A power surge can be a frightening experience. Suddenly, the lights go out, and everything plugged in is fried. Sometimes, this means appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners stop working, potentially leading to spoiled food or uncomfortably hot living space. While it’s impossible to avoid power surges altogether, there are ways to protect your home from them. One of the most effective methods is using a power surge protector. But what is a power surge protector? And how does it work? Keep reading for answers to these questions and more.
What Exactly is a Surge Protector?
A surge protector is a device that helps protect electronic equipment from voltage spikes. These voltage spikes can damage or even destroy electronic equipment, so using a surge protector is essential for anyone who owns electronic devices. Surge protectors come in various shapes and sizes, and there are some essential things to keep in mind when choosing one.
If you’re like most people, you have a lot of devices that need to be plugged in – your computer, phone charger, tablet, printer, and more. And if you’re not careful, you can easily overload an outlet. A surge protector provides the ability to plug multiple components into one single outlet, preventing overloading and protecting your devices from power surges. So if you want to keep your electronics safe and avoid those pesky tripped breakers, be sure to invest in a good surge protector!
How Does a Surge Protector Work?
There is a lot of equipment in the average home that a power surge can damage. Computers, TVs, and even air conditioners can all be ruined if a sudden spike in the electrical current comes into the house. That’s why it’s essential to have a surge protector plugged into your wall outlet. But how do these devices work?
There are certain levels of voltage that electronics must adhere to function safely. If these levels are exceeded, the device’s protector will divert the excess current to the grounding wire, preventing any damage from being done. While it’s important to understand these voltage levels for safety reasons, it can also be helpful when troubleshooting a device. By being aware of the acceptable range, you can rule out any potential issues with incorrect voltage as the source of a problem.
What is the Difference Between a Surge and a Spike?
We often hear the words surge and spike used interchangeably, but what’s the difference between them? A surge is a larger-than-normal increase in voltage or power, while a spike is a short, intense increase. Spikes can be caused by lightning storms, power outages, and equipment failure. Surges can be caused by things like motor starting, electrical arcs, and inductive loads. While both surges and spikes can damage equipment, surges are more common and tend to cause more damage. Understanding the difference between these two terms is vital for protecting your equipment from harm.
Is There a Difference Between a Power Strip and a Surge Protector?
Before you run out and buy the newest power strip on the market, it’s important to note that not all power strips are surge protectors. In fact, many people don’t realize that a power strip is different from a surge protector until after they’ve bought one, and it doesn’t do what they need it to do. So before you make your purchase, be sure to understand the difference between these two types of electrical products. A power strip provides an easy way to plug multiple devices into a single outlet. At the same time, a surge protector protects your electronics from damage in the event of a sudden spike in electricity.
If you are looking to buy a surge protector and don’t want to confuse it with a power strip, you’ll want to ensure that you’re getting one with a joules rating. Joules ratings indicate how much protection a surge protector can offer, so the higher the rating, the better.
How Long Do Surge Protectors Last?
It’s always important to be proactive about your power protection, but it becomes especially crucial when sudden spikes and surges in electricity. Knowing when to purchase new surge protectors can help keep your electronic devices safe from damage. Knowing the patterns of these spikes and surges can be difficult, but with the right tools, it can be manageable. Using a voltage meter and data logger, you can accurately track any changes in power supply and make decisions accordingly. Protecting your equipment is always important, so knowing when to act is also essential.
Final Word
A power surge protector is an electronic device used to protect electrical equipment from voltage spikes. Voltage spikes can occur when there is a sudden increase in the electrical current, damaging or even destroying electronic equipment. Power surge protectors work by monitoring the electrical current and then releasing or dissipating any excess energy as heat. They are important for protecting computers, televisions, phones, and other electronic devices from damage. If you have electronics that you want to protect from power surges, it is important to invest in a good quality power surge protector.
If you have any other questions about power surge protectors or want help selecting the right one for your needs, don’t hesitate to contact Golden Electrical Service. We would be happy to help.
