Rating of the TOP 7 best surge protectors: which ones to choose, characteristics, reviews

Delicate foreign electronics do not always withstand exposure to Russian electrical networks. The Soviet-style wiring of most houses can cause short circuits and overloads, which can easily destroy a TV or computer. To combat such surprises, network filters are used. We will now tell you how to choose them and which 9 surge protectors deserve the title of best.

Surge filters: choosing the best

A surge protector is not just something you can carry with a light bulb. This is a much more complex device that does not just allow you to move the outlet away from the wall. The task of a surge protector is to protect electrical appliances from short circuits, overloads, as well as pulsed, low- and high-frequency interference. To do this, network filters use one or more lines of protection: capacitors, varistors, induction coils and fuses. That’s why surge protectors are much more expensive than regular carriers, and you need to choose them responsibly. What should you pay attention to when choosing a surge protector?

Number of sockets

Probably one of the main characteristics of a surge protector, and certainly the most noticeable. Everything is simple here: how many devices you plan to connect to the surge protector, choose as many sockets. It's best to take extra. For example, to connect a PC using the minimum program, you need three sockets: for the system unit, monitor and speakers. The router and table lamp are two more outlets. If you buy a surge protector for five devices, then there will be nowhere to connect the printer. In general, think ahead.

Maximum load

Standard outlets in most homes are rated at 16 amps. This parameter can be higher, but 16 is the standard for now. Accordingly, regardless of the parameters of the surge protector, you do not need more power than the outlet to which it is connected can withstand. Fortunately, modern surge protectors are equipped with protection against overheating and overloads, so nothing particularly terrible will most likely happen if this indicator is exceeded, but an overloaded filter will not work.

Power

This parameter, measured in watts, determines how many devices can be connected to the surge protector. Calculating the required power is simple: you need to add up the power consumption of the devices connected to the surge protector and add 15% to be sure.

Cable length and thickness

Everything is simple here: the heavier and thicker the cable, the better, usually. A large cable cross-section indirectly indicates thick conductors and/or powerful insulation, that is, the reliability and safety of the surge protector.

It is better to select the length with a small (half a meter to a meter) margin. A cable that is too long will dangle all over the house, and a cable that is too short may simply not be enough.

USB port

Nowadays, more and more network cables are equipped with USB ports for charging smartphones and other gadgets. The presence of such an interface is not mandatory, but a useful addition.

Options

Surge protectors provide more than just USB ports. As we said above, a surge protector is a complex device that is often provided with additional functionality. Some useful options include:

• grounding;
• switches on the body - common and for each socket separately;
• light indication of operation;
• curtains on sockets - protection from water, dust and curious children;
• mount for hanging on the wall.

You shouldn’t prioritize additional functionality when choosing, but it’s still advisable to keep it in mind.

Which brand of surge protector is best to choose?

There are quite a lot of manufacturers of this type of product on the market, from leading manufacturers to unfamiliar Chinese ones. The rating includes only the highest quality and most reliable surge protectors, which are produced by the following well-known companies:

• Sven. This Russian brand, founded in 1991, produces speaker systems and computer peripherals. The company is registered in Finland. Production facilities are concentrated in China and Taiwan. The company's products belong to the low price segment.
• I.E.K. The brand was registered in 1999, at first the company was engaged in the production of low-voltage electrical products. Subsequently, the list of company products was somewhat expanded. Now IEK is a leading Russian manufacturer of electrical equipment.
• Power Cube. This brand was registered in the Russian Federation in 1999. Currently, the company is a full-cycle production holding. It produces a variety of surge protectors, extension cords, PVA wires, speaker cables, power cords, etc.
• Defender. This Russian brand is engaged in the production of peripheral devices and computer accessories. The company was founded in 1990. The company's products are manufactured at high-tech factories in Western Europe and Asia.
• Buro. The brand has been present on the Russian market for more than 10 years. The company's products include accessories, office equipment and stationery. The range of products is constantly updated and expanded. It has an ideal combination of price and quality.
• ZIS. One of the leading lines of surge protectors from this company is the Pilot brand. The company produced the first devices of this type in 1992. If initially they were intended exclusively for computers, now their scope of use has expanded significantly.
• SZP Energy . This company was registered in Russia in 1999. Its main activity is the production of electronic protection devices. For this purpose, the company’s engineers specially created a separate series of MOST network filters.
• APC . An American company operates under this brand, best known as ]uninterruptible power supplies[/anchor]. In 2006, the company was absorbed by the Schneider Electric organization, while maintaining its own brand without changes.
• Schneider Electric. The French power engineering company positions itself under this brand. It is a manufacturer of equipment for energy subcomplexes of industrial enterprises, civil and residential construction facilities, as well as data processing centers.
• Rubetek. This Russian company is developing in several areas of its own activities. This applies to the production of electrical equipment, various “smart” devices and control systems for private homes. A distinctive feature of the brand’s products is their high technology.
• ERA. The Russian company produces lighting and electrical goods for home, office and industrial facilities. The brand was registered more than 15 years ago. Today it has achieved a strong position in the market. The company's product range is constantly updated with a large number of technological innovations. Additionally, the company modernizes old models of technical devices.
• Orico. This high-tech innovative company specializes in the development and production of data transmission devices, as well as power and charging devices. The brand has rights to more than 70 patents for its own developments.

The best budget surge protectors

SVEN SF-05PL

An inexpensive device costing less than 500 rubles. Despite the modest price tag, the technical characteristics are quite decent: maximum load

2200 W with a current of 10 A. 5 sockets, each with its own personal switch. Grounding and light indication of operation are available. The cable is not the longest - only 1.8 meters - but at this price it is not lethal.

Price: ₽ 441

SVEN Optima Pro

The price of this model is slightly higher than the previous one - a little over 400 rubles. The technical characteristics for the maximum load are similar: power 2200 W, current 10 A. The cable length is the same - 1.8 m. There is both grounding and light indication of operation. The main difference is the number of sockets: there are as many as 8 of them. However, there is only one switch on the case, which is not very convenient, and the reliability of the only key raises some doubts.

Price: ₽ 418

ERA USF-M-4es-B

A surge protector from a domestic brand costs about 200 rubles. The model is very ascetic: 4 sockets, a switch and an LED on the body. Grounding, overload and short circuit protection are available. Maximum power - 2200 W. The length of the wire is only 1.5 meters, but the low price completely compensates for this drawback.

Price: ₽ 197

Which surge protector is best to buy?

Before buying a surge protector, you must pay attention to the maximum load for which it is designed. You should also consider the number of devices that the model must serve. After this, you need to evaluate the functionality of the device: its distinctive options, the location of sockets, unique properties, etc. Below are the most optimal network cables in different categories:

• The largest number of sockets is Orico HPC-6A5U-BK;
• The most affordable price is Sven SF-03L;
• Original design – Rubetek RE-3310 with Wi-Fi;
• High load level – Most Active ARG;
• The longest cable is Buro 500SH-10-B.

The rating presented the best surge protectors for 3, 5 and 6 outlets, and also considered models with a USB port. Be careful when choosing, pay attention to the characteristics, as well as the pros and cons of each model.

The best surge protectors with USB

Defender DFS 755

For just 700 rubles you will get a surge protector for 5 outlets, with 2 USB ports and a cable length of as much as 5 meters. Grounding, overload protection and short circuit protection are available. There is a general switch on the body. The power is a textbook 2200 W. Reliable and functional budget model.

Price: ₽ 670

ERA SFU-5es-B

Another surge protector from a domestic brand. Cable 2 meters long, 5 sockets, 2 USB ports. Dust protection class IP20. The sockets are covered with curtains. There is a general switch on the body. Grounding, protected from short circuit, from impulse noise, from high-frequency noise and from overload. The price, however, is a bit high for such functionality - almost 600 rubles.

Price: ₽ 570

ERA USF-5es-USB-B

A model similar to the previous one, but cheaper - around 500 rubles. 5 sockets, 2 USB ports. There is grounding, surge protection, overload and short circuit protection. The maximum power is 2200 W, the current load is 10 A. The cable, unfortunately, is quite short, only 5 meters, so you won’t get around much.

Price: ₽ 494

Comparison of the presented models

In order to compare the presented products, we suggest taking a look at the table with their characteristics.

The best premium surge protectors

MOST Elite ERG

A very nice device in a neat, shock-resistant white case stands out against the background of its black counterparts. 5 sockets, cable length - 5 meters. Each socket has an individual switch (not counting the general one on the body). Light indication of operation. Grounding, impulse noise protection, thermobimetallic fuse. The degree of interference suppression is up to 30 dB, the maximum dissipated energy is 350 J. It’s not even a pity to pay more than 1000 rubles for such a thing.

Price: ₽ 1,280

Pilot Pro GP

A surge protector with a black and gray housing that looks like a space shuttle. There are 6 sockets and a network cable as long as 10 meters. Grounding, overload protection, short circuit protection, overheat protection inside the case. A very beautiful and reliable model from a trusted manufacturer: I remember the time when all surge protectors were called “pilots” precisely because of the products of this company. Against the background of all the advantages of this model, the price of more than 1,600 rubles does not even seem like a disadvantage.

Price: RUB 1,644

APC by Schneider Electric PM8-RS

White body, 8 sockets located in two planes. Cable 2 meters long. Maximum power 2300 W. Grounding, switch on the case, light indication of operation. Despite not having the richest functionality, this is the most expensive model in our selection - it costs about 2,500 rubles. An excellent and very reliable option for both home and office: it looks strict, works without interruption, and will last for many years.

Price: RUB 1,906

Design and principle of operation

In appearance, it is practically no different from a regular extension cord. You can verify this by looking at photos of surge protectors. The main feature is the presence of a stabilizing unit and one or more switches. If any interference or surges occur in the network in this block, they are smoothed out.

A special circuit absorbs excess voltage and normalizes the current frequency. In the event of a sudden surge, the fuse trips, stopping the flow of electricity. This prevents damage to equipment connected to the filter.

Let's consider a surge protector device. Its circuit contains varistors, a balancing choke, a thermal fuse and inductors with cores. The latter are used to suppress high frequency interference. Their operating principle is based on the ability to sharply increase resistance when a current with a short sinusoid period passes through them.

Inductors are installed on the neutral and phase conductors. Low-frequency interference is suppressed either by its active resistance or by individual resistors, also located in series with the load.

A varistor is required to suppress short-term impulse noise. At low voltage it has enormous resistance and therefore does not allow electricity to pass through.

Read here! Sockets in the kitchen - location, height, installation diagrams. DIY secure connection rules

If the voltage rises to a certain value, the resistance of the varistor begins to decrease. Connected in parallel in the circuit, it takes on part of the load while its increased impact lasts.

Filters labeled LC are considered the most effective. Their circuit contains a capacitor with a capacity of up to 1 μF with a rated voltage equal to twice the mains voltage. This is done to make it possible to take into account any difference.

Comparison table of the best surge protectors

No. 10 – SVEN SF-05PL

Price: 820 rubles

A good filter at an affordable price. The cable length here is decent - three meters, there are five sockets. A distinctive feature of the solution, due to which it looks more interesting than most competitors, is the presence of individual switches. It’s not even worth mentioning how convenient it is. Another advantage is plastic, which does not emit unpleasant odors during operation, since the body does not heat up.

The inexpensive device copes with its task perfectly well; many buyers report in reviews that it has been serving them faithfully for several years now. Considering how much the filter costs, it has no significant disadvantages.

SVEN SF-05PL

FAQ

How necessary is a surge protector for a home computer? So much so that without it it is better not to turn on the computer at all. A power surge or short circuit can turn an expensive appliance into a pumpkin. This is exactly what the surge protector protects against.

What parameters does a surge protector require for a refrigerator? The refrigerator does not need a surge protector; it is advisable to connect it directly to the outlet.

Can a surge protector protect an outlet from a short circuit in the device? That's what surge protectors exist for. Most of them are equipped with short circuit protection.