What does a surge protector mean? How to choose a surge protector for your computer? Number of output sockets

Relevance: May 2019

In the modern world you cannot do without household appliances. It is quite difficult to purchase it, so it is important to think about protecting it. A lightning strike, a breakdown at a power plant or in a transformer box can damage the device. Often, voltage fluctuations leave irreparable damage to important parts, and the only option is to buy new equipment. It is important to think about purchasing a high-quality surge protector that will protect against sudden surges in voltage and short circuits in the wiring. Each model may differ in its functions and appearance. To choose a quality item, you need to be thoroughly familiar with the main positive aspects.

We have compiled a list of the best surge protectors based on expert assessments and reviews from real customers. Our recommendations will help you make a choice that suits your needs and desires. There are many competitors in the global technology market, but we have selected the best manufacturers and recommend paying special attention to them:

Budget / Inexpensive

1. Xiaomi
2. Pilot

Expensive/Premium class

For computer For TV For washing machine Sockets: 4 Sockets: 5 or more Availability of USB For socket

*Prices are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.

Surge filters: For computer

For computer / For TV / Sockets: 5 or more

Main advantages

• In addition to the main cut-off switch, there are additional switches for four European sockets. It is possible to turn off the equipment without unplugging the plug
• There are two separate narrow sockets for power supplies. The connector secures the plug tightly, preventing the heavy charger from falling out
• The body is made of high-strength ABS plastic. The structure can withstand slight mechanical stress without damage or breakage
• Built-in thermobimetallic fuse that stops the supply of electricity if the current exceeds the permissible value of 2.2 kW
• Four European sockets are equipped with ground contacts

Show all products in the category "For computer"

Surge filters: For washing machine

For computer / For washing machine Sockets: 5 or more

Main advantages

• There are three indicators on the device body that indicate the operating status. Information is provided about the serviceability of the protection, the presence of grounding and power overload
• The wire is securely fixed in the base of the housing and is protected from kinks and chafing
• The filter has wall mounts. The housing can be hung both vertically and horizontally. It is possible to lay the wire on the left or right side using special grooves
• The connectors for the plug are located at the top and at the end. The wires of connected devices will not be kinked, which will extend their service life and prevent them from breaking
• USB ports are provided for charging gadgets

For computer / For washing machine/ For TV / Sockets: 5 or more

Main advantages

• The surge protector has four sockets of the CEE 7/4 Schuko standard. There is also one connector for CEE 7/16 Europlug
• The length of the cable built into the housing is 2 m. The cable itself is protected by a durable, but at the same time flexible braiding, resistant to constant mechanical stress
• The surge protector is protected against overload or short circuit. In the event of a malfunction, the automatic fuse will trip
• Each section has a separate switch, which greatly simplifies the control of individual equipment. Prevents wear and tear on the plug and socket
• The housing has special holes for attaching the filter to a vertical surface.

Show all products in the category “For washing machine”

Surge filters: Sockets: 4

For computer / For washing machine/ For TV / Sockets: 4

Main advantages

• The device uses an automatic fuse, which simplifies the restoration procedure. In case of overload, all parts remain in working order, the protection does not need to be replaced or repaired
• The operating temperature of the device is from 0 to 40°C. Storage is allowed in the range from -15 to 45°C
• The housing materials are fully compliant with the RoHS directive. The filter does not contain toxic substances that can harm health
• Three degrees of protection have been established. If one mode fails, the others continue to operate in the same state
• A built-in indicator warns of overload. If the LED lights up, you should turn off several devices

Show all products in the category "Sockets: 4"

Surge filters: USB available

For computer / For washing machine/ For TV / USB availability / Sockets: 5 or more

Every day more and more complex, but very sensitive equipment comes into our home. Some devices operate directly from the electrical network, while other devices require periodic recharging. Connecting appliances to the mains exposes them to the risk of failure if there is a sudden change in voltage. This can happen due to the fault of the supplier, outdated wiring, or because neighbors connected a device that caused a short circuit. You can protect your equipment from damage by installing a surge protector between the outlet and the device. After all, fixing a breakdown sometimes costs more than purchasing a new unit.

What is a surge protector

A relatively inexpensive device will perfectly protect expensive home appliances from sudden power outages or power surges, and will also filter and remove unwanted impulses and interference that can damage electronic systems.

The best surge protector can protect equipment from the effects of a short circuit, which can burn out units throughout the entrance riser. We are talking about devices connected to sockets located near the installation site of the device that caused damage to the electrical wiring.

Principle of operation

It is not difficult for a basic surge protector to suppress the impulse. The device has to perform this task constantly. Because these short-term phenomena occur with enviable consistency. Their occurrence can be triggered by discharges of static atmospheric electricity. Not all fuses are capable of reacting to this fast impulse, so the filter must be equipped with a combination of several fuses, including a gas discharge one. Otherwise, when a pulse with a wide amplitude occurs, serious damage may be caused to electronic devices.

Voltage surges that a person can notice by the blinking of a lamp can be recognized by a surge protector with any configuration. If it is impossible to mix its network device, it turns off. This surge occurs as a result of connecting or disconnecting electrical appliances with high power to the network. A provocateur can be a kettle, drill, microwave oven, washing machine and many other household electrical appliances.

Interference caused by electromagnetic or high-frequency equipment is removed by line filter capacitors.

How to choose the right one

When buying a surge protector, you need to pay attention to the presence of a forced shutdown button; as a rule, it is a sign of a necessary protective function. Not only will the TV or computer remain unharmed, but the filter itself will not burn out thanks to the triggered sensitive fuse.

One mains voltage filter can guarantee reliable protection for several electrical appliances of different power simultaneously. The number of units serviced simultaneously is determined by the manufacturer (the number of connectors on the housing).

When choosing, close attention should be paid to several parameters of the device itself and the information in the accompanying documents.

1. When choosing a model, you need to be wary of fakes. You must exclude the possibility of purchasing low-quality goods immediately in the store. To do this, you need to carefully study the product data sheet. Having understood from the description what functions this device has, you can be confident in its quality.
2. The pulse load indicator can say a lot about which surge protector is able to withstand a larger load drop in the network. Devices with low performance will cope with surges caused by disconnecting or connecting powerful household appliances to the network. Some models don’t even care about insurmountable circumstances in the form of a lightning strike.
3. The standard cord length is 180 cm. In most cases, it is sufficient for household use. For large rooms there are filters with a 5-meter cord.
4. Number and types of fuses. Three different types are capable of providing complete protection because they respond to different stimuli.
5. The number of European standard sockets in devices may vary.
6. The absence of a button with an LED indicates that this is just an extension cord and not a filter. Because a burning light indicates the operation of the unit. If there is no light, then one of the fuses has blown.

Varieties

Filters are divided into three categories according to their level of protection.

• Basic etheric defense. It is referred to in the documents as Essential. For ordinary household appliances, such as a refrigerator, microwave oven, multicooker without a built-in recipe book, a surge protector of this class is suitable.
• Universal Home/Office Device applicable for connecting a PC with all its accessories and LCD TVs.
• Performance- surge protector, its price is higher than that of basic and universal devices. True to its name, it is used for expensive devices sensitive to energy fluctuations, the protection performance of which must be at its best.

Manufacturers

• Company Furman is engaged in the production of surge protectors of all classes used for alternating current networks, providing protection for audio systems, home theaters and speaker systems.
• Firm Isol-8 produces the most beautiful surge protectors. In addition to beauty, they have all the necessary qualities for devices of this class.
• Chang Audio Corporation produces Lightspeed brand products. This is a filter whose price has made it popular all over the world.

• McIntosh Laboratory- a company that produces a lot of audio, video and computer equipment. The company produces filters as related products.
• Monster Cable Products produces all categories of surge protectors, including automotive ones.
• Nordost Corporation: The company's main product is electrical cables. This company is a supplier of medical institutions. Our products are ahead of our competitors in terms of innovations. Surge filters have a unique filling.
• Systems and Magic- manufacturer of audio equipment. It is famous for the fact that all products are assembled by hand. The ideas for network filter innovations belong to the company's developers.
• SurgeX distinguished by premium products. Its filters can withstand power surges of up to 6 thousand volts.
• Network filter APC belongs to the middle class of products and is popular due to its good price-quality ratio.

Sven network filters

The Finnish surge protector Sven appeared on the Russian market relatively recently. The bright representative of this brand, the SVEN Fort device, is distinguished by its thoughtful design. The bright design of the body, uncharacteristic of most filters, makes it stand out from the crowd of similar devices.

Unlike many of its brothers, it is not designed to lie on the floor. There are 2 holes on the back cover of the case that can hold the extension cord on the wall in a longitudinal or transverse position. There are 5 sockets on the front panel, and opposite each of them there is a red button responsible for the operation of a specific connector. There is also a button that turns off the entire device.

Two indicators on the housing indicate grounding and the operating status of the protection. The backlight color is different. According to customer reviews, the diagonal arrangement of the holes is not very convenient. When connecting some devices with elongated plugs, it is not possible to use the adjacent connector.

Inside the case:

• pay;
• 3 varistors;
• fuse 10 A.;
• thermal fuse.

There is also a SVEN Fort Pro model. According to experts, this device differs from the previous one in the presence of a voltage scale, which is slightly inaccurate. Its internal structure is identical to Fort. In both devices, solder sagging is observed.

APC surge protectors

8 devices can be connected at a time to this device, which is equipped with protection for a computer network, telephone and video lines, a high-frequency interference filter and a three-meter cord. The APC surge protector has an attractive design. A nice addition to the main product are 3 cords. They are designed to connect to the Internet, telephone and TV. On the case there is a button to turn off the device and indicators showing grounding, connection and the presence of network overloads, next to it there is a communication line protection unit.

The device is thought out to the smallest detail. Wall mounting is possible in any position. There are feet for using it on the floor. Based on the positive reviews from experts, it is clear that this is a unit of the highest standard, capable of satisfying the majority of consumers. All functions declared by the manufacturer are performed with honor. Despite all its advantages, this unit does not have local network grounding. The surge protector, the price of which is higher than that of SVEN Fort Pro, is better in both performance and workmanship. The disadvantages found by consumers include the inconvenience of mounting in a horizontal position.

Surge filters from Defender

The Defender surge protector is presented in a wide range on the Russian market - a variety of colors, connector shapes and technical capabilities. The smallest unit allows you to connect one electrical appliance with a regular plug and two gadgets via USB ports to charge them without connecting to a PC.

Devices of the highest protection category are represented by devices with 6 and 8 Euro connectors. They are intended for use at home and offices. There wasn't a single bad word among the user reviews. People are especially happy with the presence of USB ports that allow them to charge tablets, MP3 players and e-readers. Among the shortcomings, the size of the body is noted, which does not provide the desired aesthetics to the wall.

Surge filters from Pilot

The Pilot surge protector, which has been on the Russian market for a long time, is beginning to lose its position. The functions intended by the developer would have worked perfectly if the assembly had been of a higher quality. Among the reviews, several people point out the same drawback - weak solder of parts, which, when flying out of their places, lead to undesirable consequences. Most users are satisfied with the filters of this brand. Another disadvantage is the price of this surge protector, which is one and a half times higher than that of other manufacturers of units of the corresponding class. We can only hope that manufacturers will take into account the comments of citizens, and Pilot will be a reliable companion for its adherents for many years to come.

Which surge protector is better?

Looking through the reviews of specialists and user reviews, you can immediately dismiss the idea of ​​​​buying surge protectors produced by the Finns. APC is very interesting and reliable, but for many its price will be its biggest drawback. An unpleasant surprise was the feedback received by the Pilot surge protector, which had no complaints for many years. Today, the best surge protector in terms of price and quality is Defender.

The stability of the current electrical network leaves much to be desired. Due to wear and tear of equipment at substations, poor quality electrical wiring, and frequent switching on of household appliances that consume high power, voltage drops are common.

Soviet-era technology was much more resistant to this than modern technology. Nowadays, its design often contains complex electronics with high sensitivity.

To ensure its stable operation, it is recommended to use surge protectors. This article will tell you what they are, how they operate, what types there are, and how to choose the right model for you.

Design and principle of operation

In appearance, it is practically no different from a regular extension cord. You can verify this by looking at photos of surge protectors. The main feature is the presence of a stabilizing unit and one or more switches. If any interference or surges occur in the network in this block, they are smoothed out.

A special circuit absorbs excess voltage and normalizes the current frequency. In the event of a sudden surge, the fuse trips, stopping the flow of electricity. This prevents damage to equipment connected to the filter.

Let's consider a surge protector device. Its circuit contains varistors, a balancing choke, a thermal fuse and inductors with cores. The latter are used to suppress high frequency interference. Their operating principle is based on the ability to sharply increase resistance when a current with a short sinusoid period passes through them.

Inductors are installed on the neutral and phase conductors. Low-frequency interference is suppressed either by its active resistance or by individual resistors, also located in series with the load.

A varistor is required to suppress short-term impulse noise. At low voltage it has enormous resistance and therefore does not allow electricity to pass through.

If the voltage rises to a certain value, the resistance of the varistor begins to decrease. Connected in parallel in the circuit, it takes on part of the load while its increased impact lasts.

Filters labeled LC are considered the most effective. Their circuit contains a capacitor with a capacity of up to 1 μF with a rated voltage equal to twice the mains voltage. This is done to make it possible to take into account any difference.

What varieties are there?

Depending on the level of security provided, network filters are divided into the following types:

Essential. Provides basic security capabilities. Suitable for simple household appliances.

Home/Office. Universal devices with an optimal combination of price and quality. Can be used with most household appliances.

Performance. Professional equipment for complex electronic devices that are extremely sensitive to the slightest changes. Provides maximum protection, but is much more expensive.

The difference between the presented types can be assessed, for example, by the ability to smooth out bursts of energy. If for a regular filter it does not exceed 960 J, then for a professional one it is 2500 and higher.

However, you must remember that the characteristics stated in the instructions for the selected model will only be achieved when used in sockets with grounding. In networks where it is not provided, the efficiency of these devices is somewhat reduced.

To choose the right surge protector, pay attention to the following:

The ratio of the number of sockets and the ability to withstand high loads. Cheap devices may be able to connect many devices, but are not designed for them at all. It is necessary to plan in advance what will be connected to this filter, sum up the power and compare it with that indicated in the technical data sheet.

It is advisable to have a small margin - about a third of the rated load. In this case, the filter will work smoothly and reliably.

Distance between sockets. It should be large enough to accommodate any adapter.

Length of cable. Choose one sufficient for comfortable use. Too long here is also undesirable - the efficiency of the device will decrease.

Plug contacts. In models from bona fide manufacturers, they are made of high-quality non-ferrous metal. This is checked using a magnet. Cheap metal will often overheat, which can damage the case and burn the contacts.

Number of switches on the surge protector. It can be in a single copy or separate for each outlet. In the second case, the advantage is the ability to control the power supply to each individual device.

And of course, remember that even the best filter will not help during a power outage. To protect equipment from this, this device must be combined with an uninterruptible power supply UPS.

Review of popular models

Let's look at the best surge protectors offered by manufacturers. The first of them is Buro BU-SP5 USB 2A-W. It has an organic appearance, takes up little space, and is relatively inexpensive. The average cost is 790 rubles. The case is white, equipped with 6 European sockets and 2 USB ports that allow you to charge mobile devices. The wire is 5 meters long, the maximum power is no more than 2.2 kW.

The ideal filter for connecting a computer is Pilot X-PRO. The length of the wire, depending on the model, varies from 1.8 to 7 meters. There are 5 euro sockets and one old style. It has an original appearance, reminiscent of a spacecraft in the best traditions of science fiction.

A special advantage is the presence of the Master Control function, which allows you to supply voltage to other consumers after turning on the main one. For example, a modem, printer and monitor can only turn on after the system unit starts. The average price is 1980 rubles.

The APC PMF83VT-RS is perfect for an LCD TV. Has connectors for connecting television and telephone cables. Provides faster data transfer rates while effectively suppressing RF noise and electromagnetic interference.

8 sockets are located at a distance from each other, which allows you to connect any power supply. Cord length – 3 meters. Equipped with light indicators indicating the absence of protection. Price – 3630 rubles.

A properly selected surge protector will significantly extend the life of often expensive household appliances. You shouldn’t skimp on this - it’s better to pay now than to incur much higher repair costs later.

Photos of network filters

With the development of technology, the number of useful devices is growing, without which it is already difficult to imagine our life. Today, all household appliances and gadgets need to be connected to an electrical outlet for constant operation or recharging, so the need for a large number of sockets is constantly growing. Surge filters are equipped with short circuit protection, individual or general switches. In addition, advanced and expensive models filter high-frequency interference, which is formed due to a large number of devices connected to the electrical network and poor, old wiring.

How it works?

The surge protector, depending on the cost, performs the following functions:
1. Short circuit protection;
2. Filtering high-frequency interference;
3. Protection against short-term voltage pulses.

Short circuit is a condition of an electrical circuit when phase and neutral are connected directly without load. Those. if a wire breaks somewhere, if something short-circuits in some device, then the surge protector should turn off and protect the remaining equipment.

Interference is a consequence of the operation of devices connected to the network. Almost all electronics now use switching power supplies - TVs, computers, etc. Switching power supplies inevitably interfere with the network. In addition to them, devices with inductive loads, such as a refrigerator, also cause interference.
High-frequency interference does not harm electronics, but it does affect its operation. For example, extraneous sounds may appear in audio equipment, or ripples and distortions may appear on the screen of an analog TV or monitor.

Voltage pulses arise due to the connection of any reactive load to the network, again a refrigerator, welding machines, etc. To prevent anything from accidentally burning out, varistors are installed in surge protectors that absorb these impulses. But they rarely protect against prolonged exposure to high voltage.

Types of network filters

Extension- the simplest device consisting of a wire and sockets. It does not have filters or circuit breakers to prevent short circuits.
Network filter- the same as an extension cord, but with a high-pass filter, i.e. Eliminates high frequency interference. In addition to this with a switch and often with a thermal breaker.
Tee , splitter– a regular splitter for several sockets without a wire.
Wattmeter– a measuring device that determines the power consumption of electricity.
Energy meter– similar in principle to a wattmeter; in addition, it records power consumption in a similar way to a meter.

Number and type of sockets

Modern surge protectors have up to eight outlets. Consequently, you can connect up to eight network devices to one wall socket through a filter - this is a definite plus. But it is worth considering: connecting a large number of devices to the filter can lead to its automatic shutdown due to overload.

There are many different types of connectors; in surge protectors there are two types of sockets:
- Type C And type F. European type socket, two round pins. The difference between type F is that it has contact plates for grounding, which type C does not. Grounding the outlet allows you to avoid unpleasant and sometimes dangerous situations. Many have encountered the problem of electric shock when touching a washing machine or electric stove; this occurs due to a lack of grounding. In most apartments, grounding is done only at the stove.

Manufacturers produce filters with a plug IEC C14(computer). This type of connector is used for direct connection to an uninterruptible power supply. A surge protector connected directly through the UPS helps to more reliably protect equipment from power surges and power outages.

Basic parameters of network filters

When choosing a surge protector, you should pay attention to maximum power of the connected load And maximum load current. These parameters allow you to calculate the feasibility of purchasing various models. When calculating the maximum power, the current must be multiplied by the voltage (for example: 5 A multiplied by 220 V and we get 1100 W). Then we add up the power of the devices that are planned to be connected through the surge protector. If the total power of the equipment is higher than the maximum permissible power of the filter, then you should select a model that can withstand a higher load.
For example: when connecting a PC and peripherals to a surge protector, it will work flawlessly, since the power consumption of these devices is low. But if you plan to use a surge protector in the kitchen and connect an electric kettle, stove, and water heater at the same time, then if all appliances are operating simultaneously, the filter will turn off.

Levels of protection

According to the degree of protection, network filters can be divided into:
1. Basic level of protection (Essential). Such filters have the simplest (basic) protection. During voltage impulses, they take the blow and are characterized by low cost and simplicity in design. It is better to use them with inexpensive and low-power equipment. Serve as an alternative to conventional extension cords.
2. Advanced level of protection (Home/Office). Suitable for most appliances in the home and office, they are presented on the market with a wide range of products and loyal prices in relation to quality.
3. Professional level of protection (Performance). Eliminates almost all interference, recommended for purchase for expensive interference-sensitive equipment. Surge filters with a professional level of protection are more expensive than the previous ones, but their reliability fully pays for the costs.

Protection against short-term voltage surges/pulses– almost all filters are equipped with this function; the principle of its operation is to absorb short-term high-voltage pulses. It does not protect against prolonged high voltage. If your home has high or low voltage most of the time, then it is better to give preference to a stabilizer, since the surge protector will be useless.
Overheat shutdown- the overheat sensor is responsible for shutdown; when the temperature rises above the maximum permissible limit, the network filter is de-energized. When using the filter near heating appliances or at maximum power consumption, an overheat sensor will help avoid its breakdown or dangerous situations.
Interference suppression- in Russia, the power supply frequency is 50 Hz, but there are also additional high-frequency harmonics in the network. The filter eliminates high-frequency “dirt” and reduces it to a minimum, thereby leaving a pure 50 Hz sine wave without unnecessary harmonics.

Switch

Surge protectors are equipped with a switch so that you do not constantly pull the plug out of the socket; the switch saves time and is safe to use.
There are several types of switches:
Individual– installed for each surge protector socket, there is no need to remove a specific device from the filter, you can simply press a button.
Are common– installed on the top or side of the filter, de-energizes all devices connected to the surge protector.
Remote controls– models of surge protectors with a remote control are rare, their price is high, but you have to pay for convenience. Easy to use, suitable for people with disabilities.

Length of cable

A long cable provides mobility and increases the area where the connected device can be used. Long cables are convenient in rooms with a large area for construction tools, vacuum cleaners and other portable equipment. But in small rooms there is no need to take an extension cord “with a reserve”; it is enough to limit yourself to models with an average cable length, otherwise it will interfere and get tangled. The most common lengths of network filters are: