Unfortunately and since the PC is connected to the electrical network , it is quite vulnerable against fluctuations and overvoltages of this, so it is always a good idea to have additional protection measures in addition to a good power supply with protections. Generally, a UPS already has protection systems, but if you want to have additional protection or simply do not want or cannot buy a UPS, in this article we are going to tell you which are the best protection strips you can buy.
The biggest difference between a UPS and a fused protection strip is the simple fact that the UPS has a battery and the strip does not; This makes it much more expensive and takes up much more space, so there are not a few users who prefer to do without a UPS but, instead, have a protection strip to keep their hardware safe from problems in the electrical network.
Why buy protection strips?
The PCs are connected to the power supply, usually permanently. This means that they are a particularly vulnerable device to the electrical problems inherent in any installation and especially if it is old or of poor quality, and despite the fact that the power supplies already have various protection systems, they only work when the source is on, so it’s never a bad idea to slip an extra shield between the electrical outlet and our valuable hardware.
These protection strips incorporate a series of electronic mechanisms that not only avoid overvoltage problems, but in many cases act as a filter to eliminate or mitigate electrical noise and that the energy reaches it, already basic, much more cleans to the power supply, which will improve its efficiency and reduce its temperature by making your own filters have a lower workload.
Why is a cheap power strip not worth it?
Having a PC almost necessarily implies using a power strip, since we not only connect the power supply but also the monitor or monitors, the speakers, the router and other electrical devices, so it would be quite difficult to do it using only wall plugs. The fact is that most users decide to go cheap and buy a power strip “from the Chinese” that barely costs 5-6 euros, but this is clearly a big mistake.
If these strips are so cheap, they are for something: in addition to not having any protection system, they use low-quality materials and with quite bad welds; In addition, they connect the plug sockets in line, which means that the charge of all the plugs is accumulating. This causes the temperature of the components to rise which, if they are already of poor quality in themselves, can end up causing short circuits and literally the strip can end up burning.
If what you want is to protect your valuable PC hardware, then do not hesitate and invest a little more in a UPS or a good protection strip: they will last you many years and you can be sure that your hardware will be safe against the inclemencies of the electricity grid, which is not always as good as we would like.
The best protection strips on the market
Having explained the above, then we are going to tell you which are, in our point of view, the best protection strips that you can buy; All of them use the highest quality materials and connections, are from renowned brands (especially those made by UPS manufacturers, who know what they are doing) and, of course, equip protection measures against electrical problems (some of them have even an insurance that compensates the user if any of the connected devices suffers electrical problems because the power strip has not done its job well).
APC Surge Arrest Performance
By all accounts, this seems to us the best power strip you can buy, and it has it all. It is manufactured by APC, a subsidiary of Schneider Electric, the most renowned brand of electrical panels and components and whose UPSs have been top sellers for many years, so starting with this we know that we are facing a power strip of the highest quality.
It incorporates eight outlets with Schuko plug rotated 90 degrees for convenience and that the plugs do not collide with each other, in addition to having a cable manager at one end for greater convenience. Three of these sockets, labeled “Always on”, are intended for transformers while another of the plugs, labeled “PLC Compatible”, is specially designed to connect PLCs without interfering with their data transmission.
In addition to this, it has coaxial input and output to filter the antenna signal as well as network connectors for the same purpose. It supports up to 2,200 watts of maximum power, rises of up to 40,000 amperes of current intensity and includes a life-long equipment protection policy with compensation of up to 100,000 euros if any connected device suffers electrical problems due to the power strip. It has a fuse that you will not need to replace in case of power surges.
Brennenstuhl Premium Line
We are facing a strip manufactured with industrial standards and with the highest quality of construction and components. It incorporates a replaceable fuse, has 8 Schuko plug sockets rotated 45 degrees for easier plugging and of course all of them have overvoltage protection. It supports up to 2200 watts of power and surges of up to 30,000 amps, ideal for withstanding electrical storms and lightning strikes.
EATON Protection Box
EATON is another manufacturer famous for its industrial UPSs, and this again is synonymous with quality. This strip has 8 Schoko sockets, all of them protected against overvoltages and lightning strikes, and also incorporates two RJ-11 ports for the telephone line (filtered). This strip also has double protection because it also incorporates line filtering, eliminating peaks and noise. It has a 2-year guarantee and includes compensation of up to 50,000 euros if any equipment connected to it is damaged due to the malfunction of the power strip.
Salicru SPS.Safe 7
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money but still want protection against overvoltages, this power strip is one of your best options. Known for its UPSs, Salicru is a brand that, although it does not have the quality of APC or Brennenstuhl, does use excellent welding in its parallel connectors and is a guarantee of good operation. This strip provides 8 Schuko sockets rotated 45 degrees for convenience and has a cable channel at one end.
Belkin SurgeStrip
This is another cheap option but it is especially suitable for users who do not want to have a strip of the large dimensions of the previous ones, since it provides six Schuko sockets (all of them with protection against overvoltages) in line and with a connector rotated 45 degrees to more convenience when plugging in.
Trust 21059
We came to the end with the cheapest power strip on this list, but still of quality, from a trusted manufacturer and with surge protection. If all the previous models seemed expensive and you have not been convinced, do not hesitate to buy this strip before one “of the Chinese” because at least you will be protecting your PC for very little money.
In this case, it has six Schuko sockets rotated 45 degrees for convenience, has an off switch and has a status indicator LED.