I have always used surge protectors in my house. I sent my DD to collage with a surge protector for her computer and a number of power strips for her other things. We had a storm over Christmas vacation and when she went back her computer was fried. I went over to check it out and found her computer plugged into a power strip and her curling iron plugged into the surge protector. Silly girl didn't know the difference. Oh well, the computer was still under warranty and she learned something. I just had to laugh.