This comes up a lot... and I wrote about it here:
https://inatinear.blogspot.com/2021/09/time-for-new-surge-suppression.html
Surge protector/conditioner for vintage system
I’m putting my vintage system back together (80s-90s components) mostly. I currently have them connected to a standard Belkin surge protector that I purchased at Lowes years ago. Question: is this enough or should I buy something more substantial with better protection? Do I need just the surge protector alone or also add a conditioner as well. Thanks in advance.
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Hey @wspohn - As the National Electric Code and whole house surge protector makers say, a whole house surge protector is not meant to replace point of use (i.e. surge protectors/strips) devices. In particular, the whole house units have much higher let-through voltages than a good plug in surge strip from Furman or TrippLite. The whole house units are there to prevent fires, and try to improve the longevity of hard wired devices. They all recommend a belt AND suspenders approach. |
Of course, your level of concern may vary by state. Living in SC and having survived several nearby lightning strikes that took out cellular and Internet infrastructure I'm absolutely paranoid about surge protection. 🤣 Also, I'm poor so I shudder to think of having to replace my integrated amp or DAC. |
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