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Up to 50 days a year, thunderstorms rumble throughout Ohio, spawning flashes of lightning that heat the surrounding air to 50,000 degrees – even hotter than the surface of the sun.

No wonder lightning is responsible for burning tens of thousands of U.S. homes a year and producing power surges that wreck havoc on all kinds of electrical devices. Surges from lightning can burn up wires in your appliances, kill power to important systems on the farm, fry computer circuits and wipe out data.

Insurance covers a good deal of these losses, after deductibles of $250 to $1,000 are met. But some losses, like computer data files, are simply irreplaceable.

That's why many people find surge protectors a worthwhile investment. They help by handling the sudden boost of voltage that can burn wiring within a fraction of a second. Shielding computers and other vital electrical items with surge protectors can save money, time and frustration when lightning or another source sends a power surge your way.

What to Look for in Surge Protection

Consider whole house protection by asking your power company to install surge protectors in your electric meter, then adding smaller protectors to sensitive equipment like computers. The meter unit helps protect against external surges, while protectors inside the house help handle smaller internal surges – such as when a washer or dryer cycles off or on.

Beware of power strips and cheap surge protectors that offer little or no defense against surges. A quality protector will be labeled that it meets criteria for UL 1449. Other important ratings and features:

• Clamping voltage – pick one with 330V and not more than 400V, indicating the voltage at which the protector will conduct excess electricity to the ground.

• Energy absorption – 400 joules indicates a good quality unit; 600 joules is better quality.

• Response time – less than one nanosecond is recommended, which is the time between when the surge arrives and the response kicks in.

• An indicator light shows if the protector is working. Protectors wear out after taking power surges for a few years and need to be replaced, especially on sensitive equipment like computers. Move older protectors to less sensitive items like refrigerator/freezers.

• Supplemental insurance from the manufacturer – several thousand dollars worth at no additional cost often comes with higher quality units.

Of course, if your house takes a direct hit from lightning, only unplugged items may be safe. But surge protectors can help preserve all kinds of electrical devices – from cattle feeders and fence chargers to that big screen TV – when power surges from lightning or other sources.