Cable length
The length of the cable used to connect the surge protector to the network.
The longer the cable, the farther from the outlet you can install the device. On the other hand, a long cable can be inconvenient over short distances. Models on a coil are deprived of this drawback (see "Type"), this moment is compensated by the actual presence of the coil, but they differ in large dimensions and heavy weight. So when choosing, it is far from always worth chasing the maximum length of the wire.
Max. energy absorption
The maximum energy absorption provided by the mains filter, namely, the maximum pulse energy at which the device can safely absorb and dissipate it, completely protecting the connected load. The higher this indicator, the more reliable the filter, the more powerful power surges it can handle. In inexpensive models, the maximum absorption is calculated in tens of joules, in the most advanced models it can exceed 1000 J and even 2000 J.
Wire section
The cross-sectional area of the wire used to connect the filter to the network. The larger the cross-sectional area, the thicker the wire, the more reliable it is and the more current it can pass without overheating. Accordingly, thick wires (
1.5 mm² and
2.5 mm²) are a must for high power devices. At the same time, modern manufacturers, usually, choose the cross-sectional area in such a way as to guarantee the safe operation of the filter at the claimed maximum power (see above). Therefore, in fact, a model with a thicker cable than other similar devices should be chosen if it is supposed to be used in unstable networks in which power surges often occur. If the cross-sectional area seems too small for you (
0.75 mm² or
1 mm²) for the claimed power, there are special formulas that allow you to check the validity of such doubts.
Grounded sockets (type F)
The number of
sockets with type F grounding, provided in the design of the mains filter.
In this case, we are talking about full-size European type F sockets with metal ground clamps on both sides at the edges of the socket. The "socket" in this case means a CEE 7/4 ("Schuko") standard plug. Grounding is required for the safe operation of some types of electrical appliances, in particular, washing machines and other machines that work with water, refrigerators, computers, audio equipment, etc. A detailed list can be found in the reference literature. If you plan to connect such devices through the filter, this filter must have sockets with grounding.
USB A
The number of
USB ports for charging, provided in the design of the surge protector.
Such ports do not perform any other function than powering and charging external devices such as smartphones or tablets. The presence of such connectors in the surge protector can be especially convenient when there is no “230-to-USB” adapter at hand, and there are few USB ports in a computer or laptop and using them for charging is “an unaffordable luxury”.
Max. charging current
The current output by a USB connector when a charging gadget is connected to it.
The higher the current, the faster the battery can charge. However, when choosing, note that in order to use a high current strength, the connected device must also support it. Basically there are
USB with a current strength of 2.1 A,
2.4 A and
3 A.
It is also worth noting that when using several USB ports at the same time, the current strength is significantly reduced.
Power (with 1 device)
The maximum power that a USB port can produce when connecting only one gadget.
Higher power output speeds up the charging process. At the same time, there are a number of nuances associated with this parameter. Firstly, the appropriate power must be supported not only by the port, but also by the gadget being charged - otherwise the speed of the process will be limited by the characteristics of the gadget. Secondly, to take full advantage of the capabilities, you may need to support not only the appropriate charging power, but also a specific fast charging technology. Thirdly, in filters with several charging connectors, the maximum power per device can only be achieved if the other ports are not used.
Outlets location
Options for placing sockets on the body of an extension cord or surge protector.
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Along the hull. Devices with the layout of sockets in one slender line, which is extended along the entire body of the extension cord or surge protector.
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In 2 rows. A popular scheme with the arrangement of sockets in 2 rows is on both sides of the upper plane of the device housing.
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In a circle. This category includes all extension cords and surge protectors with sockets in the form of a full circle or a semicircle.
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On both sides of the body. Sockets on several side faces of the case are found in compact cube models and in advanced surge protectors with relocated sockets on both sides of the case, which makes it easy to connect a large number of consumer devices.
Socket plugs
Placement of plugs in sockets of an extension cord or surge protector relative to the device case.
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at an angle. Seats with holes for plugs in such models are rotated at an angle of about 45 ° relative to the plane of the case. Such an option for placing plugs allows for convenient inclusion of plugs so that they do not interfere with each other and do not overlap adjacent slots.
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Parallel to the body (180°). The holes for the plugs in this layout are arranged in sockets parallel to the body of the extension cord or surge protector. Large plugs are included in them perpendicularly, i.e. at an angle of 90° from the side of the "tail" with a network cable in relation to the axis of the device body.
—
Perpendicular to the body (90°). A fairly rare form factor that involves the placement of seats for a plug with a plug perpendicular to the axis of the device case. As a rule, openings at an angle of 90 ° relative to the housing are found in models for compact flat plugs and in surge protectors of atypical form factor. They can also coexist with sockets where the holes for the plugs are located at an angle.
- At an angle and parallel to the body. Combined variant of the layout of the holes for the plug, combining sockets with seating at an angle and parallel to the axis of the body of the extension cord or surge protector.
- At an
...angle and perpendicular to the body. A variety of network filters and extension cords with different arrangements of holes in the mounting sockets. Most of them are placed at an angle with respect to the axis of the body, and one or more - perpendicular.
