Hi folks,

I've recently been wondering about a few things related to power protection:

1. I see many "power strips" in shops like M-Electronics, IKEA, etc. that simply add more outlets (with an on-off switch), but very few "surge protectors" (that will actually protect electronics from lightning or other damaging power events).

The few I have seen have seemed quite expensive (CHF 40+) and -- surprisingly for me, a new resident here in Bern -- were made in Switzerland.

Is there a particular reason that surge protectors are so much more difficult to find? It would seem to be a prudent thing for most electronics, yet ordinary unprotected strips are far more common.

2. The few surge protectors I have found have strong magnets on the back, as if they are meant to be stuck to something. Anyone know why? What are they meant to be stuck to?

I believe the one Coop sells for 20 CHF has surge protection. Not sure you have a Coop there.

Simple reason: Power surges are very rare in Switzerland. The same applies to power black-outs. In two years in the USA I have experienced more power outages than in 55 years in Switzerland. Power surges destroyed electronic equipment worth several grand, until we installed a surge protector for the whole house. In Switzerland I gleefully keep my 'puters running even during thunderstorms. Never had a problem in decades.

Background info:


Traverse City, MI, USA, backyards of the business buildings
on the main shopping street.


Walenstadt, SG, CH.

(Hint: Try to spot an overhead power line. That's why.)

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