The latest surge protectors come with multiple outlets so that you can connect many equipment simultaneously. However, they won’t suit heavy appliances as they consume high energy. The single outlet surge protectors have higher surge protection ratings which allows them to protect heavy electrical appliances. The surge protection rating differs from one surge protector to another. Besides, you should also ensure the surge protector’s clamp voltage can handle the socket’s output voltage. Below are the primary features you should check before purchasing the perfect Single Outlet Surge Protector
Surge Protection Rating: The ratings are measured in joules. The greater the joule rating the better the protection. For smaller gadgets like phones, headphones etc, a protector of around 1000 Joules is enough. For bigger equipment, select a protector within the range of 1000-2000 Joules. Protectors with more than 2000 joules are ideal for home theatre, gaming consoles and PCS. Clamp Voltage: It is the maximum charge of voltage that a surge protector will absorb during a spike before cutting off electricity to the device. Before buying your surge protector check the optimum rated voltage of your outlet. Make sure that the protector’s clamping voltage is lower than the maximum voltage that can be safely drawn out of your socket. Warranty: Although a common factor in any purchase, its importance is compounded when buying a surge protector. In cases where the protector fails to cut the surge in power supply and destroys any equipment, the warranty will ensure an easier claim for the damage done. Most brands offer a lifetime warranty on their surge protectors. We recommend you get a surge protector backed by at least a 1-year warranty.
Your search for the perfect single outlet surge protector doesn’t end here. There are several other secondary features you need to consider to ensure that your needs are met. You can find the complete list of such features in the Buying Guide section of our article. But, before heading to that, please check out our curated list of the Best Single Outlet Surge Protectors 2021
Best Single Outlet Surge Protectors 2023 List
Best Single Outlet Surge Protectors Reviews
1. Tripp Lite Portable Single Outlet Surge Protector
Tripp Lite is a reputed name in the world of surge protectors and is also at the top of our recommendations. Founded in 1922, the brand develops innovative power protection and electrical connectivity solutions. This compact surge protector is ideal for any setup, be it home or work and can be used for portable electronics like laptops, tablets, phones and even small appliances. The Tripp Lite Outlet Surge Protector comes with a 600 Joules surge protecting rating, which is decent for electronics that are on the go with you. It also comes with a UL 1449 safety standard. It has EMI/RFI noise filtering that eliminates interference like radio and electromagnetic frequency that can affect the performance of the protector. It has a switchless direct plug-in design that is ready for travellers and backpackers. The surge protector comes with a $5,000 insurance that can be claimed in case of outrage that results in malfunctioning of any other devices. Diagnostic LEDs are also present, for you to verify that your protector is functioning properly. What we like:
Surge Protection Rating of 600 Joules EMF/RFI noise filtering and diagnostic LEDs Insurance of up to $5,000
What we didn’t like:
The size blocks adjacent outlets
2. Belkin Single Outlet Surge Protector
Belkin is another popular consumer electronics company that delivers protection, power, connectivity, productivity, audio, and home automation solutions. The brand also has a dedicated line of Apple accessories. Belkin’s single power outlet comes with a three-line AC protection with a surge suppressor for a safe charging station anywhere. This sturdy, compact and durable surge protector can be neatly mounted without fussing over tangled wires. It can withstand a maximum of 45,000A of spike amperage and has a standard NEMA 5-15R receptacle. The biggest selling point is the 1080 Joule Energy rating which is a hallmark of safety not only for the smaller gadgets but also for electronics that require heavy to moderate current. The reliable protector comes with a lifetime warranty and a $50,000 connected equipment warranty, The LED lights present give confirmation that it’s working well and keeping all the devices safe. What we like:
1080 Joule Energy Rating Lifetime Warranty and $50,000 connected equipment warranty Maximum of 45,000A of spike amperage
What we didn’t like:
A bit heavy Connecting any kind of extension cord voids the warranty
3. Oviitech Single Outlet Surge Protector
Oviitech specializes in developing consumer electronics products including power strips, USB outlets, plug adapters, outdoor sockets, and relevant accessories. The brand manufactures its products with innovative designs and maximum functionalities. Oviitech’s single surge protector plug has the lowest energy rating value of 245 Joules in our list. But at a budget price, you get two surge protectors. So, if you want a lightweight portable protector that can be used for some of the lighter devices, this is a great option. It is ETL listed which means that the product is tested by Intertek and found in compliance with accepted national standards. The surge protector is equipped with all the standard features like LED indicators and a clamping voltage of 125 V. It also has an impressive response time of 1 nanosecond. It is our choice of surge protector for travelling because of its compactness and lightweight. A lot of protectors either cover adjacent plug points or are very bulky, Oviitech’s protector has got you covered on both those fronts. What we like:
You get two surge protectors at the price of one Lightweight and compact can be carried easily
What we didn’t like:
Low energy rating value of 245 Joules Can be used only with lighter devices
4. CyberPower CSB100W Single Outlet Surge Protector
Founded in 1997, CyberPower designs and manufactures high grade power protection products to meet the critical needs of home, office, and small to medium enterprises. The brand has an attractive line of award winning products that stand out from the rest of its competitors. CyberPower’s single outlet surge protector promises to protect your home and electronics with its CSB100W model. They reinforce that this protector can prevent spikes not only from power surges but also that generated from storms. The CSB100W comes with 900 joules of protection which is more than adequate for even some of the heavier devices. It is specifically designed to safeguard work setups and power absorbing IT networks, entertainment systems and A//V systems which is to prevent expensive damages and loss of important data. This wall tap plug comes with a clamping voltage of 800V. The manufacturers have given a lifetime warranty on this CyberPower surge protector along with a $25,000 connected equipment guarantee. This means that in case of any damage to your device due to a power surge, the device connected with it will be compensated for by the makers. The protector is also UL listed. What we like:
900 Joules of Surge Protection Rating Specifically designed for work setups Clamping Voltage of 800V
What we didn’t like:
Too wide to locate two units side by side on an existing outlet
5. GE UltraPro Single Outlet Surge Protector
GE is a world renowned company that has been developing electrical equipment for the past 150 years. The brand has constantly adapted itself to the changing needs of consumers to develop innovative power equipment and meet the challenges involved in delivering power. GE’s UltraPro Surge Protector goes a step further than general single outlet protectors. It has a feature called Audible Alarm that functions as an alarm once the UltraPro has reached its limit to absorb the spike. The 88-decibel alarm will continue to sound until the tap is unplugged from the wall ensuring that there’s no damage incurred. It has a clamping voltage of 120V and a Wattage of 1800W. Also, a solid 1080 Joules of surge protector can withhold an array of devices from small to medium. The price is slightly higher than other protectors but this comes in a pack of two plus the added feature of an alarm. It also saves space. GE is a trusted brand and enforces that with a lifetime warranty on the surge protector. What we like:
An 88-decibel alarm system for emergencies that only stops ringing when taken off 1080 Joules of surge protector Space saver with intelligent design
What we didn’t like:
Bulkier than other surge protectors
6. Woods 41008 Single Outlet Surge Protector
Woods has been one of the leading manufacturers of consumer electrical products for the past 75 years. The brand has a wide range of products in its portfolio from surge protectors to extension cords to meet the diverse needs of consumers and electrical professionals. Woods’ 41008 surge protector also comes with a protection alarm that goes off to indicate that the device is no longer protecting against the surges. Along with this, it also has a green LED indicator that shows that the protector is working perfectly. This single outlet surge protector is designed to save space without compromising on optimum protection for your devices. It is comprehensively tested and listed by UL. To protect from electrical overload it packs 1080 Joules of safety protection along with a clamping voltage of 120V. The surge protector has a warranty of a whopping $100,000 connected equipment claim. What we like:
An alarm when the protector stops functioning A green LED light to indicate that the device is working 1080 Joules of safety protection
What we didn’t like:
Lasts only for a maximum of 2-3 years No reset button
7. Tripp Lite Single Outlet Surge Protector
Another single outlet surge protector from Tripp Lite makes it to our list. This signifies the versatility and the quality of Tripp Lite’s products. Tripp Lite’s single outlet surge protector protects all your portable electronic devices like laptops, mobiles, tablets etc. It even protects modems, phones and faxes with its powerful AC line surge protection to one standard AC outlet. The 1080 Joule safety rating protector conforms to UL1499 safety Also equipped with LED displays to indicate the status of the protector. The red LED confirms that the protector is well connected to a grounded wall outlet. The green LED indicates that surge protection is available. The surge protector gives all-around comprehensive protection from power surges. To provide further peace of mind, Tripp Lite gives a lifetime warranty with $10,000 insurance. The surge protector incorporates technology that filters out disruptive line noise for peak performance of your components by EMI (electromagnetic interference) and RFI (radio frequency interference) disturbances at bay. What we like:
AC line surge protection for phones and modem connection LED displays with varying functionalities 1080 Joules of surge suppression
What we didn’t like:
Can’t be used with large appliances More expensive than other protectors
8. BSEED Multi Function Single Outlet Surge Protector
BSEED is a relatively small brand. Nevertheless the brand manufactures sophisticated light switches, sockets, and surge protectors that offer convenience to the users. The brand’s products are known for their elegant design with smart features and easy to use options. BSEED’s surge protector shields appliances from voltage fluctuation, brownout and power failure. It can be used for Air Conditioners, freezers, ice makers, washing machines or any large appliances but the protector has a surge protection rating of 140 Joules, which, on paper is under par for heavy equipment. It comes with a clamping voltage of 120V. The surge protector includes a feature where once the voltage returns to normal after a surge, the ‘safety cycle’ option will light up before it turns green. The green light will turn on which will allow the current to flow while waiting for 3 minutes. This is used as a safety measure to gauge whether the flow has stabilized. It has a panel of LED light indicators that are used to show time delay along with normal, high, and low voltage. What we like:
Multiple LED indicators for indicating voltage surge Safety cycle option
What we didn’t like:
Low surge protection rating of 140 Joules
9. Monoprice Single Outlet Surge Protector
Founded in 2002, Monoprice has carved a special name for itself in the consumer electronics industry. It manufactures a wide range of products including adapters, switches/splitters, surge protectors, mobile phones, cables, headphones, and audio and video peripherals. Monoprice’s mini power surge protector is compact and small-sized and best suited when you’re on the road. Its study, rigid and robust design is made to withstand travel wear and be long lasting. The smaller size is reflected in its surge protector capacity which stands at 540 Joules. Exactly half of the surge protector energy that other protectors in the list can handle outrage from heavier machinery. Once the surge protector is plugged properly grounded to an AC outlet LED displays will indicate the same. It has a maximum spike voltage of 6,000V and a maximum spike current of 72,000A. This has one of the highest clamping voltages on the list at 500V Monoprice gives a 1-year replacement warranty and also offers a money-back guarantee 30 days from the day of the purchase. What we like:
LED indicators to indicate a surge Clamping Voltage of 500V Replacement warranty and money-back guarantee
What we didn’t like:
Surge protector capacity of 540 Joules
Factors to check Before Purchasing the Best Single Outlet Surge Protector
Apart from the primary features, a few other things to keep in mind are the clapping voltage, maximum amperage, and safety rating. Other features might seem secondary but would matter depending on the usage of the protector. Below is a complete list of features you to check before choosing the perfect Single Outlet Surge Protector
Noise Filtering
Surge protectors often come with a label mentioning EMI/RFI noise filtering. EI stands for Electromagnetic Interference and RFI for Radiofrequency Interference. In single outlet surge protection jargon both these terms are treated equally but for all other purposes, they aren’t used interchangeably. Protectors come with varying filters like low pass, high pass and bandpass filters. The purpose is similar, that of restricting unwanted frequencies and letting only the useful one pass. Not all EMI or RFI emissions affect the protectors’ performance. The noise filtering system figures this out and doesn’t stop every interference. So having this noise filtering function in your surge protector is an added advantage.
Safety Rating
There aren’t set guidelines or commonly accepted security standards by any organization that benchmarks safety rating power surges. Experts have urged buyers to consider UL ratings before going for a purchase. Previously known as Underwriters Laboratories, they are a global safety leader that test, inspect and certify products and set market standards. The OSHA’s (Occupation Safety and Health Administration) approves product testing and UL is one among the many that have got the certification to give a safety rating. For Surge Protectors, the safety benchmark is UL 1499. Check the rating before buying one.
LEDs
Diagnostic LEDs are a way for you to make sure that your surge protector is working. Surge protectors with a single LED display will keep lighting till it’s working and go off once the protection wears off. The most common LED setup is the traditional red-green lights. The green implying that everything is fine and the red prompting you to buy a new protector. Few of the higher end surge protectors will have extra LEDs to provide one-glance information about your device. More LEDs would also mean a bigger protector that occupies more space.
Size and Weight
Depending on what and how you are using the protector either both or one of the factors becomes essential. A General concern among buyers is about the design efficiency of the protector. Some protectors have extra non-functional space that might cover the adjacent sockets which make plugging in little devices on one board difficult. This could be a hindrance for users that have arrangements like console setups.
Safety Alarm
The LEDs are a useful hint to evaluate the working of your surge protector. But this also requires constant monitoring and could also result in negligence leading to damage to the appliances. To cover this, some protectors come with inbuilt alarms that go off whenever the protector stops functioning. With this feature, you can take a back seat and wait for the alarm to ring and immediately replace it with a new one.
Conclusion
Still unable to make up your mind? Please check out our favorite picks
GE UltraPro Single Outlet Surge Protector has the highest surge protection rating with 1080 Joules to protect heavy electrical appliances from voltage spikes and power failures. Along with a clamping voltage of 120V, the audible alarm feature ensures the optimal protection of the equipment. Besides, the surge protector is backed by a lifetime warranty. Monoprice Single Outlet Surge Protector is our favorite portable option on our list to protect electrical appliances that are used on the go. It has a decent surge protection rating of 540 Joules and 500V clamping voltage. It is equipped with LED indicators to indicate a surge. It is backed by a 1-year replacement warranty. Woods 41008 Single Outlet Surge Protectoris our favorite all-round option that ticks in all categories. With 1080 Joules surge protection rating and 120V clamping voltage, it is perfect for small to medium appliances. It has LED indicators and audible alarm to indicate its optimal working condition. Plus, it comes with a $100,000 connected equipment claim.
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