what size surge protector do I need

Electrical

The answer to 'what size surge protector do I need' is that the size of the surge protector you need depends on the electrical load of the devices you want to protect. As a general rule, you should choose a surge protector that can handle at least 20% more electrical capacity than the total wattage of the devices you plan to plug into it. This will ensure the surge protector can safely handle any power surges or spikes.

For example, if you have a TV, cable box, and gaming console that each use around 100 watts, the total electrical load would be 300 watts. In this case, you would want to choose a surge protector that can handle at least 360 watts (20% more than 300 watts). Surge protectors are typically available in sizes ranging from 600 watts up to 4,000 watts or more, so you can select one that matches your specific needs.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. 1

    Determine your electrical load

    Make a list of all the devices you want to plug into the surge protector and add up their total wattage. This will help you select the right size surge protector.

  2. 2

    Choose the right surge protector size

    Select a surge protector that can handle at least 20% more wattage than the total of your connected devices. This provides a safety buffer in case of power surges.

  3. 3

    Plug in your devices

    Carefully plug in your electronics to the surge protector's outlets, making sure not to exceed the maximum capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a surge protector?

You should use a surge protector any time you have valuable electronic devices plugged into an electrical outlet. Surge protectors help safeguard your equipment from power surges and spikes that can potentially damage them.

What features should I look for in a surge protector?

When choosing a surge protector, look for features like multiple outlet sockets, USB charging ports, cable/phone line protection, and an indicator light to show when the surge protection is working.

Get Help from a Local Pro

Connect with certified professionals in your area

Free, no-obligation quotes from local professionals