Dream Lands Design
  • Home Improvement
    • DIY
    • Remodeling
    • Woodworking
    • Accessories
    • Home Design
      • Furniture
      • Organize
      • Tips
      • Decor
        • Interior
        • Exterior
    • Design Ideas
      • Bathroom
      • Bedroom
      • Dining Room
      • Living Room
      • Kitchen
  • Gardening
    • Backyard
    • Front Yard
    • Landscaping
  • Building Staircase
  • Home Improvement
    • DIY
    • Remodeling
    • Woodworking
    • Accessories
    • Home Design
      • Furniture
      • Organize
      • Tips
      • Decor
        • Interior
        • Exterior
    • Design Ideas
      • Bathroom
      • Bedroom
      • Dining Room
      • Living Room
      • Kitchen
  • Gardening
    • Backyard
    • Front Yard
    • Landscaping
  • Building Staircase

Categories

  • Accessories
  • Backyard
  • Bathroom
  • Beauty
  • Bedroom
  • Cars
  • Decor
  • Design Ideas
  • Dining Room
  • DIY
  • Entertaining
  • Exterior
  • Finance
  • Front Yard
  • Furniture
  • Gardening
  • Green Living
  • Home Design
  • Home Improvement
  • Interior
  • Kitchen
  • Landscaping
  • Lifestyle
  • Living
  • Living Room
  • Organize
  • Photography
  • Real Estate
  • Remodeling
  • Tips
  • Wall Improvement
  • Woodworking

Archives

  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Disclosure
  • Sitemap
  • Contact Us
29K
98K
0
Dream Lands Design Dream Lands Design
  • Home Improvement
    • DIY
    • Remodeling
    • Woodworking
    • Accessories
    • Home Design
      • Furniture
      • Organize
      • Tips
      • Decor
        • Interior
        • Exterior
    • Design Ideas
      • Bathroom
      • Bedroom
      • Dining Room
      • Living Room
      • Kitchen
  • Gardening
    • Backyard
    • Front Yard
    • Landscaping
  • Building Staircase
featured image - Do I Really Need a Surge Protector?
You're here: Home Home Improvement Do I Really Need a Surge Protector?

Do I Really Need a Surge Protector?

  • Perla Irish
  • February 1, 2022
Total
1
Shares
0
0
1
0
0
Table of Contents Show
  1. What is a Surge Protector and How Does it Work?
  2. How is a Power Surge Different from a Spike?
  3. What Causes a Power Surge or Spike?
  4. What is the Difference Between a Power Strip and Surge Protector?
  5. How Do I Know When to Replace a Surge Protector?
  6. Conclusion

Does it ever bother you that your electronics and home appliances could be affected by a power surge? All of your electronics and home appliances are very much vulnerable to power surges.

image - Do I Really Need a Surge Protector?
Do I Really Need a Surge Protector?

Moreover, if there’s a large enough power surge, it could possibly cause permanent damage to your electronics by melting the plastic or frying its circuits.

In this article, we will be sharing with you what is a surge protector, how they work, and what actually causes a surge. You should be able to determine if you need a surge protector by the end of this read because it’s definitely a necessity.

What is a Surge Protector and How Does it Work?

A surge protector is a small-sized device with two major functions. It gives you the ability to plug more than one device or appliance into one power outlet.

Secondly, which is also its most important function, is that it offers protection to electronic devices like the TV or laptop from a high-voltage power surge.

A power surge or spike occurs when there is a sudden increase in voltage that is much higher than the designated electricity flow in your circuits.

A surge protector passes current along with the power outlet to the number of devices that are plugged into a power strip. If the voltage rises above a certain level, the surge protector then diverts the extra voltage into the outlet’s ground wire.

These grounding wires always run parallel to both hot and neutral wires. In fact, they offer a pathway for the current to flow if there’s a breakdown in the hot and neutral wires that usually carry the electrical current.

How is a Power Surge Different from a Spike?

When the rise in voltage lasts for three nanoseconds or more, it’s called a power surge. Whereas, if the voltage increase simply lasts from one to two nanoseconds, it’s then called a spike.

That’s all the difference you need to know. That said, just those nanoseconds have the ability to inflict major damage on an appliance or electronic if the surge itself is high enough.


Read Also:

  • [Infographic] Guide to Vampire Energy: Quick Fixes for Saving Electricity at Home
  • The Different Types of Electricians you Need to Know About
  • Surge Protection for Your Home Appliances

What Causes a Power Surge or Spike?

Perhaps the most known cause for a power surge or spike is usually lighting, even though it’s rather uncommon.

Other more common causes are the operation of higher-powered devices like air conditioners and refrigerators. Its compressors and motors require a good amount of energy to power on and off.

During when it’s being switched on and off, it creates a sudden but brief demand for power that upsets the current flow of electricity. The damage usually occurs in a building’s electrical system and can be instantaneous if it’s not protected, or you may notice the damage occurring gradually.

Downed power lines, utility company’s equipment, and faulty wiring are other most common causes for a power surge. There are also plenty of possible points where an error might occur within the power lines bringing electricity into your home or in the transformers, which can cause an eventful power surge.

What is the Difference Between a Power Strip and Surge Protector?

It’s vital that you know that not every power strip is actually a surge protector. Despite the fact that they may look very similar, the main purpose of a power strip is to simply add an additional outlet space. We understand that it might get confusing to tell the difference even a power strip does not say so.

Therefore, it’s important that you look at the power strip’s packaging when trying to figure out what you need. A surge protector ought to have a joules rating on its packaging. What are joules?

Well, joules are used to measure energy. They tend to measure just how long the appliance will be protected. The joules or numbers work similarly to a reservoir.

When the protectors do their work, it always takes a hit, which then diminishes the joules over time. Sometimes, all it needs is a single massive surge to diminish all the joules.

How Do I Know When to Replace a Surge Protector?

You need to keep track of spikes and surges, as this helps you know when it’s time to get yourself a new surge protector.

As shared earlier, when there’s a massive hit, the number of joules might be diminished and have no further ability to protect your home appliances and electronics.

It’s also important to know when your surge protector was purchased. A good surge protector should be able to last you three to five years. That said, the common rule is to have them replaced every two years

Conclusion

Surge protectors are a must if you want to protect your home appliances and devices. In fact, if your neighborhood has frequent power surges and spikes, it’s advisable to invest in complete home surge protection.

Total
1
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 1
Share 0
Share 0
Related Topics
  • power
  • protector
  • surge

Subscribe

Subscribe now to our newsletter

You May Also Like
featured image - minimalist home
View Post

9 Easy Ways to Start a Minimalist Home: Embrace Simplicity and Create Tranquility

  • June 2, 2023
featured image - AC Problems
View Post

Common Air Conditioner Problems: Troubleshooting Guide for a Cool and Comfortable Home

  • June 2, 2023
featured image - The Importance of HVAC Repair & Regular Maintenance
View Post

The Importance of HVAC Repair & Regular Maintenance

  • June 1, 2023
featured image - cabinet hinge
View Post

The Complete Guide to Finding the Best Cabinet Hinge

  • May 31, 2023
featured image - living room
View Post

How to Choose a Set for the Living Room: Expert Advice

  • May 30, 2023
View Post

The Ultimate Guide to Rooftop AC Unit Installation

  • May 30, 2023
featured image - diy ac services
View Post

The Truth About DIY AC Services: What You Should and Shouldn’t Do

  • May 30, 2023
featured image - mini split instalation
View Post

Mini Split Installation for Commercial Settings: Benefits and Considerations

  • May 30, 2023
Dream Lands Design
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Disclosure
  • Sitemap
  • Contact Us

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

Add Dream Lands Design to your Homescreen!

Add