power bar : Computer Hardware Buyers’ Glossary

Sizing

• computer
• monitor
• ink jet printer
• laser printer
• speakers: via AC⇒DC adapter
• router: via AC⇒DC adapter
• DSL (Digital Subscriber Loop) or cable modem: via AC⇒DC adapter
• telephone/answering machine/fax: via AC⇒DC adapter
• wireless mouse: via AC⇒DC adapter
• laptop: via AC⇒DC adapter
• secondary computer
• lamps
• sound recording and playing equipment
• outlets for other computers you are using, repairing or testing.
• soldering iron
• office equipment

AC adapters are often bulky and cover up more than one outlet.

Here are two ways to get large number of outlets:

1. cascading, plug a power bar into another in a daisy chain.
2. Have an electrician install a power strip at a convenient height along the wall. You can then snap on as many outlets as you want wherever you need them. This is surprisingly inexpensive.

Surge Protection

Power bars contain surge protectors in them. They protect your computer equipment from damage from a sudden spike overvoltage. They also prevent your computer from making errors or rebooting when a spike hits. I consider this protection absolutely mandatory. However, they can’t do a thing if for a sagging undervoltage. For that you need an UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply). You have to spend  or more to get a surge protector that won’t be fried, (and hence useless) after the first few hits.

What To Look For

• It should have three prong sockets so your equipment will be properly grounded.
• The on-off switch should be stiff. You should not be able to turn it on or of by casually brushing against the unit or pushing it up against a wall.
• It should have an indicator light to let you know if the outlets are powered on.
• It should have some surge protection.