Surge protectors are necessary in many areas of your home.They help keep your electronic devices and appliances safe during an electrical surge, which can otherwise cause a lot of damage. Understanding the potential dangers of power surges and what causes them can help you protect from them.
Finding a surge protector that suits your needs requires the right information. This guide explores everything you need to know about power surges and surge protectors. Using this information, you can ensure your home’s electrical systems remain adequately protected.
Understanding Surges
An electrical surge and spikes are temporary and instantaneous events that increase normal electrical line voltage in an electrical circuit.
In simpler terms, a power surge occurs when more voltage than normal comes through wires. These spikes or disturbances can damage electronic equipment.
Every piece of electrical equipment and appliance has a specific nominal voltage level required for operation. These levels include 120VAC (volts alternating current), 240VAC and so on. The specified level is typically determined by what the equipment does. For example, a microwave’s VAC level is higher than a lightbulb’s because these two devices serve different purposes and use different amounts of energy.
While most equipment can handle levels above their standard nominal operating voltage, it is not ideal for them to actually do so. A voltage spike can damage virtually any type of electrical equipment. For example, a significant inrush of electricity may cause an appliance to overheat or break.
The 3-D’s of Surges & Spikes:
Degradation: Gradual deterioration of internal circuitry forms repeated power surges & spikes that slowly degrade electrical components, shortening their lifespan.
Destruction: Resulting in equipment repair or replacement
Downtime: The most cost effective if you work or manage your business from home.
What Causes Power Surges?
Many things can cause a power surge, and some are easier to prepare for than others. This list explores common causes of power surges and the damage they can do:
Lightning: Lightning can cause power surges, and the closer to your home it strikes, the higher the chances become. When lightning strikes nearby, the flow of electricity in electrical systems can get disrupted. Any appliances used at the time could be affected or damaged. Lightning bolts generate an enormous amount of heat. The heat produced can cause blackouts and even melt components and equipment. A surge protector will keep your appliances safe from the effects of nearby lightning strikes. However, it’s important to note that surge protectors cannot protect against direct lightning strikes.
Faulty wiring: Improperly grounded wiring can result in an electrical surge. This is more likely to happen if your appliances or wiring is old. Older wiring might have worn insulation, which exposes its internal wires. Damaged wiring provides weak, minimal electrical resistance. Any conductive material it touches will increase the wire’s current. The signs of faulty wiring include a burning smell, buzzing sounds from an outlet and tripped circuit breakers.
Utility Power Brownouts/Blackouts: Issues with the grid or power lines can cause power outages, and they’re relatively common. The loss of electricity is not the problem. The problem can occur when the power returns — the sudden rise in current can lead to a power surge.
Electrical overload: An electrical overload might happen when a single circuit draws too much power. This can occur when you use too many devices at once or when an extension cord is being overused. The massive current causes a voltage spike and overwhelms the circuit. Blow-dryers, power tools, space heaters and large appliances can potentially cause an electrical overload.
Short circuits: A short circuit occurs when an electrical circuit allows a current to travel through an unintended path with little to no electrical impedance. Short circuits can cause power surges.
What Equipment Should be Protected?
There are various types of surge protectors, each designed for a different purpose and offering its own advantages. Here is a list of the different types of surge protectors that you can consider adding to your home or business:
Power strips with surge protectors: These power strips have surge protectors integrated into them. They are well suited for when you want to protect and connect multiple devices. They make an ideal choice for safeguarding an entertainment setup or multiple computers and monitors in a home office.
Wall-mount surge protectors: Wall-mount surge protectors are designed for installation directly into an electrical outlet. They are a more streamlined and inconspicuous option. This makes them perfect for places with limited desk or floor space. Wall-mount surge protectors also provide discrete protection so as not to disrupt a room’s aesthetic.
Whole-house surge protection: Whole-house surge protectors are installed at the main electrical panel of your home. The benefit of whole-house surge protection is that it provides comprehensive security, protecting every electronic device connected to the house’s electrical system. Whole-home surge protection is worth it because it intercepts surges at entry. This makes it an effective and efficient way to protect all the appliances and devices in your house.
Travel surge protector: These are compact and portable devices designed to protect devices while you travel. Travel surge protectors are especially useful for frequent travelers. They are best suited for protecting phones, laptops, cameras and other devices while traveling or away on business.
Rack-mounted surge protectors: Rack-mounted surge protectors are tailored for data centers, server rooms or setups with rack-mounted equipment. These protectors come in designs that can be integrated easily into stand equipment racks. They offer protection for multiple devices within a confined space and ensure the safety of vital infrastructure.
Smart surge protector: Smart surge protectors come with built-in connectivity features. This allows them to integrate with smart house systems. Users can remotely monitor and control the connected devices via a smartphone app. These surge protectors provide added convenience and flexibility for managing power distribution and protection.
Coaxial surge protector: Coaxial surge protectors are specifically designed to safeguard cable and satellite TV equipment. They are installed in line with coaxial cable to prevent surges from damaging television and internet equipment. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of signal transmission in entertainment systems.
Ethernet surge protector: Ethernet surge protectors focus on protecting network equipment from surges that can travel through Ethernet connections. These are typically used in offices with extensive network setups. They help maintain network reliability by preventing electrical disturbances from damaging routers, switches and other network devices.
Understanding Surge Protection Ratings
Surge protection ratings determine how effective a surge protector is for safeguarding your devices. These are the different ratings and what they are best suited for:
Joules rating: The joules rating indicates the amount of energy the surge protector can absorb before failing. Surge protectors with a higher joules rate can handle more energy and are typically better at protecting equipment.
Clamping voltage: This rating dictates the voltage at which the protector will redirect excess energy from your devices. Surge protectors with a lower clamping voltage will activate sooner during a surge. The sooner it activates, the better.
Response time: A surge protector’s response time is the speed at which it reacts to a power surge. A faster response time is better because it can minimize a surge’s impact on your devices.
Number of outlets: Ensure the surge protector has sufficient outlets for your setup. Overloading a surge protector reduces its effectiveness.
Indicator lights: Indicator lifts tell you if the surge protection is functioning. Check these lights often to ensure your devices are still being protected.
UL rating: The UL (Underwriters Laboratories) rating determines if the protector has been tested for safety and effectiveness.
Choosing the Right Surge Protector
To experience surge protection benefits to their fullest extent, you must choose the right surge protector. When making your decision, keep these three factors in mind:
Consider your devices: Different appliances and equipment have different power requirements. Your surge protector must be able to support the devices plugged into it.
Location: Choose a type of surge protector that will work in your chosen location. Ask yourself if it would be better to use a power strip or wall-mounted unit.
Replace them: Surge protectors, like all appliances, wear out over time. If your surge protector has taken a significant hit, consider replacing it. It may not offer full protection after enduring multiple surges or if you have had it for a long time.
Common Surge Protector Misconceptions
Let’s tackle some of the most common myths about surge protection. These myths can be misleading and might lead you to make the wrong choice. By addressing these myths, we can help you remove any doubts about surge protectors and surge protection:
Any surge protector is OK: There are many factors to consider when choosing a surge protector. Choosing just any surge protector is not an effective way of protecting your devices. Small appliances like radios and lamps are fine with a joule rating of 1000 or lower. Medium appliances like printers, microwaves and mini-fridges will need a protector with a joule rating between 1000 and 2000. Large appliances like fridges and TVs require a joule rating of over 2000 to keep them safe.
Power strips and surge protectors are the same: There is a significant difference between these two items. Power strips are great at getting more plug points in an office or kitchen. However, surge protectors have circuit breakers that will keep your appliances safe. Power strips do not have this feature.
Turning appliances off protects them from surges: It’s natural to assume that turning appliances off will keep them safe from surges. This is not true. Power is constantly flowing to your device, whether on or off. As long as your device is plugged into the wall, it is vulnerable to surges. A surge protector is the best way to ensure your appliances are always safe.
Lightning strikes are the only thing that causes power surges: Power surges can be caused by a number of things. Lightning is only one of these causes. Short circuits, faulty wiring and electrical overloads can also cause power surges.
A surge protector will protect electronics from a lightning strike: Having a surge protector can instill a sense of false security when it comes to direct lightning strikes. While surge protectors are highly effective, they cannot protect your devices if they are struck by lightning. Lightning striking nearby may cause power systems to surge, but being directly struck by a lightning bolt is a different situation and usually catastrophic!
Surge Protection FAQ
For those looking for some quick answers to more surge protection-related questions, here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Is Whole-House Surge Protection Worth It?
In the long run, whole-house surge protection is necessary. On average, installing a whole-house surge protector can range from roughly $70 to as much as $700. The average national cost is currently sitting at around $300. Your pay depends on the type of surge protector and electrician used.
Whole-house surge protectors protect your home’s entire electrical system from electrical surges. This includes all your appliances and plugged-in devices. Getting a professional to install this type of surge protection is strongly recommended. Working with electricity is dangerous, and an electrician or professional service will be able to do so safely.
Surge protection insurance is a worthwhile investment. However, its value increases based on the type of appliances you protect. Surge protection insurance is especially recommended if you have an expensive entertainment system or multiple high-value devices. It is also essential in areas that experience frequent lightning storms. Additionally, the electrical systems of older houses are more prone to surges. If you live in an old home, you will get more value from surge protection insurance.
Why Is Surge Protection Important?
Power surge protection is necessary because it protects your electronic devices from being damaged by surges. Any device plugged into a wall — like TVs, fridges, computers, coffee pots and more — is at risk of surge damage. A surge protector is an easy and efficient way of keeping your devices safe in the event of a surge while reducing downtime and extending equipment and appliances life.
Protect Your Home From Surges With Strada Electric, Security, Air Conditioning & Heating
Surge protectors are a vital part of keeping your home and appliances safe from power surges. Knowing which protectors you need, why they are important and what causes power surges means you are one step closer to protecting your home. Strada Electric, Security, Air Conditioning & Heating has been installing surge protectors for years, and we can provide you with surge protection services and advice.
Strada Services provides air conditioning, electrical, plumbing and security services. We started our family business in 2003 and have been growing ever since. Our team of electricians and trained experts can help you with all of your needs. From installing surge protectors to offering plumbing maintenance, we have the expertise to provide any home comfort service.
For more than 20 years, we’ve been servicing homes in the Southeast. If you’re in one of our many service areas, we are your jack-of-all-trades service to count on. Call us or schedule an appointment today, and let us help you with your electrical needs.
