Surge protectors offer a great defense against spikes and surges in the power lines, but according to Helium writer M.R. Hill, many of them are just “glorified extension cords.”

“The manufacturers' warranty is one way to determine the quality of protection your surge suppressor is providing; the higher the guarantee, the greater the protection. However, I would not recommend that you put a surge protector that has a guarantee of $25,000.00 on an electronic that cost you $50.00. If in doubt, as to which surge suppressor is right for your electronic equipment, ask the sales staff.

You should also surge protect any phone-line jacks on your electronic equipment, such as on a fax machine or computer. Some surge suppressor come with the modem suppressor for the phone line build-in, or you can buy the modem surge separately. This is a matter of personal preference. The surges from the phone lins (sic) can be just as damaging as those from the electrical wires.

Many electronics like computers requires a dedicated receptacle. This is because not all surges came for outside the house. Your electronics can receive surges from other appliances when the other equipment is turned on. Keep each surge suppressor on individual receptacles, this way you can reduce the number of surges your equipment receives.”