Tripp Lite Protect It! 8-Outlet Surge Protector w/ Tel/Modem/Fax Protection

I think this surge protector is amazing. In my use (on the floor, powering a desktop computer and 2 monitors), this product works great. My office's speakers have a very bulky wall transformer plug, which always blocked outlets on other power strips. With the three widely spaced plugs, I can plug iny speakers AND have leftover outlets. The cord is really long (almost too long, since I am right next to an outlet) and the built-in outlet covers/protected lights are a huge bonus for me. However, over the 3 months that I have had this surge protector, I have come across two downsides that may or may not be a deal breaker for some. 1. The power switch is exposed- I didn't think this would be an issue when I received this, but more than once, either myself or my canine companion have hit the switch, and all of my work is lost. If this is a significant issue for you, I would recommend either Tripp-Lite's Hospital Grade Isobar, or a UPS (Think: big battery that keeps stuff on). Not a huge deal, but I guess that I didn't look closely enough when I asked for this. 2. The surge protector heats up. I have only had the TLP-808 for about 3 months, but in that time, I have noticed that it consistently heats up under any load, light or heavy. Using an infrared thermometer, without any power, the bottom of the surge protector reads 72°F- room temperature. But when under load (just charging a laptop, about a 50W power draw) it heats up to a toasty 112°F. I don't know if this is normal, or if it is an issue with the MOVs inside, but protection seems to be fine. Protection: I really have no fancy audio or technical equipment that requires pure sine wave electricity, but to put it simply, I don't trust my home's electricity. I have had a number of power surges since I received this surge protector, and after each one, both LEDs are still lit. Bottom Line: if you are looking for a good surge protector for office equipment, definitely consider this one. It is a good buy. -Owen Sayre

After recent thunderstorms with nearby lightning strikes, I researched the life of surge protectors. Turns out that they get consumed by surges, one Joule at a time. So I decided to replace two of my primary surge protectors. These units were well made, well priced, and had an adequate number of outlets.