Do I Need a Surge Protector?

Like most homeowners, there are probably a lot of electronic devices in your home that you rely on for work, chores, or entertainment. Protecting your expensive electronics from power surges would be best, and regular power strips may not cut it. Instead, consider getting surge protectors.

In this post, we’ll explain what surge protectors are, how they differ from power strips, and when you should use one. Then, we’ll give you the information you need to select a surge protector.

Want to learn more about choosing a surge protector? Speak with a knowledgeable electrician by calling (904) 724-7211 now.

What Is a Surge Protector?

A sudden voltage increase from a power surge can damage or destroy your TVs, computers, or appliances. Once a surge protector detects excess voltage, it absorbs and then diverts the current from your devices and into the ground. This prevents damage to your electronic devices.

Surge Protector vs. Power Strip

While surge protectors and power strips may look similar, they work differently. Both allow you to plug in multiple devices by giving you additional outlets and an extension cord. However, only surge protectors are designed to detect voltage spikes and divert the current to protect your electronics and appliances. One easy way to tell if you have a surge protector is whether there’s a switch with a light that turns on when it’s plugged in. However, older, faulty surge protectors may have lights that are burned out, which means they should be replaced.

When To Use a Surge Protector

Now that you know what a surge protector is, you might wonder when you should use one. You need a surge protector if you have expensive or essential electronic devices you want to protect from power surges. It’s vital to have surge protectors for your laptops, PCs, TVs, phone chargers, and essential medical equipment.

Choosing the Right Surge Protector

Here are some factors to look at when shopping for a surge protector:

• Joules: The more joules, the more electricity your surge protector can take safely. A rating of 600 joules or more will provide the best protection and last the longest.
• Indicator light: This is one of the most important features you can get. If the indicator light is on, it's still working. When the light goes out, it's time for a new one.
• Clamping voltage: This is the amount of power your surge protector needs to reach before it redirects it away from your plugged-in devices. The clamping voltage should be below 400 volts.
• Response time: The faster the response time of your surge protector, the more quickly it can react to electrical surges, reducing the time your appliances are exposed to them.
• UL rating: Underwriters Laboratories is an independent product safety organization that tests electronic devices to see how well they function. Look for a surge protector with a high UL rating to be sure it's high quality for maximum protection.

Surge protectors are essential in any room where you keep large, expensive, or essential appliances.

Why Choose David Gray?

The team at David Gray understands the importance of protecting your electronic devices from power surges — and we’re here to help. We can help homeowners in and around Jacksonville, FL, select surge protectors that fit their budgets and meet their needs. You can count on us to handle any electrical issues you’re facing.