Electronics Pete : The Joule rating is a misleading rating for co. Electronics Pete : comparing surge protectors. Electronics Pete : The Joule rating is the amount of energy it can absorb in the event of a power spike. Electronics Pete : It will either absorb or redirect the excess power from the power spike. Electronics Pete : Most power surge protectors have a Joule rating of 1000 or more. Electronics Pete : Both the protectors you have quoted are fine for your TV set. Electronics Pete : The electricity passes through the surge protector to all of the devices that are plugged into it.