What is a power surge protector?

A surge protector guards against the damage that sudden power surges can cause. It works by pulling the current from one outlet and passing it through to the devices you have plugged into the surge protector.

Do surge protectors really do anything?

Surge protectors offer protection in units called joules. Generally, the more joules the better, as this means the device can handle one large surge, or multiple smaller surges, before your gear is in danger. Over time, the parts inside the protector wear down, reducing its effectiveness.

Do you need a power 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.

What's the difference between a surge protector and a power outlet?

The Short Answer: Power Strips vs.

A power strip gives you the ability to plug multiple devices into a single wall outlet. A surge protector is a type of power strip which is specifically designed to withstand a power surge and keep your electronics safe.

When should a surge protector be used?

All electrical grids experience electrical surges; some more than others. These surges can damage electronics and surge protectors are there to control them as much as possible. You'll want to use surge protectors for complex and valuable electronics, such as computers, appliances, and media centers.

Surge Protectors As Fast As Possible

What appliances need surge protectors?

The devices and appliances you want to make sure you plug in, are the expensive ones with microprocessors into your surge protector. This includes TVs, refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, AC units, PCs, laptops, game systems, and phones.

What should you not plug into a surge protector?

Should a TV be plugged into a surge protector?

Do you have your PC, television, or other expensive electronics plugged directly into a power outlet? You shouldn't. You should plug your gadgets into a surge protector, which isn't necessarily the same thing as a power strip.

Do all extension cords have surge protectors?

Not Every Power Strip Provides Surge Protection

It's essentially an extension cord with multiple outlets and no fancy features, although it might have a switch to quickly cut power to all connected devices. Connecting a device to a power strip is just like connecting it to a wall outlet, at least in terms of safety.

How do I know if my extension cord is a surge protector?

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.

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.

Should I turn off my surge protector at night?

While these products are designed for surge protection, they can also be an extreme fire hazard when not in use. That's because surge protectors consume energy even when the devices they're protecting are turned off. You should turn off surge protector when not in use because it could be causing a fire hazard.

Do surge protectors protect against lightning?

Do surge protectors work against lightning? Surge protection does offer enhanced protection when lighting strikes. However, surge protectors alone cannot 100% protect your devices. The only way to ensure 100% protection is to unplug everything.

What is the difference between a surge protector and an extension cord?

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.

Do laptops need surge protectors?

Using surge protectors is highly recommended for your laptop. A power surge could easily damage your laptop because it's filled with voltage-sensitive parts. Laptops aren't designed to withstand violent power surges. Although they may survive for a while, a surge protector will extend their lifespan.

How long does a surge protector last?

Yep, that's right: Surge protectors don't last forever. Most estimates put the average lifespan of a surge protector at three to five years. And if your home is subject to frequent brownouts or blackouts, you might want to replace your surge protectors as often as every two years.

How many devices can I plug into a surge protector?

Generally power strips provide a maximum of six to eight outlets, yet when multiple strips are connected to one another the primary strip connected to the wall unit or building outlet has to supply more energy than it is rated for.

Why do you need a surge protector?

A surge protector has one primary function: it's designed to prevent too much power from reaching your expensive electronics. The device acts as a shield that blocks the voltage spike. Power surges occur when the voltage flowing through the wires is higher than normal.

What is the advantage of a surge protector over a power strip?

Power strips add extra outlets to your space. Surge protectors act as power strips except they also protect your electronic devices from power surges. While power strips do not come with surge protectors, you can find surge protectors with multiple outlets.

Do I need a surge protector for my fridge?

Small, cheap appliances like lamps, can be plugged directly into the wall. 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.

Are expensive surge protectors worth it?

Conclusion. In conclusion, both the expensive and cheap surge protectors can bring you certain benefits. However, for the sake of safety, it is highly recommended to purchase an expensive surge protector since it can help you to get damage from lightning or power fluctuations.

What size surge protector do I need?

1,000 to 2,000 Joules

If you're trying to protect things like cell phones, basic laptops, printers, routers, and copiers, you'll want a surge protector with a rating between 1,000 and 2,000 joules. This rating is also large enough for your power tools and other building appliances.

Where do you place a surge protector?

As most surge protectors are installed in parallel to the power panels, normally the best place to install the device is on the main service or panel feeding the facility.

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.