If you work in a thriving business district where new buildings and strip malls are under construction, your building probably has periodic power surges. Split-second electrical surges can damage computers, electronic cash registers and small appliances such as radios and CD or cassette players. You can help safeguard your electronics with surge protectors.

Match your equipment with the right kind of surge protector. Pick one that is rated for the item(s) that will be plugged into it and avoid circuit overload.

Power surge protectors range from one-outlet styles that cost less than $10 to uninterruptible power supply units (UPSs) carrying price tags of several hundred dollars. Many surge protectors include phone jack and coaxial cable guards, and visual and/or audible warnings that indicate the units are disabled. UPSs also provide several minutes to hours of backup battery-power in case of primary power failure.

Some surge protectors accommodate cords only; others are designed for power adapter boxes. The surge protector should meet or exceed Underwriters Laboratories standards.

Talk to an electronics store professional for help selecting appropriate surge protectors. Some companies provide no-cost limited warranties that cover equipment damaged by voltage surges when properly connected to their power surge protectors.