Electricity is essential in every home, but it also comes with risks, especially when it comes to protecting your appliances. Sudden or unstable power can damage expensive gadgets and home appliances like TVs, air conditioners, etc., making surge protectors and stabilizers important. But which one should you get? Do you need both?

This guide explains the uses, types, and pros and cons of these household appliances, helping you understand their key differences and which is best for your home.

What is a Surge Protector?

A surge protector is a device that protects electronics from sudden spikes in voltage (also known as power surges). These surges can occur for various reasons, including lightning strikes, faulty wiring, when high-power appliances (like air conditioners) turn on and off, or when the light voltage suddenly increases.

A surge protector acts like a gatekeeper. Under normal conditions, it allows electricity to pass through safely to your devices. But if a sudden voltage spike occurs, it redirects the excess power away, preventing it from reaching and damaging your appliances.

When Should You Use a Surge Protector?

Surge protectors are best for:

• Sensitive electronics like computers, TVs, gaming consoles, and home theater systems.

• Office equipment such as printers, routers, and modems.

• Small kitchen appliances like microwaves and coffee makers.

Types of Surge Protectors

1. Basic Power Strip Surge Protectors

These look like regular extension cords but come with built-in surge protection. They allow you to plug in multiple devices while shielding them from voltage spikes. However, they offer limited protection and are best suited for low-power devices like lamps, phone chargers, and small appliances. They are best for TVs, desktop computers, routers, and other basic household electronics.

Example: 

Belkin 6-Outlet Surge Protector – This is a budget-friendly option with six outlets and a 600-joule rating, making it great for home use.

Price: ₦2,000  Where to buy: Microview Nigeria

2. Wall-Mounted Surge Protectors

Instead of sitting on the floor, these plug directly into a wall socket, providing a compact, space-saving option. Some models include USB ports for charging phones and tablets. While they don’t handle extreme power surges, they’re great for protecting small devices in bedrooms and offices.

 Example: 

APC Wall Surge Protector with USB Ports—This small yet powerful device has multiple outlets and USB charging slots, perfect for bedrooms or offices. It is also suitable for Charging stations, bedside lamps, kitchen appliances, and home offices.

Price: ₦15,000  Where to buy: Konga

3. Whole-House Surge Protectors

If you want serious protection, this is the best option. These are installed at your electrical panel and block power surges from entering your home. They protect everything in your house, from big appliances like refrigerators to small gadgets like phones. They are most suitable for homes with expensive electronics, gaming setups, and areas prone to lightning strikes.

 Example: 

Eaton Whole House Surge Protector (CHSPT2ULTRA): This product provides full-home protection and is ideal for homes in areas prone to thunderstorms.

Price: ₦1,234,826.00  Where to buy: Ubuy

4. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) with Surge Protection

A UPS protects against power surges and provides backup power. If there’s an outage, your devices will stay on for a few minutes, giving you time to save work or safely shut down appliances. This is especially useful for computers, servers, and security systems. It is best for offices, gaming PCs, medical equipment, and businesses that rely on power.

Example:

CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD UPS—This model offers surge protection and battery backup, making it ideal for gaming PCs and home offices.

Price: NGN 1,218,118.32  Where to buy: Chert

Pros 

•  Prevents damage from power surges – Keeps your electronics safe from voltage spikes.

•  Affordable – A basic surge protector is relatively inexpensive.

• Easy to install – Plug it into an outlet and connect your devices.

•  Protects multiple devices at once – Most models come with multiple outlets.

Cons 

•  A surge protector doesn’t regulate voltage; it only protects against sudden spikes. However, it won’t help if your electricity fluctuates frequently.

• Surge protectors wear out over time and must be replaced after a few years or a major power surge.

What is a Stabilizer?

A stabilizer, also called a voltage regulator, is designed to maintain a steady voltage level for your appliances. Instead of just blocking power surges, a stabilizer ensures that your devices receive a stable voltage, even when the electricity supply fluctuates.

A stabilizer constantly monitors the voltage coming from your power supply. If it's too high, it reduces it. If it’s too low, it boosts it to the correct level. This prevents your appliances from getting damaged due to low or high voltage fluctuations.

When Should You Use a Stabilizer?

Types of Stabilizers

1. Relay-Type Stabilizers

2. Servo Motor Stabilizers

3. Static Voltage Stabilizers (SVS)