• Myth #1: Any kind of protection is better than no surge protection. Without any surge protection, the incoming blast hits only the main power supply and will not impact the system ground level at all.  On the other hand, an inadequate surge protector will distribute the surge throughout the system, potentially damaging equipment. 
• Myth #2: UPS offers reliable surge protection.  Most UPS units are designed for microcomputers, so they simply combine traditional metal oxide varistor (MOV) surge suppressors with back-up battery sources.  Although UPS protectors may be more expensive, they do not necessarily provide more effective coverage.
• Myth #3: Hardware damage is the only risk during an electrical surge.  Since computers send data as bit streams, a power surge actually interrupts data transmission.  The interruption can erase data and corrupt files.  That irreversible data loss can translate into significant economic losses, especially for businesses.
• Myth #4: Surge protectors last indefinitely.  Surge protectors use metal oxide to disperse power surges.  Over time, these components wear down and corrode, so traditional surge protectors must be replaced annually.
• Myth #5: More expensive products are more effective.  Most people assume that higher priced surge protectors must work better.  However, virtually all retail surge protectors use the same basic MOV components and offer the same level of protection, regardless of cost. 

Thus traditional surge protection products do not necessarily provide effective, reliable protection.  An alternative is a Transient Voltage Surge Suppression (TVSS) system.  Installed at the breaker box, a TVSS unit provides surge protection for the entire building.  Installing a TVSS system offers multiple benefits to both residential and commercial users:

• Long-term protection: Unlike traditional surge protectors, TVSS systems last for years.  The best companies offer warranties of up to 15 years. Installing TVSS units also means less expenditure on yearly surge protector replacements.
• Insurance discounts: Since these systems decrease the monetary impact of electrical surges, many insurance companies offer discounts to businesses and homeowners who install them. 
• Complete protection: Surges can occur from both lightning and other transient sources.  A TVSS protects against all surges, regardless of their source.
• Cost effectiveness: One TVSS protects an entire building, so consumers do not have to purchase a separate surge protector for each electronic device. 

Proper surge protection saves businesses and consumers both time and money.  The best option for comprehensive surge protection is a TVSS system, which protects the entire building directly from the breaker boxes.