Electrical surges are a nightmare for everyone. It’s a wave of high voltage usually lasting for 50 microseconds. Don’t let its brief duration deceive you! It can reach up to 6,000 volts and damage electrical appliances.
The good news is that you can protect the electrical equipment with the help of surge protectors.
Internal power surges are quite common and can occur due to the malfunction of electrical appliances. External power surges, on the other hand, occur when lightning strikes the electrical power line or a small animal gets into the transformer.
Surge protectors regulate voltage and protect your sensitive electrical devices from surge damage. They cut down on the repair costs and also enhance the performance of the electrical appliances.
Here are a few lesser-known facts about surge protectors everyone should know:
You May Get a Warranty on Your Appliances
You bought a new surge protector and connected it to your computer, refrigerator, and microwave oven. However, when a bolt of lightning hits the power supply, the device may fail to protect your appliances.
Some surge protector manufacturers offer a warranty. Aside from replacing the surge protector, they may also pay a specific amount to help you repair the damaged electrical equipment.
Not All Surge Protectors Are the Same
There are different levels of surge protectors available and you can buy a device to perfectly suits your needs. Here are the most common types:
- Power Strip – They contain five to six outlets and provide basic protection
- Surge Station – These large surge protectors feature a built-in circuit breaker and offer superior voltage protection
- Uninterruptible Power Supply – Some high-quality UPS systems combine a surge protection device with a UPS system for better protection against electrical surges
Surge Protectors Can Also Protect Cable Lines
You already use surge protectors with many electronic devices at home, but cable or phone lines can also carry power spikes.
Some surge protectors facilitate you to connect your telephone and the cable line. This way, you can protect your entire house from electrical surges and reduce the costs of the repair work.
Its Efficiency Can Reduce Over Time
While surge protectors effectively protect your electrical appliances, they don’t last forever. It can wear out over time and fail to provide effective protection from voltage fluctuations. You should replace it before it leads to costly damages.
Some surge protection devices give warnings when they can’t function properly, but many don’t. It’s recommended to replace it after a major electrical event (such as when lightning blows out the transformer down your street).
They Contain USB Connections
Nowadays, many surge protectors are equipped with USB connections. You can use them to charge your smartphone. However, before connecting it, make sure you check the output ampere ratings. This way you don’t fry your phone accidentally because it couldn’t handle all the power being offered.
Surge protectors provide you with more electrical outlets as well as protect electrical appliances from surges. If you don’t want to lose your expensive equipment to voltage fluctuations, you should consider buying this device for protecting your home.