Powerful beginnings

March 14, 2024

The surge protector — that appliance-saving power strip — was invented in 1970. What was its official name back then? Was it … A.) Zap Trap, B.) Power Devourer, C.) Watt Wad or D.) Shock Block?

The answer: A.) Zap Trap. It was the name Harold P. Kopp of Buffalo, New York, coined for his invention to protect electronics against television blowouts. Smart guy, eh?