Do Surge Protectors Wear Out?

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Do Surge Protectors Wear Out?

Can surge protectors go bad? Many people wonder if it’s their surge protector or the outlet when they
can’t get something to work after plugging it into the surge protector. Unfortunately, it could be the surge
protector, which can go wrong even if you’ve only had it for a few years. Keep reading to learn about when and why
your surge protector might fail and what to do if it does.

How Long Do Surge Protectors Last?

Surge protectors typically last between three and five years, but this can vary based on several factors, such as
the frequency of power surges in your area and the quality of the protector.</span >

Some activities can reduce the lifespan of your surge protector, such as overloading a surge protector with too
many devices. Most units can handle a </span >fixed number of joules</a >, but will stop functioning correctly if you surpass that point. So if your device handles 1,000 joules, it will
stop working after those have been tapped out. </span >

You can watch for a massive overload that could tax your surge protector and act preemptively to replace it. As
part of your </span >home electrical safety inspection</a >, you can also have them replaced proactively.

Signs Your Surge Protectors Are Damaged

If you notice any of these signs, then your surge protector might be damaged:

  • Visible damage: Signs of physical damage, such as frayed wires, damaged outlets or cracks in the
    casing, can indicate a damaged protector. Any discoloration or changes in the surge protector’s appearance could
    indicate damage. </span >
  • Smoke or burning smell: If you smell burning plastic or see smoke coming from the surge
    protector, it’s a clear sign of damage and should be replaced immediately. If the surge protector feels hot to the
    touch, it’s a sign of overheating and potential damage. </span >
  • Devices not working properly: If you notice that devices plugged into the surge protector are
    not functioning correctly or won’t power on, it could be a sign of damage.</span >
  • Low or infinite readings: If your surge protector has a meter to display power, readings that
    are lower than expected or appear infinite could indicate a problem with the surge protector.</span >
  • Unusual noises: Listen for any unusual noises, such as buzzing, crackling or popping, coming
    from the surge protector. </span >

How to Test a Surge Protector

Testing your surge protectors could theoretically save you a lot of time and effort. Unfortunately, for most surge
protectors, there’s no way to test them. They have a limited lifespan, so keeping track of when you purchased the
surge protector is probably the most efficient way to track whether it works or not.

Some devices are loaded with light-emitting diode (LED) notifications. The device will conduct internal
detection of a fault in the surge protection mechanism and set off an LED message or even an audio alarm alerting the
user to the compromised surge protection.

Do Surge Protectors Go Bad?

Yes, surge protectors do degrade over time and can reach the end of their useful life. They are designed to </span >protect your home from power surges</a >, and each time they do, they lose some of their capacity to absorb future surges. While there isn’t a fixed
lifespan, most manufacturers recommend replacing them every two to five years, or sooner if they have been exposed
to frequent or severe surges. </span >

What Happens When a Surge Protector Goes Bad?

When a surge protector goes bad, it no longer offers the protection your devices need to withstand surges in
electricity that can damage electronics. For instance, computers can be hurt by a surge of electricity that arrives
with a lightning strike.

Surge protectors often continue to function as an electricity source even when their surge protection powers wane. It
makes it difficult to tell if the surge protector is no longer working because you can still plug things into it, and
it will work. Replacing them frequently is the only way to guard against long-term issues with your surge protectors.

Look for surge protectors with LED lights that can alert you when the surge protection
power has decreased. Keep in mind, though, that even the LED indicator lights are not foolproof.

Best Practices for Surge Protector Maintenance

To effectively maintain a surge protector, follow these tips:

  • Check for damage: Periodically examine the surge protector for any signs of damage. If you find
    damage, immediately unplug the protector and replace it. </span >
  • Replace after a major surge: After a significant power surge event, such as a lightning storm,
    the surge protector’s ability to absorb surge energy may be compromised. Replacing it after a major event ensures
    continued protection. </span >
  • Follow manufacturer recommendations: Check your surge protector’s manual for specific
    maintenance and replacement recommendations from the manufacturer. </span >
  • Plug directly into wall outlets: Always plug surge protectors directly into wall outlets to
    ensure proper grounding and maximize their protection capacity. Avoid plugging them into extension cords or other
    power strips.</span >
  • Avoid overloading: Do not exceed the surge protector’s rated capacity by plugging in too many
    devices or devices that draw a lot of power.</span >

Partner With Wiretech Company for Quality Surge Protection

Do you have surge protector problems? Wiretech Company can help. We offer
residential surge protection installation</a >
in Raleigh. We have been in business since 1990, and we emphasize electrical safety, whether we are upgrading
electrical service panels or installing new electrical sockets. Contact us today</a > to learn more about our services and make an appointment.

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