"Recommendations for Power Surge Protectors"

[ChristopherDavis]

I recently experienced a scary incident during a thunderstorm where sparks flew out of my old Dell XPS 15 9550 laptop, causing damage to the HDMI port and a cable matters ethernet adapter. While the laptop itself still functions, I have decided to retire it and switch to using a new Dell XPS 15 9520 as my main machine. 

To prevent future mishaps, I have purchased a new ethernet adapter, cable, and a Sabrent 4-port USB-A hub. Despite the hub's functionality, I'm hesitant to use it since the port connected to the fried ethernet adapter is still intact. Do you think it's safe to continue using this port with the new laptop? 

In light of this incident, I'm considering replacing my old surge protector, which is rated at 600 joules. Even though it still technically works, I worry that it may no longer provide sufficient protection for my devices, including the new laptop, two external monitors, modem/router, and iPhone charger. What would be the minimum joule rating I should look for in a new surge protector? Are there any specific brands or features I should avoid? Does it need to be a grounded model for effective protection? Thank you for your guidance.

[#2]

Number of outlets: Ensure that the protector has enough outlets for all equipment, taking into account the spacing of large plugs or transformer blocks.
Response time: The shorter the response time of the protector, the quicker it will react to surges and voltage spikes. An ideal protector should have a response time of less than 1 nanosecond.
Clamp Voltage: This is the voltage level at which the protector begins to shunt excess voltage. The ideal clamp voltage should typically be 330 volts or less.
Warranty and Equipment Coverage: Some protectors offer a warranty or insurance on connected equipment against damage caused by power surges.