by Lori Cunningham
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. Nonetheless, I could see the resemblance between the product and the name. The Powersquid is actually a surge protector and power conditioner.
The idea of the Powersquid is that it is more flexible than traditional rectangular power protector strips. Have you ever bought a power protector, tried to plug in your mess of electronics, only to find that the power adapters of some products are so large they take over 1 1/2 plug outlets? Before you know it, your large power strip cannot accommodate as many plugs after all.
The Main Benefit of Surge Protectors is their Multiple Plug Outlets, Right?
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. It’s a great convenience. I know it supports power surges, but quite frankly, who really knows what power surges are?
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.
Really? Why? Do Power Surges Really Happen that Frequently?
Yes, apparently they do. Power surges happen when something causes an extra boost in the power line. This causes a spike in the electricity and flows along the electrical line. It 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. Your electronic device has sensitive processors inside them that can’t handle this surge of power and they will burn.
Surges in power comes from three main sources [1]:
- Lightening – lightening doesn’t happen often, so you are at less risk here. But 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.
- High-powered electrical devices (refrigerators, air conditioners, elevators) – they pull a lot of power when they cycle on and off, which is a big risk for your devices.
- Electrical power issues – either within your home (faulty wiring) or by your utility company (broken transformers, issues with their equipment, etc.) Electrical lines that have fallen, exploding transformers, and utility company mishaps can cause surges in power which will affect your home. With regards to your home, faulty wiring is not uncommon. Over 40,000 fires happen each year in the United States due to home electrical wiring [2]
Now you may wonder, “well, why don’t I need to have a surge protector for my lamps in the house. Lamps do not have a processor in their circuitry, so the worst thing that could happen is that the light bulb burns out. What about smaller devices like your iPod speaker system, do you need a surge protector for it? Yes.
Aren’t All Surge Protectors the Same?
No. Surge protectors have different ratings. One of the main ratings to look for is the Maximum Energy Dissipation rate, often rated in “joules.” The higher rating the better. The number of joules tells you how much absorption the surge protector can take before it fails. For better surge protectors, HowStuff Works.com recommends 600 joules at the least. The Powersquid I tested has an energy dissipation rate of 1080 joules.
Powersquid Features
- 1080 joules surge protection
- 5 flexible outlets
- Less than 1 nanosecond response time (will shield your devices instantaneously as soon as a surge is detected.)
- Noise reduction filter – reduces line static in your TV’s and sound systems
- Durable – impact resistant housing – tough – can withstand being dropped
- The 1080 joules provides great protection from surges
- Extremely flexible, all 5 plugs can easily take large adapters and they won’t get in the way of each other
- Reasonably priced – for the amount of protection you get, $29.95 isn’t bad
- The cord that plugs into your 3-pronged wall outlet seems to be a good length at 3 feet
- It is less bulky than rectangular power strips, giving you more flexibility
- Has a “protected” light which indicates that your surge protector is working properly and devices are secure
- Accell warranty last for five years
- $100,000 insurance – get this… if an AC surge occurs…even lightening… and the devices connected to your Powersquid fail, Accell, makers of Powersquid will repair, reimburse, or replace up to $100,000 of your connected equipment!
- It only connects 5 plugs – wish it had more
- It has a big popped out button to turn it on and off. It’s cute but too irresistible for kids
A quick video showing the Powersquid working in my home.
A Mom’s Perspective
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According to Hollis, with all other things
being the same, the load-to-failure of Gorilla Glass 2 after abrasion is at
least 25% higher than Gorilla Glass. In other words, with the same damage
resistance, Gorilla Glass 2 is 10-20% thinner than its predecessor. For
example, at a failure load of 170kgf, Gorilla Glass 2 can be 2mm thinner than
Gorilla Glass, while 10-15% of the strengthening time during production is
saved.