Surge Protector Confusion

I need a new surge protector, and I am getting very overwhelmed and confused by the different specifications.

I do understand that a surge protector is different from a power strip. However, I am seeing a number of different certifications for surge protectors: UL, CSA, and ETL. I am also seeing them listed in different ways; some say they are certified, and others say they are listed.

Also, I am seeing different joules and voltages based on what I am plugging in. I am plugging in a television and a DVD player. So I think I have four questions:

1. Do I want UL, CSA, and/or ETL? Is there a difference? Is one better than the other?

2. Is there a difference between certified UL, CSA, and ETL and listed UL, CSA, and ETL?

3. How many joules am I looking for?

4. What voltage am I looking for?

Thanks so much in advance!!!

Message edited 4/24/2017 4:42:05 PM.

Re: Surge Protector Confusion

Those are just the companies that certify electronics. The package will tell you what you can plug in. I think we bought a "media" one that was good for our tv, cable box, and a DVD player.

Re: Surge Protector Confusion

I would get a UPS for your media devices instead of just a surge protector. Battery backups have built-in surge protection, but if you get a power glitch, your devices don't turn off and restart.
You don't need a massive battery. Even one that lasts only a few minutes will ride out the slight power interruptions we get once in a while. A 2 second power outage can take several minutes to get back to your show, which is really annoying if you're recording something....