Surge protectors are vital equipment for protecting your electrical gadgets from power surges and voltage spikes. Do they, however, guard against power outages?
No, surge protectors are meant to defend against abrupt surges in energy rather than long-term power disruptions. However, if you require a surge protector will be determined by the sort of devices you’re utilizing.
In this post, you will get to learn about the role of surge protectors and the many models on the market. The necessity of selecting a high-quality surge protector, as well maintenance methods will also be discussed.
Why Are Power Outages Harmful for Electronics?
The risk isn’t when the electricity goes out, but when it comes back on. When the power is restored, the supply voltage may be higher than usual, which is fatal for most electronics.
Most devices are not as vulnerable to power outages as you would expect. It may create problems with computers since unsaved data may be lost, but it should be fine otherwise.
The underlying issue is excess voltage, sometimes known as a surge, that occurs shortly after the power is restored. These surges deliver higher-than-normal voltages, often times almost enough to damage your equipment’s circuitry.
What Purpose Do Surge Protectors Serve?
A surge protector protects electronic equipment from damage caused by power surges or high voltages by reducing them within the threshold limit.
A conventional surge protector distributes electrical electricity to a number of devices hooked into the power strip via the outlet.
The protector will channel any excess power into the outlet grounding wire if the voltage rises over the permitted threshold.
Parallel to the hot and neutral wires are grounding wires. If the system of hot and neutral wires that ordinarily transport the current fails, they give a channel for electrical current to follow.
Thus, there is no better alternative other than a surge protector to help shield your home appliances. You can even use a wall mount surge protector as outlets for max terminals and even hook up your PC if you wanted to without any risk.
Can A Surge Protector Protect Against Power Outages?
No, a surge protector cannot protect against power outages. A surge protector is a device that is designed to protect electronic equipment from voltage spikes and surges in the electrical power supply.
It does this by diverting excess voltage away from the protected equipment and into the ground, where it can be safely dissipated.
A power outage, on the other hand, is a complete loss of electrical power. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including storms, accidents, and problems with the power grid.
During a power outage, there is no electricity flowing to the outlets in your home or office, so a surge protector cannot function.
While a surge protector cannot protect against power outages, it can still be an important part of your electrical system. By protecting your electronic equipment from voltage surges, a surge protector can help prevent damage and extend the lifespan of your devices.
It is important to choose a high-quality surge protector and to replace it regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly and providing adequate protection for your equipment.
Do Whole House Surge Protectors Work Against Lightning?
The short answer is yes, but there is a longer “however” involved. It depends on a variety of circumstances, including the position of the lightning strike, how close or distant it was to your home.
Whether or not you have a backup power source, such as a UPS, and the specification of surge protector you’re using is also considered.
For the most protection, you can invest in a home surge protector according to your power rating in combination with a backup power supply to ensure the maximum safety of your household.
What Are Other Ways You Can Protect Against Power Outages?
There are several ways you can protect against power outages. Here are some options to consider:
Uninterruptible power supply (UPS):
A UPS is a device that provides temporary backup power when the electrical grid fails.
It typically includes a battery that can keep your devices running for a short period of time, allowing you to save any open documents and shut down your equipment safely.
Generator:
A generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. It can be used to power your home or office during a power outage.
There are several types of generators available, including portable, standby, and solar-powered generators.
Power strip with built-in battery backup:
Some power strips come with a built-in battery backup that can provide power to your devices during a power outage.
These types of power strips are typically more expensive than traditional surge protectors, but they can be a good option if you need to keep your devices running during a power outage.
Flashlight and backup batteries:
Having a flashlight and backup batteries on hand can be helpful during a power outage.
A flashlight can provide light during the outage, and backup batteries can keep your devices powered until the power is restored.
Invest in quality surge protection:
In addition to a surge protector, you can also invest in high-quality power strips and extension cords to help protect your devices from voltage spikes and surges.
Overall, it is important to have a plan in place for dealing with power outages, including having backup power sources and protecting your electronic equipment with surge protection.
Summary
To recap, surge protectors are intended to guard against voltage spikes, but not against power outages. It is critical to have a strategy in place and to be ready for power disruptions.
You may use a UPS, generator, power strip with built-in battery backup, and other techniques to protect your electronic equipment and keep your house or workplace working during a power loss.
References:
- https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/2018/09/30/how-protect-electronic-devices-during-after-power-outage/1446326002/
- https://minnicks.com/learning-center/hvac-equipment/what-is-a-surge-protector/
- https://brennan-electric.com/how-do-surge-protectors-work/
- https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/will-surge-protector-protect-my-pc-from-power-outages.2663634/
- https://taraenergy.com/blog/power-surge-how-they-happen/
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