Surge protectors I recently purchased an HDTV and a PS3. The day after I bought the HDTV it developed a dull bar across the top of the screen. When I went to return it I was told I should purchase a Monster Power- 8- Outlet Blackout PowerCenter Surge Protector b/c I was get power flux from the residence hall I am living in, and that is what damaged the TV, and it could also possibly damage the PS3 if i dont use this device. I was also told that flux is different than a surge protector, although this is called a surge protector, so i bought a Dynex Home/Office surge Protector b/c they both protected the same basic amount of Joules but was $100 less in price. Is there something significantly different about these and should I have purchase the more expensive item, or is this acceptable to use for my tv and ps3?

Hey Laduell,

Before anything else, it's probably best to explain the differences between power surges and flux. Power surges (also called voltage or electrical spikes) are generally caused by a sudden, massive increase or decrease in the voltage flowing through an electrical circuit. Flux, on the other hand, can be defined as the actual voltage flowing through a circuit at any given time.

Whenever an electrical device turns on, turns off, or changes modes of operation, it can cause slight disturbances or differences in the voltage flowing through an electrical circuit. Exactly how much of a difference is made may be dependent on the type of electronic device attached, though major electronics and appliances will have a larger "pull" than smaller devices, like clock radios. The more devices are attached to the same circuit, the larger these voltage differences may become.

This fluctuation in voltage - combined with other electrical, magnetic or radio frequency interference ("noise") - has been known to cause problems or even damage in some electrical devices. To prevent such damage, many manufacturers may include "noise reduction" or "EMI/RFI protection" features in their surge protectors.

As both Dynex and Monster Cables appear to include such a feature in many of their products, the price difference you are seeing may simply be related to the number of additional features that the Monster Cable surge protector offers, though this cannot be guaranteed.

If you're in doubt about your purchase, I would strongly suggest contacting either manufacturer for more information. Most manufacturers are able to provide you with detailed descriptions of their product features, and one of the two may be able to point you towards an online FAQ if one is available. Dynex's toll-free hotline is 888-305-2204, and Monster Cable can be reached at 415-840-2000.

Hope this helps you out.

Sincerely,
Aaron
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