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Clamping voltage
The point at which the surge protector starts suppressing electricity. The lower the clamping voltage, the better the protection. Look for one with a clamping voltage of 400 volts or less.

Response time
The time it takes for the suppressor to act. A suppressor that has a low clamping voltage but takes a long time to react to a surge is no good. For the best protection, look for a suppressor that provides a response time of less than 10 nanoseconds.

Energy dissipation
The amount of electricity a suppressor can absorb before it blows. A good suppressor can absorb around 200 to 400 joules before it fails and passes the surge to the electrical ground. This failure, by the way, doesn't damage your equipment. It just fries your suppressor.

Three-way protection
The number of wires the surge suppressor protects. The cheaper suppressors guard against surges in only the current-carrying wires (the hot and neutral wires). For added protection, use a three-way protection suppressor, which protects from surges that come through the ground wire.

Failure indicator
A warning that informs you when the unit has failed.

Modem protection
The blockage of electricity that can come in through the phone lines.


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