How to Connect a Phone Line or Cable to a Surge Protector

Power surges, outages and brownouts are all unfortunate occurrences that can destroy electrical equipment. One surge of electricity can fry a computer, television or other device and render it useless in a matter of seconds. Surge protectors not only protect electrical devices, but can also keep surges of electricity from flowing though phone lines and cable television lines, since both lines carry electrical current. To connect a phone line or cable line to a surge protector, you must use a surge protector that is equipped with ports for the phone and cable connections.

Step 1

Plug the phone line coming from the wall outlet into the “Input” or “Phone In” port on the surge protector.

Step 2

Plug one end of a phone cable into the “Output” or “Phone Out” port on the surge protector.

Step 3

Plug the other end of the phone cable into the “Line” or “Phone” port back of your telephone, fax machine, computer or other device that has a phone port.

Step 4

Plug the coaxial cable line coming from the wall outlet into the “Input F,” “Cable Input” or “Cable In” port on the surge protector.

Step 5

Plug one end of a coaxial cable into the “Output F,” “Cable Output” or “Cable Out” port on the surge protector.

Step 6

Plug the other end of the phone cable into the “Cable” or “Antenna” port back of your television, cable converter box or other device that has a coaxial port.

Step 7

Plug any electrical devices into the surge protector's electrical outlet receptacles.

Step 8

Plug the surge protector's power cord into an electrical outlet.

Step 9

Turn on the surge protector by pressing the power button on the top or side of the device. The power button's indicator light will illuminate.