How do I know if my extension cord is surge protected?

How can you tell the difference? Surge protectors will have a rating in Joules of energy showing the maximum voltage it can handle from a power spike. You can find those numbers on the box or strip itself. If there are no numbers listed, it is just a power strip.

Do extension cords have surge protection?

The higher amperage cords are used for the more heavy duty equipment. Higher amperage cords are often necessary to carry power longer distances. Surge protectors differ from extension cords in a variety of ways. You may find surge protectors that give you extra length and extension cords with surge protection.

How do I know if I have a surge protector?

Most surge protectors have an indicator light that glows when plugged into an electrical source. This tells you that the surge protector is functioning. You can also carefully flip the strip over and look on the back.

What is the difference between a power cord and a surge protector?

The main difference between the two is that your electronics are protected against power surges only with the surge protectors. While power strips may be acclaimed extension cords, they do not offer any kind of protection.

How do you know if a power strip is UL approved?

Be sure that the product is listed as a transient voltage surge suppressor. This means that it meets the criteria for UL 1449, UL's minimum performance standard for surge suppressors. There are a lot of power strips listed by UL that have no surge protection components at all.

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How do I know if my extension cord is UL listed?

Currently UL approves most extension cords. When UL approves equipment it is marked with the UL label and on that label will be the name of the equipment or the assembly that is approved.

Are all power strips surge protectors?

Surge protectors often look just like power strips, but not all power strips are surge protectors. Only surge protections actually help protect your gadgets against power surges. Many power strips are just glorified extension cords without any protection.

What should you not plug into a surge protector?

What appliances need surge protectors?

But bigger or more important items, as well as appliances that require constant power, such as computers, printers, televisions, and refrigerators, should all use surge protectors. Any device that you don't want to lose in the event of a power surge, or that would be expensive to replace, should be protected.

Is a grounded outlet the same as a surge protector?

You don't select either option. It's meant for informational purposes. "Protected" meaning if there's a power surge, your plugged devices won't get fried; and "Grounded" meaning you will not get shocked or electrocuted when you plug in a new device on the strip.

Should a TV be plugged into a surge protector?

Desktop computers, laptops, televisions, gaming systems, and charging phones should all be plugged into a surge protector, so they aren't damaged in a storm. A power spike or power surge can shorten the life of these devices or even wipe out all of your data.

How much does it cost to install a whole house surge protector?

It costs $300 on average to install a whole-house surge protector, with a typical range between $70 and $700. Generally, that number will fluctuate depending on how high-end of a system you want, and if you'll need an electrician to install it for you.

Do I need a surge protected extension lead?

You don't need a surge protector for your desk lamp or your standing fan, but you do want a surge protector for expensive devices that have intricate microprocessors, like computers, televisions, stereo systems, and media centers. In short, anything electronic and expensive benefits from a surge protector.

Is it safe to leave extension cords plugged in?

Extension cords are only for temporary use and are not to be left plugged into wall outlets when not being actively used. This plugs into a wall outlet and is considered a power strip even though it doesn't have a cord. Do not plug an extension cord or power strip into it.

How can I tell what gauge my extension cord is?

The lower the number, the higher the cord's capacity to deliver power. Gauge is typically listed along with the number of conducting wires in the cord. For example, a 14/3 cord contains 14-gauge wire and has three conductions inside. Extension cord lengths determine the cord's power capacity.

Should a refrigerator be plugged into a surge protector?

We do not recommend connecting a refrigerator or freezer to a surge protector. The reason we do not recommend this is explained below: The compressor is sensitive to temperature and current overloads and will shut itself down with a power surge.

Can a power surge ruin a refrigerator?

When there is an increase in voltage from a power surge, it causes an inrush of electrical current within the refrigerator. This surge generates an excessive amount of heat, which can damage multiple parts of the refrigerator.

Does my house need a surge protector?

At a minimum, power surges damage home electronics, appliances and wired services like security systems. Without proper surge protection, a voltage spike can even start a fire. Reduce this hazard with whole house surge protector installation.

Why can't you use an extension cord with a refrigerator?

Safety Considerations. The biggest concern with using an extension cord to power a refrigerator is using the wrong cord, which can lead to overheating of the cord, damage to the appliance and increased risk of fire or electric shock. Never try to plug a three-pronged appliance into an un-grounded extension cord.

Can a surge protector catch on fire?

Surge protectors can become a fire hazard themselves. The most common cause of fires from an extension cord, power strip, power tap, or surge protector is primarily due to improper use and overloading, especially when cords have multiple outlets such as power strip and surge protectors.

Should a microwave be plugged into a surge protector?

Rule two: never plug high power capacity appliances, like space heaters, refrigerators, or microwave and toaster ovens into power strips or extension cords. These appliances have higher power capacity and need to be plugged into a wall outlet directly. Rule number three: always plug power strips directly into the wall.

How do you know if a power strip is safe?

What is the difference between a power strip and an extension cord?

However, the main difference between the two lies in the purpose: If you want to multiply the number of electrical outlets from a single source, use a power strip. If you want to stretch out a power source towards a distant appliance, use an extension cord.

What does UL mean on an extension cord?

Extension cords must be: • Underwriters Laboratory (UL)-approved. ( UL 817 for indoor and UL 2438 or “W rated” for outdoor use). Look. for the UL Mark.

Where is UL label on extension cord?

Any UL listed cord will carry a UL label near the cap. It is important to check for this label. To use UL listed for outdoor use, three wire round cords must have connectors and cap molded to the cord and a lip on the end of the connector to prevent misuse.