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It depends on what you are protecting. Joules measure how much surge energy a strip can absorb over its life, so more is generally better for electronics. But joules alone are not the whole story — clamping voltage (VPR) and response time decide how much of a spike actually reaches your gear, so read those specs alongside the joule rating.

Yes. AWG is the thickness of the copper conductor, and a lower number means thicker wire. 14AWG carries more current with less heat buildup and voltage drop than 16AWG, which matters for power tools, space heaters, and long cord runs. For light electronics either is fine; for demanding loads, thicker wire runs cooler.

Mountable models have keyhole slots or a metal housing designed for it, so they can sit on a wall, workbench, or under a desk. Check the individual product specs — not every strip is built to be mounted, and mounting hardware varies by model.

An NRTL is a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory recognized by OSHA. A real NRTL mark (ETL/SGS · UL1363 & UL1449) means an independent lab tested the unit against the U.S. safety standards for power strips and surge protectors — it is not a self-declared claim a brand prints on its own box.

A standard strip with a 15A plug works on a 20A circuit, but it is still limited to its own rating — the circuit being larger does not raise the strip's capacity. For genuine 20A loads you need a strip built and plugged for 20A. Check the product specs for the amperage rating and plug type before relying on it for heavy equipment.