You might be surprised to learn that most people don’t need a surge protector. The truth is most data centers and office buildings have their internal power protection built-in.
The household electronics we use do not produce enough electrical energy to cause damage through a power strip or UPS (uninterrupted power supply). However, if it isn’t your case, you need a surge protector.
Some people unnecessarily fear using protective devices. Unfortunately, this fear can place expensive equipment in actual danger if the equipment is never protected from overvoltage conditions.
A surge protector only protects against excess voltage, not low voltage. It means you could still damage your device if there isn’t enough power, to begin with.
What can a power surge cause?
A power surge can cause a great deal of damage, be it to a computer, printer, router, or other electronic device. A power surge can damage not only expensive equipment but also your telephone and cable lines/internet connection. Unfortunately, the effects of a power surge are not comparable to the usual slow decline in service many people experience after extended use of electrical appliances.
A power surge can cause the following types of damage:
- Burning out fuses, blowing circuit breakers, and tripping GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) could lead to an electrical fire if left unattended.
- Damage to electronic equipment and, as a result, a loss of data or fried circuit boards.
- Damaged telephone and cable communication lines, DSL connections, or internet service.
How to choose a surge protector?
A surge protector protects electronic appliances from power surges, electrical spikes, and lightning strikes. Surge protectors are inexpensive devices that will give you peace of mind against any irregularities in your electricity supply.
There are three types of surge protectors:
- Power Strips/Surge Suppressor
- External SPDs (Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors)
- Internal SPDs inside your appliances or electronic devices (Transient Voltage Rejection Device). It is usually installed inside your computer or other electronics such as television, fridge, etc.
The three types of SPDs mentioned above are designed to protect different appliances and devices. Even though they all do the work of protecting us from power surges and transients in electricity, each one of them has a limitation in protection and warranty.
When investing in a surge protector, it’s essential to consider the Joules rating of the device. It measures how much energy the device can absorb before it is destroyed. A higher Joules rating will give your appliance a greater level of protection. There are also some things to consider when investing in a surge protector. For example, the number of outlets you need the protector for. A 6 outlet surge protector, for example, will provide power to up to six appliances at once without the need for multiple surge protectors.
Are surge protectors safe?
Yes, if they are used in the right way. However, one more trick is to choose a suitable surge protector device so that you enjoy all its benefits.
Therefore, every customer should use a surge protector device for sensitive appliances, regardless of whether they are home or business customers. It is especially true in homes with children, since in most cases, the responsible adult will not guarantee that children will always handle electrical devices properly. In addition, many people have already experienced a power failure or multiple power failures and now want to equip their homes with surge protector devices as a precaution.
