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What Makes Spike Guards And Power Strips Different?

You go shopping when you run out of power outlets or when you need a movable switch panel in your current electrical installation. In the process, you come across all sorts of extension strips. Sooner or later you will find out that there is another type of extension strip called spike guards. Now the question arises as to how they differ from the normal socket strips.

This article lists the most stark differences between them to give you a clear idea of what to choose between them.

Why Choose Spike Guard?

Pressfit - Defender Industrial Spike Guard

A Spike Guard is an electrical device used to protect electrical equipment from voltage spikes, surges, and fluctuations. These voltage spikes can occur due to many reasons: a Lightning Strike, Fluctuation from the Electricity Provider, or Improper Electrical Wiring. Fluctuations in a power outlet can cause serious and catastrophic damages to the equipment connected to it.

They are commonly used with printers, TVs, refrigerators, computers, laptops and other sensitive electronic devices to protect them from voltage fluctuations. Although it is recommended to install expensive equipment with Voltage Stabilizers, Spike Guards provide an economical protection measure.

Why Choose Power Strip?

Press Teak Charms Power Strip

A power strip contains a chain of sockets and a long length of cable that makes it manoeuvrable and can be used in many areas. Compared to fixed wall sockets which are restricted to a specific area, they are very convenient for installing equipment that is used in conjunction like computers or television sets.

Generally they are equipped with main switches to turn the entire panel on or off. This makes it suitable when you need to interrupt the power supply to multiple devices at the same time when they are no longer needed. They also come with individual switches for each outlet, giving you more control over the power supply.

What Difference a Power Strip and a Surge Protector Really Make?

After learning about both products, you may be wondering what is best to choose and how they make a difference. Here is the simple answer to that.

Protection Level

The fundamental feature between the two that moves the needle is the surge protection provided by spike guards, which power strips lack. If the voltage fluctuates, your electrical devices are susceptible to damage from irregular power supply..

Aside from a few extra sockets and a long cord, power strips have nothing to offer. If you think you need protection against the surge voltage, I would highly recommend Spike Guards over power strips. They form a protective shield between the connected product and the power supply.

Pricing

Economics governs a large part of a human life, so does in case of choosing between the two. A surge protector is slightly more expensive than a standard power strip. This should be expected since it offers a level of protection. Spike guard prices are generally 50% more than that of power strips.

It’s not that hard to make a choice between the two, if you want to power expensive and sensitive devices then the best choice is to use spike guards.

But in case you’re looking for a cost-effective way to power multiple devices through a single power outlet, then power strips will do the job. But if you’re willing to spend more go with spike guards.

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