Surge Protectors - Power Strips.


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Old 02-07-16, 04:38 PM
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Surge Protectors - Power Strips.

We know that not all power strips are surge protectors. However, it seems that surge protectors have been divided into 2 categories. One is labeled for appliances & another for electronics. If there is a difference, what is it?
 
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Old 02-07-16, 05:04 PM
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The only reason most new appliances need surge protection is because they are loaded with electronics. I don't think there is a difference. That being said, I wouldn't plug an appliance into a surge strip.
 
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Old 02-11-16, 02:30 PM
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Whenever I see things labeled for appliances, they are rated for higher amperage than typical.
 
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Old 02-11-16, 04:10 PM
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Whenever I see things labeled for appliances, they are rated for higher amperage than typical.
Actually, that's correct. I called the company (Monster Products) & that was the answer. The appliance surge protector is rated for 20 amps & the electronic surge protector is rated for 15 amps.
 
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Old 02-12-16, 06:57 AM
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Pretty much all point-of-use surge protectors are identical inside. The additional terms and brands are all marketing language to sell the product or raise the price. Monster is particularly bad in this case.

None of the point of use products will be as good as a panel mounted protector which covers everything in the house and is more effective.
 
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Old 02-12-16, 09:27 AM
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Shape of a plug defines power. A standard wall receptacle (two parallel prongs) is only rated for 15 amps (also called NEMA 5-15). A twenty amp plug is intentionally designed differently - also called NEMA 6-20. Then a twenty amp appliance cannot connect to a receptacle or power strip only designed for 15 amp service.

BTW, that is a 15 amp receptacle even if powered from a 20 amp circuit breaker inside the breaker box.

All is done for human safety reasons - in power strips with or without surge protector parts. The most critical component in a power strip is its circuit breaker.
 
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Old 02-12-16, 03:50 PM
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A twenty amp plug is intentionally designed differently - also called NEMA 6-20. Then a twenty amp appliance cannot connect to a receptacle or power strip only designed for 15 amp service.
I cannot even think of a single 20 amp residential appliance. I cannot say there aren't any, but am pretty sure I have never seen one.
 
 

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