FAQ
TL;DR: A 6-socket surge strip with a 1 000–1 800 J rating can block 95 % of everyday mains spikes; “The R-20F has two varistors and two spark gaps” [Elektroda, freebsd, post #13759962] ELGOTECH R-20F costs only PLN 17 yet equals many PLN 100 units [Elektroda, freebsd, post #13751407]
Why it matters: Picking the right protector saves TVs and consoles from costly outages without overpaying.
Quick Facts
• ELGOTECH R-20F street price: PLN 15–17, 2 × MOV + 2 × spark gaps [Elektroda, #13751407; #13759962]
• Belkin F9H400EP2M: 3 × MOV, thermal fuse, 918 J absorption [Elektroda, Multime, post #15246060]
• Philips SPN5044A/19: 1 800 J, 58 dB EMI/RFI filter, PLN 80 [Elektroda, 15246060]
• Class T3 (formerly D) strips protect against ≤2 kV residual surges; full protection needs B+C devices at the panel [IEC 61643-11]
• Safe continuous load for R-20F: ≤500 W; failure reported at 2 000 W [Elektroda, freebsd, post #15837833]
What features should I look for in a surge protector for TVs and gaming consoles?
Choose strips with at least 3 metal-oxide varistors (MOVs), a thermal fuse, EMI/RFI filter >40 dB and a joule rating above 800 J. These parts limit voltage, disconnect during prolonged faults and reduce noise, keeping sensitive HDMI and power-supply inputs safe [Elektroda, Multime, post #15246060]
Is the low-cost ELGOTECH R-20F really effective?
Yes. It contains two MOVs and two spark gaps—more components than most budget rivals—and costs PLN 17 [Elektroda, freebsd, post #13751407] Users have run dozens for 20 years without electronics failures [Elektroda, freebsd, post #13759962]
How much power can the R-20F handle without damage?
Keep continuous loads below 500 W. One unit feeding about 2 000 W overheated and failed, proving the 16 A strip breaker is not enough alone [Elektroda, freebsd, post #15837833]
Does the Belkin F9H400EP2M include MOVs and thermal fuses?
Yes. Czech documentation shows three MOVs, and Polish sources list thermal fuses in series with them [Elektroda, freebsd, #13790770; Multime, #13797924].
Can I attach a regular extension cord to a surge strip?
You can if total load stays low and every plug has earth continuity. Freebsd estimates a TV, laptop, router and console draw ≈540 W—safe for a 16 A-rated Belkin strip [Elektroda, 13815130]
What do the red and green LEDs on ELGOTECH R-20F mean?
Red = mains present. Green = protection OK. If a severe surge destroys MOVs, the green lamp turns off, signalling replacement [Elektroda, freebsd, post #15833906]
Will a surge strip stop lightning damage?
Only partly. Class T3 devices clamp residual energy; direct or nearby strikes still need upstream Class B + C arresters and unplugging during storms [Elektroda, freebsd, post #15795321]
Varistor vs thyristor protection—which reacts faster?
Thyristor crowbar circuits trigger within nanoseconds and force fuses to blow, outperforming MOVs but require manual reset and cost more [Elektroda, cooltygrysek, post #15854789]
Is a higher joule rating always better?
Higher ratings (e.g., 1 800 J Philips SPN5044A) absorb more energy, increasing lifespan. However, component quality and thermal cutoff matter equally; cheap 1 000 J strips with no fuse can still fail early [Philips datasheet].
How do I test if my surge strip still works?
- Unplug all loads.
- Check that the protection LED lights when you restart power.
- Press the strip’s reset/breaker; if the LED stays dark, replace the unit. Total time: under 30 seconds [Elektroda, 15833906]
Are ‘anti-surge’ power bars without earth pins effective?
No. MOVs divert excess energy to earth; without a reliable ground, voltage stays on the line, leaving devices exposed [IEEE Std 1100-2005].
Edge case: what if a new protector trips house fuses instantly?
Return or open it. One R-20F shorted on first use because of cold solder joints; Castorama exchanged it under warranty [Elektroda, 3echo, post #15834479]
