9.4

Belkin Surge Protectors
Compact Surge Protector
Concealed Surge Protector

Compact Surge Protector

Belkin continue to revolutionize the Surge Protection market with two units aimed at those users who wish to minimize and hide their cable clutter but still want the best possible protection available. For the uninitiated, surge protection are devices that should a doomsday scenario occur (e.g. lightning strike or electrical feedback), the surge protector has the ability of containing the power surge and protecting your valuable pieces of electrical equipment such as computers, televisions and entertainment systems. Even though the price of the surge protection device may seem steep, it is a small price to pay for an entertainment system that may costs thousands. Even so, electrical surges via the power grid are far more common than we believe and this device would assist in protecting your device.

Specifications

• Dimensions 115mm H x 290mm W x 120mm L

• Continuous Duty Electrical Rating: 240V/10A/50Hz/2400W

• Maximum Energy Dissipation: 2190 Joules

• Maximum Spike Current: 49,500A

• Response Time: <1 Nanosecond

• EMI/RFI Noise Filtration: 150Khz~100Mhz up to 60db Reduction

Features

• Features unique vertical design that combines functionality and style

• 6 surge protected power block sockets (3 each side, reverse facing)

First off the bat is the Belkin Compact Surge Protector which boasts 6 power outlets, a 2 metre cord, a 1.8m high quality telephone cable and extreme protection, meaning that the unit is capable of protecting against lightning strikes and the like.

The device has been designed to be as inconspicuous as possible with its Spartan yet plain design that looks like a neat white box. This design is perfect for the space conscious person and is ideal for locations such as behind a desk or even behind your lounge.

My favourite aspect of this model is that Belkin have once again included the status indicator which lets the user know if the device is earthed or not. Best of all, the Compact Surge Protector has recessed sockets which allows for added protection against cords being accidentally unplugged or someone touching a live prong. Apart from the 6 power outlets, the Compact Surge Protector also boasts a telephone in port with two ports out, ensuring increased options for the end user. Definitely a considering for those in a small office.

For those neat freaks and I must admit that I am without going over the line of compulsive obsessive, the unit comes with a great little cable management clip that allows to minimize the clutter. Once installed, the device looks quite inconspicuous wherever it may located that hides those unsightly plugs and gives the user some great protection against a variety of electrical nasties.

In terms of warranty, Belkin offers the user unlimited warranty, unlimited connected equipment warranty and data recover warranty which is quite a bold statement to make, however the company are quite sure that this device will protect the end user.

We could happily recommend this product to the home user or small office as it features 6 outlets and offers both modem, phone and fax protection. If clutter is still a problem with the Compact Surge Protector, than you might want to consider the Belkin Concealed Surge Protector which is reviewed below.

Concealed Surge Protector

So what exactly is the difference between the Compact Surge Protector and the Concealed Surge Protector from Belkin? Apart from the physical size difference, the Concealed Surge Protector gives the user access to 6 power outlets, coaxial cable protection and phone/fax protection plus a lockable cover. The design itself continues along its Spartan design to ensure that this product would not look out of place in a variety of homes and offices and looks like a nice neat white rectangular box.

We tested this item on our LG 50" television, PlayStation 3, Philips DVD recorder, Foxtel receiver, XBox 360 and an LCD frame that all neatly connected to the Concealed Surge Protector. The best part of this device is that it neatly hides those unsightly transformers inside the box which assists at minimizing those eye sores. It also offers a lockable cover which is great from protecting your equipment from young children or even those who wish to steal your items as this makes it quite difficult.

Specifications

• Dimensions 114mm H x 420mm W x 120mm L

• Continuous Duty Electrical Rating: 240V/10A/50Hz/2400W

• Maximum Energy Dissipation: 2190 Joules

• Maximum Spike Current: 49,500A

• Response Time: <1 Nanosecond

• EMI/RFI Noise Filtration: 150Khz~100Mhz up to 60db Reduction

Features

• Unique lockable cover safeguards your equipment

• Individual cable management slots reduce cable clutter

• 6 surge protected power block sockets

Belkin once again give their trademark unlimited warranty, unlimited connected equipment warranty and data recover warranty.

This device is perfect for those who wish to protect their entertainment investments such as high quality televisions, entertainment units and gaming consoles. Definitely one for the tidy conscious with its cable management and neatly hidden transformers and plugs. The item also comes with two high quality phone (1.8m) and aerial cables (1.8), giving you instant installation from the box.

In conclusion, the Belkin Concealed Surge Protector and Belkin Compact Surge Protector are another two innovative ideas from Belkin which assists in hiding and minimizing cable clutter. Visually, both devices looks like a white box and neatly assists in minimizing cable clutter but protecting your electrical investments from power surges.

Brilliant!