You have a point. OK...I have them everywhere now. Can there be too many? Any brand recommendations? I want to change one of the surge protector ones out with a new one. It goes off, with a piercing noise, but there was no power surge, no flickering lights, nothing. I figure maybe it’s just old. Does it hurt to plug one into another. I think I need heavy duty.
They do not necessarily have to be surge protectors. Simple power outlet strips may suffice for some devices. For example, you want to surge protect computers, TVs, etc, but why surge protect kitchen appliances? They are not subject to surges unless they are running/in use.
Surge protectors should not be plugged into each other. One can actually blow the other one. That is why there are extension cords. ;-)
There is a very small circuit in a surge protector that will act like a circuit breaker. They are devalued with each ‘trip’. If they are set to trip at, for example, 20 Amps then the very first time they trip they will trip above 20 Amps. However, the next time they trip, they may trip at only 19.5 Amps, for example. If they keep tripping multiple times then the breaker has been devalued to almost 0 Amps. The one you have sounds like it has tripped too many times and should be replace immediately if not sooner. ;-)
There is no particular brand name. However, keep in mind that you get that for which you pay. For computers, switches, routers, modems, TVs, other electronic equipment that you value, etc, I would suggest battery backups but they may be prohibitively expensive.
The bottom line is that most damage is done through the dial-up, DSL modem and/or cable line. That is why I would recommend a battery backup for the computer. Battery backups have surge protected outlets for the telephone line, DSL and cable modem lines.
I think that I have answered all of your questions but the above may elicit even more questions! LOL
And if you have more questions then I shall have to answer them tomorrow. Good night, Ma! ;-)