If you have an Ethernet cable connection, then you need a CAT5 surge protector for the incoming line. A Cat5 cable, also commonly called an Ethernet cable, is the shortened name for the Category 5 cable used for computer networking and voice services. Inside of a Cat5 cable, four pairs of 24-gauge copper wiring is threaded into a jack that plugs into an Internet outlet in the wall and a cable outlet built into the computer or phone.
The primary purpose of these cables is to reduce interference or network noise while you talk or surf the Internet. The standard cables often come in coverings that are bright colors like blue and can be bought wholesale unraveled from a spool at your desired length or from retailers at precut lengths. Most standard Cat5 cables can reach up to 300 feet.
A Cat5 surge protector, like the one manufactured by Citel, serves a slightly different purpose. Computers and other electronic devices will experience a surge when the voltage running through the cable spikes. A surge sends a lot more voltage than normal through the wire. This kind of sudden change can do serious damage to computers or other electrical equipment when it occurs.
Most of the time, the things that cause surges are natural events like lightning, the air compressor on a refrigerator kicking in or a temperature controlled air conditioning unit automatically coming on. If your computer is in a space in which any of these things is likely, getting Cat5 surge protectors is more than a safety precaution. It is a necessity. The latest upgrade in this kind of protective cable is called a Cat5e surge protector, which can handle faster Ethernet speeds up to Gigabit Ethernet. The Cat5e cable is backwards compatible, too – which means it can be used for any Cat5 cable function, though Cat5 cable cannot often be substituted for Cat5e.
The way that a Cat5 lightning surge protector is made helps to really keep your equipment safe when a storm causes a spike or surge in power. The extra voltage that comes gets grounded in a wire that is built into the surge protector. Some surge protector models come with a fuse, which is designed to blow and quickly shut off power to your computer and accessories when the power surge is just too much. You will have to replace the fuse with these protectors, but they serve a mighty protective function. They shut your computer completely off before there is even a slight window of opportunity for damage.
One mistake that many computer users make is using the words “surge strip” and “surge protector” interchangeably. These two devices are not the same thing. A surge strip is simply a means to plug in several electronic devices in one place. It does not come with any guarantee to protect your hardware, and, in fact, is not built to do so. Also called surge suppressors, these tools can cause more harm than good if you lull yourself into believing that you are protected. You are not. A false sense of safety is the first sign of impending death for your computer system.
Prices for surge accessories can range from $5 to $150. Of course, surge strips land on the low end of that dollar range and heavy duty surge protectors always cost a bit more. You will have to ultimately decide what is better for you: a gadget that simply allows you to plug all of your equipment up without having to stretch cords or a mechanism that safely prolongs the life of your computer.
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From other readings it is stated that “surge protectors” and “surge suppressors” are synonyms, but that they BOTH are distinguished from “power taps.”
Consistency is always a problem; so, it is advised to look beyond the “label” and marketing and determine whether and how protection is provided, if any.
For instance, I have a product that details the surge protection features yet it is labeled discretely on the back of the product “surge tap.”
Hello Tobias.
Surge tap, surge protector and surge suppressor are all synonymous to each other. What differentiates a surge tap is that it often lacks a cord and plugs directly into the outlet. A power tap lacks surge protection altogether and acts merely as a multi-outlet device.
Thanks for the question.