It’s that time of year, everyone is online shopping for products across all industries. Truthfully, it’s not just this time of year though. In general, larger retailers have shown us how quick and convenient online shopping is. Add to that the allure of potential discounts, especially during this season, and clicking ‘Add to Cart’ seems like a no-brainer. Before you press that button though, a word of caution: there are many products out there that are not authentic, and it’s becoming increasingly apparent across surge protection manufacturers. 

Understanding the Risks

Surge protectors are critical in safeguarding your electronic devices, appliances, and systems from damaging or destructive power surges and voltage spikes. Unfortunately, the market has seen a rise in counterfeit or subpar products that may seem fine on the surface. However, there is certainly no guarantee that inauthentic products will protect your devices, nor can you confidently know if authorized manufacturing and testing took place.

Identifying Authentic Products

Here’s where it can be a bit tricky—there are plenty of reputable, authorized distributors who have online storefronts beyond their direct websites. The key is making sure the product you select, especially in an online purchase, is coming from one of these trusted providers. That means taking an extra moment or two to investigate who and where the product is coming from.

Tips to Spotting Authentic Surge Protectors:

  • View the online storefront to see what other products are available through the seller. If the variety of products seem greatly unrelated to one another, take that as a warning sign.
  • Ensure the seller is authorized to distribute the brand/product. Visit the manufacturer’s official website to confirm this information. 
  • Compare the product details, including model numbers and specifications, with what’s listed on the manufacturer’s official website. Discrepancies can be a red flag. 
  • A UL 1449 listing on a surge protective device is absolutely critical. Lack of a proper UL logo marking on the label is a glaring indicator of a counterfeit product.
  • Look at customer reviews on both the product and seller. Genuine reviews with details on product usage can provide insights into the product’s performance and the seller’s reliability.

Special Considerations for Whole Home Surge Protectors 

While this warning applies across surge protective devices, particular emphasis is likely needed for whole home surge protectors—especially to homeowners looking for a device. Installing a whole home surge protector is a complex task that should be handled by professionals. We always recommend that homeowners work directly with a licensed electrician (typically with the electrician providing the surge protective device) and should not try to DIY their whole home surge protection. This ensures that the installation is both safe and effective, providing optimal protection to your entire household. 

While online shopping offers convenience and potential savings, it’s essential to remain vigilant, especially with products as crucial as surge protectors. In taking the necessary precautions and verifying the authenticity of your purchases, you can safeguard your electronics and ensure peace of mind. When in doubt, consult with a professional to make informed decisions about surge protection for your home or business. 

DITEK products are distributed worldwide! Here are some of our authorized distributors.