{"id":6279,"date":"2012-03-14T01:19:41","date_gmt":"2012-03-13T18:19:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/?p=6279"},"modified":"2012-03-14T01:19:41","modified_gmt":"2012-03-13T18:19:41","slug":"youve-heard-of-vampire-power-but-what-is-a-powersquid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/youve-heard-of-vampire-power-but-what-is-a-powersquid\/","title":{"rendered":"You’ve Heard of Vampire Power, But What is a PowerSquid????"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Lori Cunningham<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Several years ago at CES I discovered an odd-looking product called the Powersquid – it seemed like such a strange name for a tech product. \u00a0Nonetheless, I could see the resemblance between the product and the name. \u00a0The Powersquid is actually a surge protector and power conditioner.<\/p>\n

The idea of the Powersquid is that it is more flexible than traditional rectangular power protector strips. \u00a0Have you ever bought a power protector, tried to plug in your mess of\u00a0electronics, \u00a0only to find that the power adapters of some products are so large they take over 1 1\/2 plug outlets? \u00a0Before you know it, your large power strip cannot\u00a0accommodate\u00a0as many plugs after all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Main\u00a0Benefit\u00a0of Surge Protectors is their Multiple Plug Outlets, Right?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Like most people, when I think of a surge protector, I think multiple plugs – you can plug in many devices – and only use one plug outlet from your wall. \u00a0It’s a great convenience. \u00a0I know it supports power surges, but quite frankly, who really knows what power surges are?<\/p>\n

From what I have read, the MOST important feature of a surge protector is the surge protection it shields your devices from – it’s even more vital than how many devices you can plug into it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Really? \u00a0Why? \u00a0Do Power Surges Really Happen that Frequently?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Yes, apparently they do. \u00a0Power surges happen when something causes an extra boost in the power line. \u00a0This causes a spike in the electricity and flows along the electrical line. \u00a0It will continue along the numerous electric lines until it snaps through what’s at the end of the line….for example your DVR, game console, or TV. \u00a0Your electronic device has sensitive processors inside them that can’t handle this surge of power and they will burn.<\/p>\n

Surges in power comes from three main sources [1]:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Lightening<\/strong> – lightening doesn’t happen often, so you are at less risk here. \u00a0But if lightning did happen to strike a nearby power line, it will create millions of volts and likely burn anything at the end of the wire – with a surge protector or not.<\/li>\n
  2. High-powered electrical devices<\/strong> (refrigerators, air conditioners,\u00a0elevators) – they pull a lot of power when they cycle on and off, which is a big risk for your devices.<\/li>\n
  3. Electrical power issues<\/strong> – either within your home (faulty wiring) or by your utility company (broken transformers, issues with their equipment, etc.) \u00a0Electrical lines that have fallen,\u00a0exploding\u00a0transformers, and utility company mishaps can cause surges in power which will affect your home.\u00a0 With regards to your home, faulty wiring is not uncommon. \u00a0Over 40,000 fires happen each year in the United States due to home electrical wiring [2]<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Now you may wonder, “well, why don’t I need to have a surge protector for my lamps in the house. \u00a0Lamps do not have a processor in their circuitry, so the worst thing that could happen is that the\u00a0light bulb\u00a0burns out. \u00a0What about smaller devices like your iPod speaker system, do you need a surge protector for it? \u00a0Yes.<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Aren’t All Surge Protectors the Same?<\/span><\/h2>\n

    No. \u00a0Surge protectors have different ratings. \u00a0One of the main ratings to look for is the Maximum Energy Dissipation rate<\/strong><\/em><\/span>, often rated in “joules<\/strong>.” \u00a0The higher rating the better. \u00a0The number of joules tells you how much\u00a0absorption\u00a0the surge protector can take before it fails. \u00a0For better surge protectors, HowStuff Works.com<\/a> recommends 600 joules at the least. \u00a0The Powersquid I tested has an energy\u00a0dissipation\u00a0rate of 1080 joules.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Powersquid Features<\/strong><\/p>\n