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Power surges can occur at any moment, so ensure that you are always on guard. By using a power board, you’ll be able to protect the electronic devices in your home and office from unexpected power spikes. The best power board can effectively withstand dangerous voltage fluctuations in the electrical system. Also, it should provide you with additional outlets for your electronic devices. As with all electronic gadgets, power boards differ in terms of performance and features. With that being said, you should make it your goal to find one that is both reliable and durable.
Ensure that you check the Joule rating of each power board as this determines the amount of electrical energy that the unit in question can absorb. Most power surges come about due to external factors such as lightning strikes, power grid failures, or the downing of power lines. However, voltage fluctuations can also result from internal electrical complications within your household. Having faulty wiring or overloading the electrical system can cause a voltage spike, which will in turn damage the connected devices.
TL; DR: The Best Power Board for Most Australians. 👇
The Belkin Quality 2 Power Board ticks every box you need. It offers good surge protection, access to 8 additional power sockets, 2 USB ports and is excellent value for money!
A power board can absorb excess voltage before it reaches the appliances, thus preventing damage to your electronic devices. A good number of power boards use metal oxide varistors (MOVs) to filter out the excess voltage. Unfortunately, the voltage suppression system will degrade over time, so you have to replace the power board after every two years. This may, however, vary depending on how often you use the power board and the amount of energy it absorbs in each hit. If you are thinking of incorporating a power board into your electrical system, this article can help you make the right choice.
The Best Power Boards to Buy Today in Australia
- Best for Most People: Belkin Quality 2 Power Board
- Best Value Power Board: GoogBo Smart Surge Protector
- Best for Surge Protection: CyberPower 8 Outlet Power board
- Best Power Board for Workspaces: Powerjc Tower Power Board
- Best Budget Power Board: HPM 4 Outlet Power Board
1. Best for Most People: Belkin Quality 2 Power Board
Why we like it:
- 8 protected outlets plus two USB ports for maximum versatility
- It has a maximum Joule rating of 900J, making it ideal for most electronics
- Three-line protection system safeguards electronics against ground, hot, and neutral line power surges
- Good response time for optimum surge protection
What customers say:
“Excellent quality. Looks good and feels strong. The USB slots are very useful for a home office.”–Paul
With a maximum surge protection level of 900 Joules, the Belkin Quality 2 Power Board is an ideal choice for shielding household electronics such as cable boxes, television sets, home theatre systems, and other appliances from voltage fluctuations.
We ranked it best overall due to its three-line protection system, excellent response time, and quality construction. Also, it comes from one of the best manufacturers of surge suppressors, so you can rest assured it will prevent power surges from reaching your electronics. This unit has 8 AC outlets, all of which are protected to ensure you get the best service.
Additionally, it features two 2.4 amp USB ports that can help you power your smartphone, iPad, tablet, and other compatible devices. This power board has a protection indicator light that will let you know if the surge suppression system is working as it should.
To get the best results from this unit, ensure that you connect all devices properly as directed by the manufacturer. The most outstanding feature of this power board is its 3-line protection system. If you know a thing or two about power surges, then you must be aware that they can occur between ground, neutral, and hot lines.
Well, the Belkin Quality 2 Power Board ensures that your electronic gadgets are protected in all three scenarios. It can also protect valuable equipment from dangerous power spikes during a lightning strike.
Attached to the board is a well-insulated 2-meter power cord that will provide you with long-lasting service. The fact that the cord is long makes it convenient since you will be able to set up the power board in the most ideal spot. Moreover, this power board has a straightforward design, so it is very easy to use.
In terms of durability, the housing is made of impact-resistant material and is also tightly sealed to prevent the ingress of dust. On the downside, most people find this power board a bit bulky, so it may not suit those who are looking to save on space. Also, the outlets are not widely spaced, meaning large power plugs are likely to overlap. All in all, the Belkin Quality 2 Power Board is a great unit that offers premium surge protection and value for money.
2. Best Value Power Board: GoogBo Smart Surge Protector
Why we like it:
- Timer function for user convenience
- Supports Alexa and Google
- Can be controlled remotely
- Wi-Fi enabled for wireless connectivity
What customers say:
“It was very easy to sync to my google home. I purchased it to run my fish lamp and filter on a timer. Love that it has USB plugs as well.”–Zoe Green
The GoogBo Smart Surge Protector is probably the most advanced unit on the list. It has amazing features that you won’t find on most power boards, thus making it one of the options worth trying out.
However, the most notable feature is the Wi-Fi function, which will allow you to connect the power board to your home’s wifi network. But that is not all; this power board is compatible with both Google Assistant and Alexa, so it will allow you to control the outlets through voice commands.
It worked great with Alexa and enabled us to power our electronics on/off from a distance. Furthermore, you can control the AC outlets individually. Nonetheless, the USB ports lack this feature. Aside from having 4 outlets, the GoogBo Smart Surge Protector has 4 USB ports with a maximum charging speed of 2.1Amp.
Each outlet has an indicator light, so you will be able to know whether the slot you are using is on or off. Nevertheless, the USB ports only have one indicator light. What’s more, the timer function allows you to set the most preferred time to turn the power board on/off.
With this feature, you won’t have to worry about overcharging your devices. To add to this, you can schedule the timer system to power down the unit when it is not in use. Plus, the USB ports and the AC outlets are neatly arranged to prevent the cables from tangling up during usage. The outlets, in particular, are relatively spaced and can accommodate standard-size plugs.
3. Best for Surge Protection: HEYMIX Powerboard
Why we like it:
- Surge suppression rating of 900J for premium protection
- Quick response time ensures your electronics are not left exposed to transient voltage
- Grounded to increase user safety during a power surge or when plugging in devices
- Built-in overload protection safeguards the circuit system against overcurrent
What customers say:
“High joule protection you won’t find in any board at this price makes it an obvious choice for protecting your equipment.”–Eric Gene Noack
Protect all your electronics from power spikes and surges with the HEYMIX Powerboard. This is one of the most reliable surge protectors that we tested, and the best part is that it comes at a competitive price.
It offers an impressive 900 Joules worth of surge suppression and also has a long list of features that you can fully count on when the voltage in your electrical system fluctuates. This power board is not only a favourite among gamers but is also liked by a large number of users.
The casing is both impact-resistant and fire-retardant, making it safe for household use. Like the Belkin Quality 2 Power Board, this surge protector has 8 outlets and two USB ports for maximum versatility. The 2.4A ports can come in handy when charging USB-enabled electronics and peripheral devices.
This equipment features two indicator lights that will let you know if the system is protected and properly grounded. Additionally, there is an on/off switch, which will allow you to shut down all the outlets and ports at once.
The other thing that we liked about this power board is that it features a radio frequency interference (RFI) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) filtration system, which can effectively attenuate up to 32 decibels (dB).
With a response time of < 1 nanosecond, the surge suppression system will kick in almost instantly during a power surge. It can also offer adequate protection when lightning strikes. The 2-metre power cord is made of premium-quality copper to increase the rate of conduction per unit of time.
When we were testing this power board, we noticed that the USB ports are poorly placed. We couldn’t plug in electronics with large plugs on the rear end of the board since the USB connectors got in the way.
4. Best Power Board for Workspaces: Powerjc Tower Power Board
Why we like it:
- 12 AC outlets plus 6 USB ports make it super convenient
- Has a surge rating of 3000 Joules for worry-free protection
- Widely spaced outlets can accommodate large plugs
- Independent outlet switches for easy control
What Customers say:
“When you have limited space or too few AC power points, THIS is the one for you. Connect up to 12 power plugs and 6 USBs at once. The upright design is perfect for a bedside table, tv unit or computer desk.”–Samantha
If you are looking for a surge protector that you can use in a collaborative office environment without taking up all the space, the Powerjc Tower Power Board may just end your search.
Its upright design makes it ideal for work desks, while the wide base keeps the unit stable. As such, it won’t topple over even when all the outlets are loaded. Also, the AC outlets are spaced such that you can plug in large plugs without blocking any adjacent outlet.
The Powerjc TDC3U9001-3B has the highest Joule rating on our list, so it’s technically the most protective unit. Moreover, it can absorb up to 3000 Joules of extra voltage, so you can use this power board knowing that it will not fail you.
It will shut off all outlets automatically when the circuit is overloaded or when there is a lightning strike. This surge protector will ensure your electronics are protected in all scenarios. Each set of outlets has an on/off switch that can help you save electricity.
On top of that, there is a main power switch, which will allow you to power down the unit with a single flip. The USB ports on this power board are similar to those on the CyberPower 8 Outlet Power board in that all have a rating of 2.4A.
This surge suppressor has a range of safety features, including temperature protection, overload protection, and overcurrent protection. The material from which the enclosure is made is highly resistant to fire, making it safer for users.
Even while staying compact and lightweight, the Powerjc TDC3U9001-3B has a maximum wattage rating of 2200 watts. You can use it to protect your television, computer, home theatre, game console, stereo system, etc. This multi-function power board can be a great addition to your home’s electrical system.
5. Best Budget Power Board: HPM 4 Outlet Power Board
Why we like it:
- Overload protection shields the circuit from overcurrent
- Lightweight design for easy portability
- Well-built enclosure for increased durability
- Slim design for easy storage
What customers say:
“Inexpensive basic black power board that works well. Exciting stuff eh?!”–Stef
The HPM 4 Outlet Power Board is not a surge protector but it features a reliable overload protection system that will safeguard your electronic devices when there is an overcurrent.
It has the same number of ports as the GoogBo Smart Surge Protector. However, this model has a slim design and also lacks USB ports. This is the most affordable power board on our review list, making it ideal for those who are on a shoestring budget.
Nevertheless, that does not mean that it is of low quality. It will provide you with extended service provided that you use it correctly. Plus, the board comes with a heavy-duty power cord and a side entry plug that allows for easy removal. It has two mounting holes on the backside, so you can even mount it on your wall.
If you are in search of a basic power board, the HPM R105BL is the right unit for you. It comes from one of the best brands in Australia and also features high-quality construction. However, it does not have as many features compared to the power boards listed before it.
The other disadvantage of using this unit is that the outlets are closely spaced. As such, it may limit you from using extra-wide power plugs. On the plus side, you can place it just about anywhere, thanks to its compact design. If you are looking for a low-budget power board, this can be an excellent pick.
How We Researched the Best Power Boards
We spent about a week researching the best power boards Australia has to offer and then sent them to our friend Charlie in Geelong for proper testing. The test models were assessed in a lab setting for surge protection, insulation resistance, and polarity.
During testing, the power boards were subjected to surge-like conditions to see how they perform. Charlie passed 200 to 600 volts through each power board, gradually increasing the voltage, depending on the power rating of the model being tested.
The above-mentioned parameters were measured over a two-week period using a surge protector tester. We instructed Charlie to note down all measurements and highlight everything there is to know about the test models and how they responded to low and high-voltage surges.
We used the data to compare and rank the power boards based on their overall performance. Additionally, we considered factors such as the number of outlets, cable length, spacing between sockets, and build quality.
We were particularly impressed with the Belkin Quality 2 Power Board. It has a clean layout with nicely spaced outlets that will safeguard your electronic devices against electrical surges.
Power Boards: Buying Guide
Even though all power boards are designed to absorb electrical surges and spikes in an electrical system, they are not built equally. Some units can outperform other models in various ways, so you need to take your time and choose the most effective unit.
Nonetheless, selecting a power board from the long list of options available in the market is not only exhausting but also time-consuming. Added to the fact that each power board manufacturer claims to be the best, finding a unit that can deliver good results can be very difficult. This buying guide can help you pick the best surge protector currently available in the Australian market:
What to Consider When Buying a Power Board
As stated above, power boards differ when it comes to performance. Each unit has unique features and capabilities that set it apart from other surge suppressors. To find the best power board, there are several things that you need to take into account. This will help you compare the available options, thus allowing you to pick the most ideal equipment for your home or office. Below are the things that you should consider when purchasing a power board:
Joule rating
Joule is the unit used to measure the amount of electrical energy that a power board can absorb during a power surge/voltage spike. If you are looking to give your electronics maximum protection, you should go for a power board with a high joule rating.
One of the things that you should take into consideration when comparing Joules is the type of equipment that you want to protect. Most electronics can get average protection from a power board with a maximum joule rating of between 200J and 400J.
Our list consists of power boards with varying joule ratings, so you are the one to choose the unit that matches your needs. The Powerjc Tower Power Board has an impressive 3000 Joules, making it one of the best options that you can buy.
Number of outlets
Aside from protecting your electronic appliances, most power boards offer extra outlets that will enable you to operate multiple devices simultaneously. Again, the number of outlets varies from one unit to another, so it’s up to you to pick a surge protector with the desired number of outlets.
Additionally, you should consider the spacing between the outlets since some appliances come with large power plugs that can overlap the adjacent outlets.
Response time
It is important to keep in mind that not all power boards respond immediately when the voltage fluctuates. The response time may vary depending on the model, brand, and the power board’s overall performance.
Experts recommend that you go for a power board with a response time of at least 1 nanosecond. If you go for a unit with a longer response time, it will leave your electronics exposed to voltage spikes and surges, thereby increasing the chances of them getting damaged.
Clamping voltage
Clamping voltage is defined as the maximum voltage that can pass through a surge protector’s MOV filters before the suppression system kicks in.
A good power board should attenuate the voltage spike in less than a nanosecond. To get the best results, you should consider buying a power board with low-voltage clamping. The voltage clamping should not be higher than 400V.
Cord length
You should compare power cords based on the placement of your wall outlet. A longer power cord is highly preferred since it allows you to set up the power board in whichever position you want.
If your work desk or tv stand is situated away from the wall outlet, you should buy a power board that won’t limit you in any way during set-up.
Warranty
Most power boards offer a limited warranty on the device that is connected to the unit. However, the warranty is subject to what the manufacturer stipulates. For example, the CyberPower 8 Outlet Power board provides you with a warranty of up to AUD 50,000 on connected electronics. Nevertheless, warranties may not cover damages that result from poor connections.
Features to Look for When Buying a Power Board
As a consumer, it’s always good to know what to look for when buying certain products. There are specific features that a good power board should have, and they are as follows:
Auto shutoff
As earlier noted, surge protectors degrade with time. This means the unit you are currently using may not be as reliable as it was when you bought it. The good news is that most power boards feature an auto-shutoff function, which prevents electrical current from passing through the circuitry system once it expires.
Consequently, the outlets on the power board will completely stop working, providing your electronics with optimum protection. If you notice that your power board has stopped working, you should consider making a replacement instead of trying to repair it.
Protection alert system
Many power boards are equipped with audible alarm systems that will alert you from time to time in case the unit stops working. This way, you will know when to replace the equipment with a new one.
In addition to having alarm systems, some models feature indicator lights that perform the same function. If the indicator light is on, it means the power board is working as it should.
Circuit breaker
A good power board should have an in-built circuit breaker—a type of electrical switch that safeguards an electrical circuit against overload, short circuit, or overcurrent.
3-line AC protection
Voltage fluctuations can originate from neutral, ground, and hot lines. As such, you should pick a power board that can offer all-around surge protection. The Belkin Quality 2 Power Board is a good example of such.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports
Universal serial bus, also known as USB, is one of the commonly used connectors. And that is why most power boards have USB ports that can help you juice up your smartphone, tablet, and similar devices.
All the power boards on our review list, except the HPM 4 Outlet Power Board have USB ports.
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Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
