Difference between maxload and clamping voltage?

[computer-joe]

I have a powerbar i want to use, while i was reading the back of it, i noticed maxload and clamping voltage,

what exactly is the difference between those,

i do know that, maxload is 15a x 125v, which gives me a max of 1,875 watts

but i still don't understand clamping voltage

any idea?

 

[Harald Kapp]

Clamping voltage defines the max. voltage before limiting of the voltage by protection circuitry sets in.

 

[hevans1944]

If your power line ever surges above the clamping voltage, the internal "clamping device" will rapidly lower it's resistance from virtually an "open circuit" across the power line to virtually a "short circuit" across the power line. Depending on the magnitude and duration of the surge, this will either cause the surge to be harmlessly absorbed, or it will blow the hell out of the "clamping device," leaving your power strip and the devices it powers unprotected from surges. Some power strips incorporate circuitry that will warn you if this happened, but most do not. Testing by the end user is usually not feasible. Most "clamping devices" are metal-oxide varistors (MOVs) rated by (1) their clamping voltage and (2) the maximum energy they can absorb without catastrophic failure.