A power surge can be a dangerous event. Without the right protection, it could cause an electrical fire or a massive sum of repair costs. Having surge protectors installed at home can keep your computers, televisions, appliances and other electronic devices safe during power surges.
Despite the popularity of surge protectors, there are some misconceptions about how much they can do. We’ll help clear up these surge protection misunderstandings so you can protect your home.
All Surge Protectors Are Not Created Equal
While most surge protectors offer some level of security, the quality varies depending on the model you buy.
Surge protector strength is measured in joules. The greater the number of joules on your surge protector, the more effective it will be. For example, a 1,000-joule surge protector is ideal for smaller electronics, while 2,000 joules or more offers the best protection for computer systems or larger appliances.
Are Power Strips and Surge Protectors the Same?
A surge protector is usually a type of power strip. However, a power strip doesn’t necessarily have all the capabilities of a surge protector. A regular power strip is unlikely to provide many benefits in the event of a surge.
If you plan to buy and install a surge protector, it’s important to check the amount of protection it offers beforehand. This ensures that you find a strip that aligns with your needs.
Lightning Is the Biggest Cause of Power Surges
It’s true that lightning is a major cause of power surges. If you think you don’t need protection because the chances of a lightning strike are low, you may want to reconsider. This is one of the biggest surge protection myths. A power surge can happen when a power grid fails, a circuit overloads or you use damaged electrical wires. Having adequate surge protection can save your electronics in a variety of risky situations, regardless of the weather.
Can a Surge Protector Protect Your Home From a Lightning Strike?
While a protected power strip can keep your electronics safe during grid failures, overloads and even storms, surge protectors have limitations. You may be tempted to think, “I have a surge protector, so my home is secure against lightning strikes!”
The reality is that a direct lightning strike is far too powerful for what little security a surge protector can offer. Signs that your house was struck by lightning can range from power outages to fires and major home damage, meaning that a little surge protector is unlikely to help. If you’re concerned about lightning strikes, you may consider installing a full lightning protection system.
Can You Protect Your Electronics From Surges by Turning Them Off?
One of the biggest surge protection misunderstandings is the belief that you can guard your electronics by turning them off. The only way to fully protect a computer or appliance is to unplug it entirely.
Even when you turn off the power, wires and plugs still allow energy to flow between the electrical system and machine. A lightning strike or circuit overload could still have a major effect on your electronics.
Install a Surge Protector Today
If you’re looking for a company that offers surge protection installation in Raleigh, Wiretech Company is here to help. Call or contact us online to get started.