How to Install a Low-Profile Surge Protector for Your Entertainment Unit

A surge protector
  • .25
  • Beginner
  • 10-40
What You'll Need
Surge protector
What You'll Need
Surge protector

A good surge protector should be the cornerstone of any home entertainment center. Considering the costs it would take to replace a television or any other expensive entertainment unit if it was damaged from a power surge, the advantages of using a surge protector are obvious. With so many types of surge protectors on the market, one that is becoming more popular to use with home entertainment centers are low-profile surge protectors. These types of surge protectors offer all the advantages of a normal surge protector with the added appeal of being easy to conceal. Furthermore, these devices are becoming more and more affordable and are relatively easy to install, making them a go-to choice for many homeowners.

Step 1 - Choose the Right Surge Protector

Even a cursory search of low-profile surge protectors brings up an enormous amount of options, from ones that plug into standard wall outlets and stand-alone units, to the traditional and most commonly used strip protectors. In order to pick out the right kind of low-profile surge protector, make sure you select one that has the appropriate number of outlets and other connection types you will need such as data lines, cable connections, and USB ports. Further, if you want to take full advantage of the low-profile feature, select one that can be mounted.

Step 2 - Select Mounting Location

After you've picked out the right surge protector for your entertainment center, make sure you read the manual for any additional tips or special warnings. The great thing about low-profile surge protectors is that they offer the same kind of protection against unwanted power surges that traditional surge protectors do, and they can be mounted just about anywhere. You can mount the surge protector behind your television or the entertainment center, or even on the back of furniture. The important thing to remember is that you need to have enough enough room to plug everything in, and you need to be able to access the surge protector to ensure it's working properly.

Step 3 - Installation Prep

surge protector

Once you've determined where you want to place the surge protector, make sure all the plugs can reach the location where you're planning on mounting the device. That being said, it's always a good idea to double-check that the power cord to the surge protector can reach the nearest wall outlet. Adjust your furniture or devices to meet these requirements before mounting the device.

Step 4 - Evaluate Mounting Brackets

Depending on where you've chosen to mount the surge protector, you may need to purchase an additional mounting bracket if your model did not come with one. There is an array of choices available when it comes to selecting the right low-profile mount. The only important thing is to make sure you select a mount that is compatible with your model surge protector.

Step 5 - Install

After you've made sure all the plugs will reach and you have all the materials necessary to mount the protector, the next step is to install. Follow the instructions on the mounting kit you purchased, and make sure the surge protector fits easily into the mount. One thing to watch out for is that the mount doesn't conceal any important switches, like the power button, or that any of the plugs you will be using to power your devices are obstructed.

Step 6 - Test

After the low-profile surge protector has been properly mounted, you can plug it into the nearest wall outlet and make sure it's working properly. If the device powers on, then plug in the rest of your devices and you should be ready to enjoy your next movie without having to worry about the consequences of an uninvited power surge.

Things to Consider

It's important to keep in mind that surge protectors will fail at some point in their lives. The technology a surge protector uses to make sure the right amount of power is filtered to your devices can wear down over time and stop working. Typically, a good surge protector will have a series of indicator lights to let you know when it needs to be replaced. With that in mind, it's a good idea to periodically check in on your surge protector to ensure everything is in proper working condition.