Why plugging your TV into a cheap surge protector is risky

Modern TVs, although more affordable, are still a significant investment. The easiest way to protect them from sudden power surges is to use a surge protector rather than a conventional power strip.

SlashGear writes about it.

Why does your TV need a surge protector?

A TV is just as vulnerable to power surges as a laptop or game console. Sudden surges can occur due to thunderstorms, emergency power outages, faulty wiring, or switching on powerful appliances (refrigerator, air conditioner). Even small but regular fluctuations gradually "wear out" components — this process is sometimes called "electronic rust." A surge protector diverts excess energy to the ground, so the risk of costly breakdowns is much lower.

It is worth remembering that no household surge protector can withstand a direct lightning strike with a voltage of a billion volts. During a thunderstorm, it is safer to unplug the TV and the surge protector from the power outlet.

To choose a reliable surge protector for your TV, you should pay attention to the following indicators:

• UL 1449 certification — this mark indicates that the device has undergone real-world testing for resistance to voltage surges;
• Energy absorption capacity (joule rating) — for a TV, ≥ 1000 J is desirable: the higher the rating, the greater the "safety margin";
• Clamping voltage — the lower the threshold, the sooner the filter will "cut off" the excess. The optimal value is 400 V or less;
• Response time — ideally, the device should respond in 1 ns or less, as even a microsecond delay can be enough to damage sensitive electronics.

By matching these parameters to your budget, you will take a simple but effective step to protect your home theatre from premature repair or replacement.

As a reminder, many people believe that a TV can be installed anywhere, as long as it is convenient. However, experts warn that some popular locations not only harm the image but also significantly reduce the service life of the device.

We also wrote that in the early 2000s, plasma TVs embodied the dream of a home cinema. Large screens, bright colors, deep blacks — it all seemed revolutionary. But within a few years, the technology disappeared from the market, leaving only fond memories.