What Is a Surge-Protected Socket? Types and Selection Criteria
A surge-protected socket is a single or multiple socket that absorbs sudden mains voltage surges or cuts its output when voltage leaves set limits, protecting electronic devices.
A surge-protected socket, sold in Türkiye as an "akım korumalı priz" (literally a current-protected socket), is a single or multiple socket that dampens sudden voltage surges from the mains or cuts its output when the voltage goes outside set limits. It is used in homes and offices to protect devices with electronic boards, such as computers, televisions, modems and combi boilers, against mains-borne surges and fluctuations. Despite the Turkish name, the main job of most models is protection against voltage-related faults. Models with "Akım+Voltaj" (current + voltage) in the name, such as ACK AY27, may also have overcurrent protection; check the type of protection on the product page. The "shock protection" in product names also refers to protection against voltage surges; it does not protect against electric shock.
Types
| Type | How it protects | Catalog example |
|---|---|---|
| Surge-protected power strip | Absorbs the energy of sudden voltage surges; protection capacity is given in joules (J) | Viko four-way and six-way, 350 J and 1050 J |
| Plug-in protective socket | Plugs straight into a wall socket and protects the device connected to it | Bylion CPP shock and current protected plug socket, 16 A, IP20 |
| Current and voltage protected socket | Cuts the output when the voltage goes outside set limits | ACK AY27-00010, AY27-00020 |
Selection criteria
- Protection type: Choose a surge-protected model against sudden surges caused by lightning and switching, and a voltage-protected model where the voltage often drops or rises.
- Surge energy (joules): The joule value shows the surge energy the socket can absorb; the higher the value, the greater the protection capacity. The Viko power strips in the catalog come in 350 J and 1050 J versions.
- Total load: The total power of the connected devices must not exceed the socket's rated current. At 230 V, 16 A corresponds to about 3,680 W.
- Number of outlets and cable length: Add one spare outlet to the number of devices. The Viko power strips in the catalog have four or six outlets, a 1.5 m cable and child protection shutters.
- Earthing: The surge protection circuit diverts part of the excess energy to the protective conductor; plug the socket into an earthed wall socket.
Common mistakes
- Using it instead of a residual current device: A surge-protected socket does not protect people against electric shock; that is the job of the residual current device in the installation.
- Using it instead of a UPS or voltage regulator: It supplies no power during an outage and does not raise low voltage; a voltage-protected model only cuts the output.
- Leaving the building's surge protection to the socket alone: Large lightning-induced surges call for a surge arrester in the main panel; the socket is the last protection stage next to the device.
- Keeping a worn socket in use: The surge-absorbing components wear with every large surge. Replace the socket after a large surge or when its protection indicator, if fitted, goes out.
Related standard
- IEC 61643-11: Surge protective devices (SPDs) connected to low-voltage power systems. Protection used next to the device, plugged into a socket, falls under Type 3 (T3) in this standard. The catalog product names carry no declaration of conformity to this standard; request the certificate from the manufacturer if needed.
Brands in the catalog
The surge-protected sockets category has 9 active products:
| Brand | Models | Products |
|---|---|---|
| Viko | Four-way 1050 J, six-way 350 J and six-way 1050 J surge-protected earthed power strips; grey, 1.5 m cable, child protection | 3 |
| Bylion | CPP shock and current protected plug socket, 16 A, IP20; white and black | 2 |
| ACK | AY27-00010 and AY27-00020 current and voltage protected socket | 2 |
| Cata | CT-9186 and digital CT-9187 current-protected socket | 2 |
For Viko models, price and lead time are given on quotation; the others can be ordered directly. Check the protection type of the Cata models (surge or voltage protection) on the product page. For multiple outlets without surge protection see Power Strips with Cable, and to separate the UPS circuit from mains sockets see UPS Wall Sockets.
Frequently asked questions
What does a surge-protected socket protect against?
It protects against sudden voltage surges from the mains and, depending on the model, against the voltage going outside set limits. Surge-protected models absorb the surge; voltage-protected models cut the output at faulty voltage.
What does the joule rating mean?
It is the surge energy the socket can absorb. A 1050 J socket can handle more surge energy than a 350 J socket. Choose a model with a high joule rating for expensive electronic devices.
Does a surge-protected socket replace a residual current device?
No. A residual current device detects current leaking to earth and protects people against electric shock. A surge-protected socket protects the device against voltage-related and, depending on the model, overcurrent faults; it does not protect people against electric shock.
Can a surge-protected socket be used instead of a UPS?
No. A UPS keeps powering the device from its battery during an outage; a surge-protected socket supplies no power during an outage. Computers and modems that must run without interruption need a UPS.