Review on 🔌 APC P6WU2 Wall Outlet Plug Extender: Surge Protector with USB Ports, 6 AC Multi Plug Outlet, 1080 Joule Surge Protection - White by Scott Channell

With a name like Essential, it doesn't promise much. Still, it's decent for the directly attached protection. I have four of these, they protect inexpensive electronics. The direct port design with side vents is convenient for many applications, helps keep floors clean and does not require a large offset when used behind furniture. It also has a SurgeArrest feature that will disable the device if it gets compromised. The ratings on the back of my device are: Voltage protection class: LN: 400V, LG: 400V, NG: 400V. In=3KA. A protective voltage of 400V is normal, but an In value of 3kA indicates that the lifespan of this device is short. Given the low cost, this is not surprising. ______________ For SPDs, ANSI/UL 1449 3rd Edition requires that the device be marked with Voltage Protection Rating (VPR), Discharge Current Rating (In), and some other parameters. APC, Tripp Lite, and others rarely disclose these values in their literature. Instead, all marketing refers to the Joule rating, which is not part of the UL standard. Standard VPR ratings include 330, 400, 500, ...; while default values for In include 3 kA, 5 kA, 10 kA, …. The lower the VPR the better, and the higher the In the better. The FAQ page of the NEMA Surge Protection Institute website (nemasurge.org) provides a summary of the SPD comparison: