetime warranty that protects against any defects or failures for the life of the productbut be warned that its not considered a defect for the surge protection to eventually wear out as designed. In our full guide to small power strips for travel, we recommend models with as many as four AC outlets and up to two USB ports. Amazon Basics Rotating 6-Outlet Surge Protector Wall Mount - 1080 Joules, USB Power Strip Surge Protector Wall Outlet with Long Extension Cord, 3 Outlets 2 USB Ports 2.4A, Wall Mountable Power Strip for Home Office, 1250W/10A, SGS Listed (1 Pack 6 FT, White), Rotating Wall Charger Station Power Strip Shelf 6 Outlets 3 USB 3.4A Surge Protector - KF Multi-Plug Outlet Extender Sockets 15A 1875W 540J with Built-in Shelf for Home Office Travel Hotel, Power Strip Surge Protector, KF 12 Outlets Flat Plug Wall Mounted Power Strip with 4 USB Ports 4.8A, 6 FT Rotatable Long Extension Cord, 15A, 125V, 1875W, 2700J (Black), AmazonCommercial 6-Pack Wall Tap Surge Protector, AmazonCommercial White,4-pack Wall Tap Surge Protector, Sleek Socket Ultra-Thin Outlet Concealer with Cord Concealer Kit, 3 Outlet, 3-Foot Cord, Universal Size (Ideal for Kitchens & Bathrooms). Weve been asked about Amazon Basics surge protectors, but we havent tested any because the models weve seen dont have an auto-shutoff feature. Its 6-foot cord is 2 feet shorter than that of the Tripp Lite 12-outlet model but should still be plenty long for most people. After taking the protected hit, the display powered on and displayed an image with no problem. Plus, our maximum-protection pick from Furman, which is a hybrid model that costs less than true series mode options, produced similar results in our testing. The class of surge protectors reviewed here rely on MOVs (metal oxide varistors) to absorb excess voltage. It offers two USB ports and six AC outlets in a round package thats smaller than a dinner plate. It also has an auto-shutoff feature, making it one of just a few small, portable surge protectors weve found with this capability. We considered several common factors for three scenarios: a home-entertainment system, such as a TV, disc player, streaming media box, and receiver system; a home office or cubicle with a desktop computer and peripherals, including monitors and hard drives; and an on-the-go option, if you want to travel with a multi-outlet strip that also gives you piece of mind, especially in hotels and conference rooms, where you dont know what kind of power will be provided.
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