Did we mention a numbers racket? Tomlinson went on to explain why he does not put a rating in Joules in his specifications, this is because almost everybody in the business uses identical parts and thus strives to make their numbers look better, by using multiples of the same part. The ubiquitous 240 Joule rating is achieved by using three 80 Joule Metal Oxide Varistors (MOV) in parallel. These, the main components of spike suppressors, are designed to clamp voltage spikes that can cause damage to electronic equipment. The Pro-Serv surge guard, having a voltage monitor built in does not use a V150 series (150VA/C working voltage) device but rather a V130 (130VA/C working voltage) device. To the user this mere 20 working volt difference means that when a spike occurs, the peak over-voltage is clamped at 55 volts less than what the normal unit passes, (General Electric specification, 340 vs 395 volts) , thus 55 volts less gets through to possibly damage your equipment. Giving overall a far greater level of protection, in spite of a much lower Joule rating.

Pro-Serv has made a small step up in the world of modern electronics manufacturing. Blank circuit boards, which were being made in Jamaica by the company, have now been outsourced to a board house in Bogota, Columbia, the increased accuracy this has brought allowed for the creation of a newly installed facility to assemble circuit boards, at the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre (originally the Mona Rehabilitation Centre), in premises provided under the auspices of Monex Limited. At present four handicapped persons who use the Centre are employed, to make and test the circuit boards that are used in all Pro-Serv guards. Pro-Serv anticipates taking on additional staff at the Centre as their production increases.

Pro-Serv still makes their original unit, the 'Fridge Guard', and has added, over the years, in response to customer requests, 'Super Fridge Guards', 'Surge Guards', 'Fax/Modem Guards', and various commercial and industrial units as well. Perhaps not surprisingly, given the Jamaican people's love of high-tech gadgets, the surge guard that protects them now outsells the fridge guard more than two to one. Tomlinson says that he feels strongly about providing 'what they need,' to 'his customers,' even if that's sometimes not 'what they want.'

Please note: most surge suppressors are designed for personal computers and peripherals, televisions, stereos, that draw two to eight amperes. They are being misapplied if used as extension cords for small appliances such as space heaters, clothes irons, microwave ovens, hair dryers, etc., which can draw 12 amperes or more.