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Why do you need a surge protector?
Surge protectors help extend the lifespan of your electronics. Power strikes and surges put your electronics at risk. Lightning strikes, power outages, grid malfunctions, and several other electrical problems cause spikes. Power surges usually happen because of issues with a power grid.
What is the difference between a power strip and a surge protector?
A power strip gives you the ability to plug multiple devices into a single wall outlet. A surge protector is a type of power strip which is specifically designed to withstand a power surge and keep your electronics safe.
Do surge protectors really do anything?
Surge protectors offer protection in units called joules. Generally, the more joules the better, as this means the device can handle one large surge, or multiple smaller surges, before your gear is in danger. Over time, the parts inside the protector wear down, reducing its effectiveness.
What appliances need surge protectors?
But bigger or more important items, as well as appliances that require constant power, such as computers, printers, televisions, and refrigerators, should all use surge protectors. Any device that you don’t want to lose in the event of a power surge, or that would be expensive to replace, should be protected.
Should a TV be plugged into a surge protector?
Do you have your PC, television, or other expensive electronics plugged directly into a power outlet? You shouldn’t. You should plug your gadgets into a surge protector, which isn’t necessarily the same thing as a power strip.
Do I really need a surge protector for my TV?
Desktop computers, laptops, televisions, gaming systems, and charging phones should all be plugged into a surge protector, so they aren’t damaged in a storm. Although items like coffee pots or alarm clocks can feel like the most important items to protect in your home, they do not need surge protectors.
How do you know if it’s a surge protector?
How can you tell the difference? Surge protectors will have a rating in Joules of energy showing the maximum voltage it can handle from a power spike. You can find those numbers on the box or strip itself. If there are no numbers listed, it is just a power strip.
Are surge protectors safe?
Surge protectors are an excellent safety device, but using them incorrectly can make them dangerous.
What should you not plug into a surge protector?
Avoid starting an electrical fire by never plugging these items into a power strip. Large Kitchen Appliances (Refrigerator, Dishwasher, etc.) These appliances are so high-powered that they’ll easily overload a poor, little power strip. Small Kitchen Appliances. Hair Styling Tools. Extension Cords and Other Power Strips.
Do surge protectors use a lot of electricity?
The answer? No, surge protectors themselves don’t “drain” energy. But here’s the thing: while surge protectors don’t “drain” energy, the appliances they protect that are hooked into the surge protector DO drain energy-even when they’re not actually in use.
Do all surge protectors have a light?
The simple answer is you can’t always tell. Some surge protectors have a light that comes on to tell you when its reservoir is low; other surge protectors have a simple alarm system to make you aware that it’s time to purchase a new unit.
How long are surge protectors good for?
Yep, that’s right: Surge protectors don’t last forever. Most estimates put the average lifespan of a surge protector at three to five years. And if your home is subject to frequent brownouts or blackouts, you might want to replace your surge protectors as often as every two years.
Should my refrigerator be on a surge protector?
We do not recommend connecting a refrigerator or freezer to a surge protector. The reason we do not recommend this is explained below: The compressor is sensitive to temperature and current overloads and will shut itself down with a power surge.
Do modern TVS have built in surge protectors?
Today’s electronic equipment usually has some amount of Transient Voltage Surge Suppression (TVSS) built in.
Do Iphone Chargers have surge protectors?
It has a small power surge, as do all adapters, but it is not advertised as any surge protection whatsoever. I believe it’s more of a regulator than a protector. I would recommend always using a surge strip or adapter.
What does it mean when surge protector flickers?
If the blinking/flickering light on your surge protector is red or orange, it is most likely a power light that indicates that a surge protector has been turned on or off. If that red or orange light has neon bulbs, they will degrade over time. This causes them to blink and flicker.
Are some surge protectors better than others?
A higher joule rating is the best indicator of greater protection. Choose a surge protector with a joule rating at the very least in the 200 to 400 range. Sensitive or costly equipment, such as computers, displays and audio/video equipment, warrants a joule rating of at least 1000.
Can I plug a surge protector into an extension cord?
Can You Plug a Surge Protector Into an Extension Cord? On paper, yes, you can. The biggest thing is making sure the extension cord can handle the same amount of load as the surge protector (or more).
How Does a surge protector work?
A surge protector contains metal oxide varistor, or MOV, which diverts any extra voltage to ensure devices receive a consistent power level. When the MOV detects high voltage levels, it reduces resistance. If voltage levels are too low, it increases resistance. It will kick in automatically to redirect excess voltage.
