Tripp Lite's DTEL2 surge suppressor is designed to protect data and communications equipment against AC transients caused by lightning, electrostatic discharge and ground surges that can enter equipment from the signal lines or chassis ground. The DTEL2 features RJ45/RJ11 plugs for modems, telephone lines and answering or fax machines.
What is the main culprit of electrical surges?
Electrical devices that require lots of power to operate. Depending on the wiring of your Studio or Production suite, you may notice at times that your lights flicker when powerful devices turn on and off, e.g. your air conditioner. When these devices are switched on, they demand a lot of electricity, which puts a lot of strain on the grid and can cause surges.
When should you use a surge protector?
All the time. The real question is really which devices you should connect to a surge protector. You don't need a surge protector for your desk lamp or your standing fan, but you do want a surge protector for expensive devices that have intricate microprocessors, like computers, DVR's, LED/LCD monitors, power amps, Studio Lighting, Powered Nearfield Speaker monitors, etc. Think of it this way: if there was an electrical surge that destroyed all of the devices connected to your outlets, which lost devices would pain you the most? Plug those into a surge protector. It's better to be safe than sorry.