Surge Protection

What is Surge Protection, and Why Have Them?

Surge protection is a safety device that should be in every home and business. They absorb excess power and act as small circuit breakers by interrupting the flow of electricity when it reaches specific thresholds to protect connected devices.

They offer an extra layer of protection between you and your valuable electronics, helping them remain active longer while saving you money on repair costs. There are also surge, protectors, designed specifically for outdoor use, such as those used with air conditioning units and solar panels.

Types of Surge Protectors

Surge protectors are available in different shapes and sizes, depending on how much protection you need to meet the demands of residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
The two primary types of surge protectors are built-in and plug-in.

Built-in surge protectors

Built-in surge protectors are installed directly into main power lines before they enter a building. They can handle higher voltages due to their robust construction. It also checks the flow of electricity in the whole circuit. It cuts off any connections if there is even a small change from normal current levels.

Plug-in units

Plug-in units can be plugged directly into wall outlets or attached to appliances requiring additional protection. Plug-in units usually handle lower voltage surges only. These protectors stop power fluctuations from damaging electrical outlets.

Portable Surge Protectors

A portable surge protector is an extension cord with extra circuitry built to absorb and release excess electricity that could damage electronics. These devices are typically small enough for easy portability, making them ideal for people who need a way to keep their valuable gadgets safe on the go.

Power Strip Surge Protectors

There are two main parts to a power strip surge protector: the power strip and a surge protection device. The power strip is an extension cord with more than one outlet so you can plug in more than one thing at once. The surge protection device gives you more safety by soaking up extra voltage before it gets to your electronics. It keeps your electronics from getting damaged by sudden jumps in electricity.

Diagnostic Surge Protectors

Diagnostic surge protectors sense when a power spike occurs in your wiring system and provide real-time data on voltage levels. It displays an LED warning light if it detects anything out of the ordinary. It makes it easy for users to find problems and fix them quickly before they become serious safety risks.

What are the Main Causes of Power Surges?

Power surges can be a significant inconvenience and may even cause damage to your electronics. But have you ever considered the reasons behind them? There are a few common causes of power surges.

First, electrical grid problems are often responsible for power surges. An unexpected increase in demand or an interruption of the flow of electricity from the source can cause a sudden rise in power, resulting in a surge. Power outages can also lead to surges once electricity returns and rapidly increases in voltage.

Furthermore, lightning strikes that hit near power lines can also generate considerable spikes in voltage.

Another common reason for a power surge is faulty wiring or loose connections inside your home’s electrical system. Poorly constructed outlets, overloaded circuits, and aging appliances can damage wiring insulation. They may lead to fluctuations in the electric current if not adequately addressed.

Surrey Surge Protector installation and upgrades
Surrey Surge Protector installation and upgrades

Are there any Drawbacks of Surge Protection?

Surge protection has its downsides, like any other technology.

One of the main potential drawbacks of surge protection is cost. A quality surge protector with multiple outlets can be expensive, particularly if you require heavy-duty power for large appliances or electronics.

Sometimes, installing a quality surge protector doesn't guarantee total safety from electricity spikes. High-voltage surges may ruin specific equipment due to their limits on protecting against high-voltage surges.

Moreover, An electrician may need to install extra outlets in older houses to operate the surge protector effectively. Finally, surge protectors need ongoing maintenance to remain effective.

Conclusion: Benefits Outweigh Drawbacks

To conclude, surge protection is an excellent way to protect electronic devices from power surges. It helps our electrical equipment last longer. Even though surge protection has some drawbacks, such as limited coverage and the possibility of false alarms, the pros far outweigh the cons. You can also buy surge protectors for your home or office for a reasonable price. However, changing your surge protector regularly ensures maximum surge protection.
Surrey Surge Protector installation and upgrades

Protect Your Home/Business From Fatal Surges

Are you considering protecting your home or business from destructive power surges but want an affordable solution? Look no further. Landmark Electrical has been offering Residential/Commercial Electrical Services in Vancouver and the Fraser Valley for many years. Our technical support team can help you diagnose what’s wrong with your installation quickly and efficiently.
So, Don’t wait – protect your home and business with Landmark Electrical’s Surge Protection services today! Our qualified experts will quickly assess and install the necessary surge protection systems to protect your home, business, and, most importantly, peace of mind. Schedule an appointment now for reliable power protection – put a safeguard in place before it’s too late.

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