Rating of the TOP 12 best surge protectors with protection against power surges: review of models for a computer or washing machine

The reasons why good old electricity in a home outlet exceeds the permissible deviations vary. Sometimes these are temporary voltage surges and bursts of interference, sometimes these are systematic deviations beyond the limits of GOST standards. Ultimately, the home appliances pay the price by dying instantly or slowly from “electrical toxicity.” In this post, we'll share some simple and inexpensive "electrical hygiene" techniques based on the type of problem you have with your electrical system.

Rating of the TOP 12 best network filters

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Operating principle

The principle of operation of network filters is quite simple and consists of filtering interference and limiting voltage.

Protection against radio and electromagnetic noise is provided by inductive elements (toroidal inductors) and capacitors, which help reduce high-frequency components to the normal frequency of 50 Hz. This occurs due to the fact that the resistance of an inductance increases with increasing frequency, while that of a capacitor decreases.

Key features of network filters

Equipment of this class protects the load from short circuits, filters high-frequency interference, and protects against short-term voltage pulses.

When choosing a surge protector, consider the following:

• Number and type of sockets. Modern filters are equipped with from one to eight sockets. Connector C is a European standard with two pin holes. Type F is additionally equipped with grounding plates.
• Main parameters. This is, first of all, the maximum power and load current. If the total values ​​of the equipment connected to the filter exceed the parameters declared by the manufacturer, you should select a model that can withstand higher loads.
• Protection systems. Modern surge protectors are equipped with protection against voltage surges and automatic shutdown in case of overload or overheating. Products of this type are also equipped with a high-frequency interference suppression circuit.
• Built-in switch. All surge protectors are equipped with a common switch installed on the top or side panel of the housing. Some models have individual toggle switches for each outlet.
• Length of cable. This parameter is related to the mobility of the product. A long cable is convenient in rooms with a large area. Adapter models without a power cord are suitable for local connection of electrical devices.
• Additional options. The presence of additional functions expands the capabilities of the device. Built-in light indicators inform you about the operation of the filter. Special loops or holes make it possible to mount the equipment on the wall. USB ports provide direct connection to gadgets for recharging.

How to connect a regular and built-in filter

A surge protector is often confused with a classic extension cord. The only common characteristics they have is their appearance. Their operating principle is different. The main task is to absorb voltage surges.

The connection is similar to turning on the adapter. Plug it into the socket, then connect the necessary household appliances to it. After the household appliances are connected, turn on the button on the housing. When used for more than seven days, it should be unplugged from the outlet during breaks.

Each model has its own maximum power rating for which it is designed. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the total load of connected devices does not exceed this value, otherwise the device will fail.

When working, you must follow the safety rules:

• You cannot connect several filters to each other;
• if a computer is connected to the filter, then you cannot connect fans, air conditioners and other powerful equipment to it;
• For equipment with high power, you should buy a separate filter.

The best models in terms of price/quality ratio

The filters presented in the rating are characterized by reliable protection, high-quality components and an affordable price tag.

This is the best alternative to a stabilizer and extension in one.

Rating of the TOP 4 best surge protectors with protection against power surges in terms of price and quality ratio for computers and other equipment.

APC by Schneider Electric PM5B-RS

The APC by Schneider Electric PM5B-RS surge protector with 5 sockets and a 1.8 meter cable will reliably protect electrical appliances from power surges and ensure stable operation of the equipment with a total load current of up to 10 A.

The unit is equipped with a green security indicator.

The system is activated when there is a power surge, visually notifying the user that the surge protector is ready.

The supply of power to the device by turning on the toggle switch is also accompanied by a light notification.

The ground fault indicator light indicates that the source is properly grounded.

The presented device can be used indoors. Product weight: 620 g.

Specifications:

• mains voltage - 230 V;
• rated current - 10 A;
• load power - 2.3 kW;
• network sockets - 5 pcs.;
• cable length - 1.8 m;
• overall dimensions - 370x73x56 mm;
• functionality - grounding, case switch, light indication, protective curtains.

Advantages

• build quality;
• reliability of design;
• grounding and protection indicators;
• circuit breaker;
• quality materials.

Flaws

• thick and rigid cord;
• tight switch;
• beveled bottom of the body.

APC by Schneider Electric PM6-RS

The APC by Schneider Electric PM6-RS model with 6 sockets on board and a 2-meter cable will provide excellent protection for various consumer electronics with a maximum load current of 10 A.

The developers have implemented a protection system against short circuits, voltage surges and high-frequency pulses in the filter.

Built-in fuses operate when overloaded, varistors dissipate heat when overheated, preventing melting of the housing or fire in an emergency.

Three LED indicators indicate the presence of voltage, critical loads and equipment failure.

The device weighs 830 g.

Specifications:

• mains voltage - 230 V;
• rated current - 10 A;
• load power - 2.3 kW;
• network sockets - 6 pcs.;
• cable length - 2 m;
• overall dimensions - 110×272×62 mm;
• functionality - grounding, case switch, light indication.

Advantages

• comfortable body;
• there is a cable channel;
• overload indicator;
• sockets on both sides;
• protection and auto shutdown in case of short circuit.

Flaws

• not the best wall mount;
• unreliable switch;
• short wire.

APC by Schneider Electric P43B-RS

The stylish and compact model APC by Schneider Electric P43B-RS, equipped with 4 sockets and a high-quality cable, will provide protection for computer, household and office equipment with a total power of 2.3 kW at a current of 10 A.

The design features of the device allow it to be mounted directly to the wall.

The filter is both a splitter and an extension cord, having a cable 1 meter long.

The device is equipped with fuses, indicator lights, protective curtains, and a housing switch.

The presented model weighs only 140 g. The device provides maximum energy absorption of 918 J.

Specifications:

• mains voltage - 230 V;
• rated current - 10 A;
• load power - 2.3 kW;
• network sockets - 4 pcs.;
• cable length - 1 m;
• overall dimensions - 276x56x40 mm;
• functionality - grounding, case switch, light indication, protective curtains.

Advantages

• reliability of design;
• high build quality;
• protection of sockets with a curtain;
• compact dimensions.

Flaws

• short wire;
• few sockets;
• hard power button.

Pilot L

Equipped with 6 sockets, a 1.8 meter cable and a reliable protection system, the Pilot L is a compact and efficient surge protector designed to connect loads up to 2.2 kW at currents up to 10 A.

The device meets modern standards for electromagnetic compatibility and safety.

Protection against critical heating inside the case helps to avoid emergency situations.

The device is equipped with a varistor fuse against impulse noise and lightning discharges, and is equipped with protection against overloads and short circuits.

The level of high-frequency interference in the network is minimized by a high-quality capacitive filter.

Specifications:

• mains voltage - 220 V;
• rated current - 10 A;
• load power - 2.2 kW;
• network sockets - 6 pcs.;
• cable length - 1.8 m;
• overall dimensions - 385x70x50 mm;
• functionality - grounding, case switch, light indication.

Advantages

• strong plastic body;
• high-quality assembly;
• reliable in work;
• 2 pole switch.

Flaws

• short cable;
• very bright LED indicator.

Stabilizer: normal flight

Unlike a network filter, which smoothes out pulsed and high-frequency distortions (interference) by passive means, a network stabilizer actively influences the key parameter of the power supply - voltage, compensating for its deviations.
Until recently, in Russia, the norm for a single-phase network was considered to be 220 V ±10% (GOST 5651-89), that is, any AC voltage in the range from 198 to 244 volts was considered normal. Recently, the interstate standard GOST 29322-2014 (IEC 60038:2009), brought into line with European standards, has come into force, according to which the standard mains voltage is 230 V ±10%, or from 207 to 253 V. The good old 220 V, however, for now no one has canceled it - the standards operate in parallel, so in general you can take into account the approximate range of 200-250 V.

Almost all modern computer and consumer electronics are equipped with switching power supplies, which themselves are excellent stabilizers and are capable of operating in a wide range of supply voltages. For example, the vast majority of computer power supplies - both built into PCs and external ones, for laptops and tablets - are designed for global use in most countries of the world with a rated network voltage of 110 V to 240 V. In some cases, such equipment “starts “even with a voltage of only 90-100 V. Accordingly, a decrease in voltage in the outlet for any reason is not a hindrance for them; increasing compensation occurs automatically.

Defender AVR Typhoon 1000: compact 320 W stabilizer and 2 sockets
With increased voltage it is a little more difficult: even the most modern electronics are designed for a maximum of 250-260 V, but if such a voltage in the supply network for some reason has become the norm (in urban conditions this is difficult believe), of course, it is better to stabilize it by external means.

Regardless of high or low voltage, all lovers of warm tube sound - rare vinyl turntables, players, amplifiers and other ancient equipment - fall into a special risk group. In this case, the use of stabilizers, as they say, is not discussed.

Currently, the most popular and numerous representatives of the class of household voltage stabilizers are electronic, where the incoming current with a frequency of 50 Hz is converted into high-frequency pulses with a frequency of tens of kilohertz and controlled using pulse-width modulation (PWM). Of the significant disadvantages of such stabilizers, one can only note that the sinusoid at the output of such stabilizers is far from ideal. The list of advantages is much longer: compactness, light weight, huge operating range, versatility, resistance to overloads, and, most importantly, an incredibly affordable price.

In addition, in retail you can also occasionally find “classics”: impressively sized blocks that stepwise reduce or increase the output voltage due to electronic or relay switching of the windings of a full-fledged autotransformer located inside. Such stabilizers are bulky, have a fair amount of weight, but practically do not distort the input current sinusoid. As a rule, stabilizers of this class are aimed at powering an entire house or performing a specific task - such as powering a gas boiler, however, under certain conditions, such a device may be the ideal choice for an audiophile.

PowerCom TCA-2000: 2000 VA (1000 W) stabilizer and 4 sockets

A good stabilizer, as a rule, is equipped with all the passive filters characteristic of surge protectors, and also has all conceivable types of protection, including overvoltage, overload, overheating, short circuit, etc.

The best models with built-in USB ports

Filters with built-in USB ports are convenient for directly connecting mobile gadgets to recharge them.

This is an excellent solution if you need to charge batteries without occupying an outlet.

Review of the best models with built-in USB ports.

APC by Schneider Electric PM5U-RS

The APC by Schneider Electric PM5U-RS surge protector with 5 sockets, two USB ports and a 1.8 meter extension cable will reliably protect the connected load with a maximum power of 2.3 kW from surges, voltage surges and impulse noise.

The device is equipped with metal-oxide varistors that effectively dissipate up to 918 J of thermal energy.

The model is equipped with a thermal breaker that interrupts the power supply when the permissible load level is exceeded.

Each of the five surge protector sockets is equipped with grounding contacts.

The reverse side of the case is equipped with holes for wall mounting of the product. USB ports have enough power to charge two gadgets simultaneously.

Specifications:

• mains voltage - 230 V;
• rated current - 10 A;
• load power - 2.3 kW;
• network sockets - 5 pcs.;
• cable length - 1.8 m;
• USB ports - 2 pcs.;
• overall dimensions - 370x73x56 mm;
• functionality - grounding, case switch, light indication.

Advantages

• stable work;
• many sockets;
• availability of USB;
• good assembly;
• There is a ground indicator.

Flaws

• short network cable;
• Low power USB;
• decent price tag.

Sibling Powerswitch-PS3U

The advanced surge protector Sibling Powerswitch-PS3U with three outlets, modern protection, built-in USB ports and support for the smart home system makes it possible to connect many devices and control them remotely.

The total power of the connected equipment should not exceed 2.2 kW, and the maximum load current should be 10 A.

When the filter is integrated into the smart home system, users have the opportunity to control printers, humidifiers, chargers and other devices by command from a special application.

Work is supported according to a schedule, signals from sensors, depending on weather conditions, etc. Remote control works using Wi-Fi technology.

Specifications:

• mains voltage - 220 V;
• rated current - 10 A;
• load power - 2.2 kW;
• network sockets - 3 pcs.;
• cable length - 1.8 m;
• USB ports - 4 pcs.;
• overall dimensions - 245x83x42 mm;
• functionality - grounding, support for the smart home system, control via Wi-Fi.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• integration into a “smart home”;
• control via the application and Yandex;
• quality performance overall.

Flaws

• USB ports are not disabled individually;
• few 220 volt outlets.

LDNIO SE6403

The LDNIO SE6403 model, equipped with 6 sockets, a 2-meter cable and a protection system, is a convenient, functional surge protector, complemented by four USB-A connectors for charging compatible gadgets.

The presented device supports stable operation of equipment with a total power of no more than 2.5 kW.

The device is made in an ergonomic housing made of ABS plastic.

This material can withstand temperatures up to +750 degrees.

The body of the model has a power button, sockets are located at an angle of 45 degrees and are protected by special curtains.

The power cable is characterized by reinforced insulation.

A comprehensive system of protection against voltage surges, short circuits, and overloads is responsible for operational safety.

Specifications:

• mains voltage - 230 V;
• rated current - 10 A;
• load power - 2.5 kW;
• network sockets - 6 pcs.;
• cable length - 2 m;
• USB ports - 4 pcs.;
• overall dimensions - 220×109×40 mm;
• functionality - grounding, case switch, light indication, protective curtains.

Advantages

• practicality;
• high power;
• compact dimensions;
• stylish design;
• USB ports on board.

Flaws

• no anti-slip feet;
• unfinished wall mount;
• high price.

HARPER UCH-530

The HARPER UCH-530 surge protector extender, allowing operation with a total load of up to 4 kW at a current of 16 A, will provide adequate protection of the connected equipment from voltage surges and surges, high-frequency interference and pulses.

The device is equipped with five sockets, a 1.5 meter long cable with a Euro plug.

The device can be mounted on a wall; special mounting holes are provided for this purpose.

The model is equipped with a convenient and clear light indication of the operating status, a built-in charging module with USB ports, protective curtains and anti-slip feet.

The presented equipment has compact dimensions and weighs 665 g.

Specifications:

• mains voltage - 220 V;
• rated current - 16 A;
• load power - 4 kW;
• network sockets - 5 pcs.;
• cable length - 1.5 m;
• USB ports - 3 pcs.;
• overall dimensions - 358x53x40 mm;
• functionality - grounding, case switch, light indication, protective curtains.

Advantages

• stylish design;
• grounding indication;
• protection against power surges;
• powerful USB ports.

Flaws

• short network cable;
• uninformative instructions;
• high price.

What are there

The following types exist:

• basic - these are inexpensive devices that are used for small household appliances;
• advanced – used for any home appliances;
• professional - used for expensive home appliances that are sensitive to voltage changes. Purchased for home theaters and expensive stereo systems.

The higher the quality of the filter, the more reliable it works.

For stable operation, it is connected to a grounded outlet. In the absence of grounding, operating efficiency is reduced by 20-40%.

Base

Basic (Essential) are purchased for inexpensive household appliances - table lamps, watches. They are characterized by low cost and ease of use. Such devices are designed to suppress voltage surges up to 960 Joules. Despite the small operating range, they also reliably perform work to protect home appliances.

Advanced universal with lids

The most used ones are advanced (home, office) devices with covers.
Suitable for protecting home equipment - computers, washing machines, TVs. Dissipate 900 – 2000 J depending on the model. They are considered universal in terms of price-quality ratio, therefore they are used more often than other types.

Professional with protection

Professional (Performance) - dissipates over 2000 J. Used when working with complex equipment that is sensitive to voltage changes - for example, expensive speaker systems, home theaters. The price of such devices is much higher.

Smart controlled

Managed ones are allocated to a separate category from the “smart home” system. Radio-controlled surge protectors have been around for many years; modern modifications with Bluetooth or WLAN are more convenient for use. You can control such a device using your phone or tablet even while away from home. Thanks to such devices, you can control the operation of home equipment, even while away from home.

The best single-socket filter adapters

Single outlet filters do not have an extension cable and are compact, convenient adapters.

Such devices support the connection of high-power devices, such as washing machines.

APC by Schneider Electric PM1W-RS

A simple and reliable filter adapter APC by Schneider Electric PM1W-RS with one 16 ampere outlet is an ideal solution for protecting against overloads and surges in the network of modern washing machines, refrigerators and other equipment.

The device is equipped with a fault indicator, signaling the presence of potential danger in the electrical wiring, and is provided with grounding contacts and a body switch.

The built-in filters of the device are made on the basis of metal-oxide varistors and fuses that instantly respond to lightning discharges, short circuits and network overloads.

The presented device weighs 130 g.

Specifications:

• mains voltage - 230 V;
• rated current - 16 A;
• load power - 3.5 kW;
• network sockets - 1 pc.;
• overall dimensions - 100×63×42 mm;
• functionality - grounding, case switch, light indication.

Advantages

• no heating of the case;
• high load threshold;
• informative instructions;
• affordable price tag.

Flaws

• large dimensions;
• indicator flickering.

Pilot Single

Stylish and practical, the Pilot Single provides automatic protection for your refrigerator, washing machine or food processor, with a standard socket that can power up to 3500W of equipment.

The model is equipped with microprocessor control and a wide range of additional options.

This includes a protection system against impulse noise and lightning discharges, a high-quality capacitive filter, and automatic shutdown in the event of a short circuit.

The product guarantees the absence of transient processes when starting electrical devices.

The device is supplemented with indicators of connection delay and the presence of grounding in the socket.

Specifications:

• mains voltage - 220 V;
• rated current - 16 A;
• load power - 3.5 kW;
• network sockets - 1 pc.;
• overall dimensions - 90×75×70 mm;
• functionality - grounding, light indication, short circuit/overheat protection.

Advantages

• excellent suppression of high-frequency interference;
• protection against power surges;
• clear operation of the relay;
• connection delay indication.

Flaws

• non-critical heating;
• high price;
• large dimensions.

Pilot bit GP

The Pilot bit GP surge protector adapter with a Euro socket and a modern on-board protection system guarantees reliable operation of the equipment connected to it with a total power of 3.5 kW at a current of 16 A.

The device is recommended for powering washing machines, refrigerators and other productive equipment.

The model is equipped with protection against impulse noise, lightning discharges, and is equipped with a high-quality built-in capacitive filter.

The product has compact dimensions, light weight, and meets the requirements of modern standards for electromagnetic compatibility and safety.

Specifications:

• mains voltage - 220 V;
• rated current - 16 A;
• load power - 3.5 kW;
• network sockets - 1 pc.;
• overall dimensions - 70×90×75 mm;
• functionality - grounding, light indication.

Advantages

• moderate price tag;
• compact dimensions;
• high power;
• reliable protection.

Flaws

• very bright LED;
• tight socket contacts;
• case heating under load.

Filter device

The design contains 2 mandatory working elements - a varistor to normalize voltage and an LC filter to smooth out interference. The device also contains other elements that extend the service life of the device and increase efficiency.

Interference filter

The design (LC) consists of a neutral and phase wire, which are connected to an inductor. There are one or more capacitors between the wires. Typical ratings of coils are 50-200 microhenry, capacitors are 0.22-1 microfarad. Necessary for smoothing out impulse noise, which negatively affects the operation of devices. The LC filter "absorbs" this noise, making the signal smoother and more even.

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Used to avoid unnecessarily pulling the plug out of the socket. The toggle switch reduces wear on the contact plates of sockets, increasing their service life. This is an optional part.

Varistor

A semiconductor component with a nonlinear current-voltage characteristic is a varistor.
When a certain voltage value is reached, it protects the load by briefly closing the circuits. Helps protect equipment from “bad” voltage. A varistor with a rating of 470 Volts is used as standard.

Rosette group

A socket group is a set of sockets for connecting devices to them. There are filters for 1, 2, 3 or more home appliances.

When connecting several devices to a surge protector, you need to focus not on the number of sockets, but on the total power of the equipment. Excessive load may result in overheating and fire.

Cord

Any filter is equipped with a protective cord through which it is connected to the network. The cord has an insulating coating and protects the wires inside. When purchasing, take filters with a suitable cord length.

The best models with an individual switch for each socket

Surge protectors with individual toggle switches on sockets provide greater convenience and safety when using a significant number of simultaneously connected equipment .

Plus, they are equipped with professional protective equipment.

MOST Elite ERG

The MOST Elite ERG surge protector extension cable with 5 sockets and a 2-meter cable will reliably protect the equipment connected to it from voltage surges, high-frequency and impulse interference.

The total power of the connected equipment should not exceed 2.2 kW.

The device is equipped with a varistor that is triggered by a pulse surge, an LC filter that suppresses high-frequency interference, and an auto-shutdown system if the power of the connected devices is exceeded.

The key feature of the device is the presence of five individual switches - one for each outlet.

Specifications:

• mains voltage - 220 V;
• rated current - 10 A;
• load power - 2.2 kW;
• network sockets - 5 pcs.;
• cable length - 2 m;
• overall dimensions - 335x85x60 mm;
• functionality - grounding, individual switches, shock-resistant housing.

Advantages

• stylish appearance;
• availability of individual socket switches;
• powerful, reliable power cord;
• high quality of workmanship in general.

Flaws

• socket holes at an angle of 45 degrees;
• high price.

Why is all this needed?

Only in an ideal world, the current in an electrical outlet has only two states: it is present or it is not.
In reality, the “behavior” of electrical power has an “analog” unpredictable nature, unpleasantly surprising every time you least expect it. There are many reasons why "line power" can deviate from the norm and even go beyond standard deviations. Thus, the evening voltage in the network - when there is a kettle, TV or computer on in every socket in every apartment - differs significantly from the voltage at night or during the day with minimal load.

Another example: a citizen has connected an industrial welding machine to his home network, and all the neighbors in the entrance or house enjoy impulse noise in the form of stripes on the screens and crackling sounds in the acoustics.

In most cases, a decrease in power quality is unpredictable and inevitable due to the external nature of the source - such as pulsed power surges during a thunderstorm. Sometimes the problem is very well known - for example, a powerful hairdryer, kettle or antique refrigerator periodically sends out “electrical hiccups” along the flimsy home or office electrical wiring, which is beyond our power to get rid of, although in some cases the issue is solved by simply tightening the contacts along the entire path.

The list of possible sources of electrical problems goes on and on. But whether it’s sparking contacts in the entrance or regular changes at the substation, the result is the same for the owner of equipment that “suddenly” burned out and was not covered by warranty.

What does the price depend on?

For a filter device that protects your computer from crashes and reboots, and information from loss, the price depends on many factors.

No. Name of factor Range of characteristicsAdditional functions

Cable length 0.5 – 10 m Additional braiding or insulation can be used

Manufacturer brandFrom the fame of the company and country of manufacture

PowerUp to several thousand J

Number of sockets 2–10 pcs Eurostandard, grounding available

Connection portsPhone, modem, network, television, faxSometimes there are USB ports

Presence of a hot-melt and bimetallic filter element. Several elements of the same type or different types can be used

Additional protections/blocking Protection from overheating, dust, accidental shutdown Blocking the operation of several devices in excess of the filter capacity

Pulse withstand range 3.5–10 kAI or 3500–10000 A

Maximum load current not less than 10A

After reading the article, everyone can decide for themselves whether they need a filter. It should be taken into account that by saving a little and buying a regular extension cord instead, you can lose more expensive equipment.

It is impossible to imagine stable operation of a computer without a surge protector. It can protect your home hardware and appliances and also save you from data loss.

Features of choice

The choice of device model depends, first of all, on the buyer, as well as where it will be used, for what purposes and devices.

Home electrical systems don't have huge power surges or high-tech interference. Therefore, it is enough to take medium-type equipment: not too expensive, but not the smallest and cheapest.

Before you buy a surge protector, you need to calculate:

• the number of required sockets and the required power, based on the number of connected devices;
• cable length;
• wishes for filtering additional ports (phone, network).

Photo: additional ports to protect local and telephone networks

When choosing a voltage stabilizer for an office or several powerful equipment (for example, a widescreen TV and a gaming computer), you need to take into account production requirements, such as:

• amount of equipment;
• probability of interference and its power;
• amplitude of voltage surges.

It is not recommended to save on a voltage compensator for the office. Read the review and choose the most suitable model, since one failure can cause a production stop due to the failure of the entire system or lack of access to the server machine.