How to choose a multi-socket surge protector? Buyer's Guide
Lightning, power surges, power cuts... Your electrical equipment (computers, servers, databases) may be at risk due to many unforeseen technical incidents. To protect your equipment and your work, electrical protections exist. Inverter, power strip with surge or lighting protection: depending on your environment and your use, solutions differ. To find out more, follow the guide!
Contents
1 The different types of electrical protection2 Choosing a power strip with lightning and overvoltage protection
3 Understanding electrical incidents
1 - The different types of electrical protection
Multi-sockets can provide excellent protection in the event of an electrical incident, but it is important to understand their specific features.
There are two main types of power strips: multiple sockets with lightning and overvoltage protection,
and the inverter. Because they are earthed, they protect all connected equipment from electrical incidents, but each has its own special feature. Just remember the following:
Multi-sockets with lightning and overvoltage protection protect against atmospheric and electrical surges (e.g. thunderstorms, short circuits, voltage spikes or drops).
An inverter protects against both atmospheric and electrical surges and, in addition, takes over in the event of power cuts thanks to an integrated battery. There are three types depending on the requirements.
Earthed connection
Did you know? Earth connection is the basis of all electrical protection.
Multi-sockets with lighting or surge protection as well as inverters must all be earthed in order to perform their role properly. Beware,
in the event of non-compliance with this condition, the manufacturer's guarantee does not apply, and you cannot claim reimbursement for the equipment connected in the event of a malfunction.
2 - Choosing a power strip with lightning and overvoltage protection
Number of sockets, size, length of cable... Buying a multiple socket may seem like a simple task, but it is necessary to study some specific points.
NUMBER OF OUTLETS
Before buying, it is advisable to count the number of appliances you want to connect to the power strip! There are many different models and capacities ranging from 4 to 8 connections.
FORMAT
A power strip with protection against lightning and overvoltage can take various forms.
Classic elongated power strip: this format allows you to put (and hide) your power strip in a cable duct at a workstation.
Twister multiple socket : also called 3D multiple socket. This model easily adapts to the constraints of your rooms without taking up space.
Multi-socket box: more compact in size, it groups up to 8 sockets in a rectangular format
Foldable power strip: this practical power strip can be folded or unfolded to meet all your needs without taking up too much space.
CABLE LENGTH
Sometimes we focus too much on the number of outlets and forget to take into account the necessary cable length we need to connect our appliances. However, this is an important element to consider: if the cable is too short, you won't be able to plug anything in; if it is too long, it may take up too much space. Remember to take measurements beforehand and choose the appropriate cable length: most power strips are available with a cable length of 1.70 m up to 3 m.
And here is an overview of the most common electrical incidents.
Power outage: the total suspension of electrical power distribution.
Voltage dip: defined as a sudden drop of 10% or more in the electrical reference voltage and can vary from 10 microseconds to several seconds.
Overvoltage: this is a sudden increase in voltage that can lead to overheating and accelerated ageing of equipment and components or even to their total destruction. The overvoltage can be of internal origin
(voltage peaks produced by damage or by the appliances themselves when they start up) or external (voltage flickers, interventions on the electrical network, lightning, etc.).
Voltage drop: a dip or drop in voltage that lasts a few seconds or minutes. Voltage drops are not power failures per se but rather a drop in voltage.
The lighting becomes dimmer, electrical appliances switch off or slow down.
Voltage spike: a spike or rise in voltage that may last a few seconds or a few minutes.
Transient voltage: the electrical voltage that is restored at the terminals of an electrical apparatus when it interrupts an alternating current. It is a parameter that has a strong influence on the success of a power cut in a high voltage network for example.
Frequency variations: the electrical frequency corresponds to the number of times the alternating current changes direction in one second: the equilibrium point is at 50 hertz but can vary according to supply and demand and sometimes cause incidents.
Parasites: an electrical signal that is not part of the electrical current as it was produced.
Harmonic distortions: harmonic currents are caused by the presence of non-linear electrical loads in an electrical network. Harmonic currents have various adverse effects: increased losses, increased noise, interference
noise, interference and vibrational coupling. It is therefore important to limit the presence of harmonic currents for good power quality.
All electrical appliances are potentially subject to these electrical incidents. Power disturbances and faults are the primary cause of data loss. A sudden interruption in the power supply to an appliance, for example, can damage your equipment, especially if this occurs repeatedly. It is therefore advisable to equip yourself with appropriate protection.
