Surge Protector: What Is It And How Does It Work?
You’ve heard about surge protectors but what is it? And how does it work? Is it worth it? We are here to answer all your most pressing questions regarding surge protectors so you can decide if it’s a good idea for your home!
Power Strips vs. Surge Protectors
First, let’s clear this one up! Surge protectors are often confused and mistaken for power strips because they look a lot alike. While convenient and less expensive, power strips don’t offer the protection a surge protector does. Their main purpose is to add extra outlet space, which is helpful if you have a lot of different appliances and electronics that need to be plugged in but not enough outlets to do so. However, a surge protector is protects your home, appliances, and electronics from possible voltage spikes that can be harmful and damaging.
What Is A Surge Protector?
A surge protector is a device that’s designed to protect appliances and electrical devices from voltage spikes.
It only takes one sudden surge of electricity to cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to an unprotected home. Chances are, you have expensive appliances and equipment in your home, such as computers, TVs, cell phones, washers and dryers, refrigerators, HVAC units, and more. A sudden spike in voltage can cause damage to these items, or worse – cause them to break! A surge protector is a device that’s designed to protect your appliances and electrical devices from voltage spikes.
How Does It Work?
To put it simply, when voltage hits a certain point, a surge protector redirects that extra electrical voltage spike or surge so that it doesn’t cause any damage to your appliances or electronics. It does this by blocking or grounding it, preventing it from reaching the connected device or equipment.
What Causes A Surge?
Surges can be caused by many different things, including:
- Downed power lines
- Lightning storms
- Faulty or damaged wiring
- Electrical utility switching
- Turning high-powered electrical devices on and off
The best way to prevent a power surge is to unplug devices that you’re not using, upgrade your wiring, refrain from overloading circuits, and invest in a surge protector.
Contact The Pros At Spark Daddy In St. Louis, MO For All Your Electrical Needs!
Are you looking to schedule an electrical service, repair, or replacement in your St. Louis, MO home? Spark Daddy is here for all your electrical needs! Give us a call today at 314-668-2333 or contact us online.
