Electricity plays an indispensable role in the modern world. Almost everything in a home or business runs or indirectly depends on it. However, electricity is only as useful as it is safe. Otherwise, it can become an extremely dangerous force. This is why prioritizing electrical safety cannot be overstated. The two most sought-after devices for managing power are surge protectors and power strips. They achieve the same goal but go about it differently. Here’s everything you need to know about them.
A Power Surge
Surge protectors and power strips protect home systems and devices against power surges. A power surge is a brief but intense spike of electricity that travels through your wiring. It is dangerous because everything that uses electricity has a designated electricity limit it can safely handle. When a power surge occurs, it delivers excess energy that can overwhelm and damage the delicate internal components of electronics, leading to malfunction or complete failure.
Causes of a Power Surge
Various elements can cause a sudden spike in electricity in your house. The common culprits include:
1. A High-Powered Device
Appliances like air conditioners, heaters, and refrigerators can cause power surges, especially when they cycle on or off. These devices contain high-energy components like motors and compressors that draw significant power, momentarily disrupting the electrical balance in your grid. This is why they tend to have their own dedicated circuits, drawing electricity directly from the main supply.
2. Faulty Wiring
Electrical wiring serves as the pathway through which power flows to various devices and systems. Think of it as a road, with electricity functioning as the vehicle traveling along it. If the road is damaged, the vehicle may swerve off course, potentially causing accidents. Similarly, compromised wiring can force electrical current to stray from its intended path, resulting in unexpected voltage spikes.
Watch out for frayed, outdated, or improperly installed wiring. They lead not only to power surges but also to electrical hazards like fires.
3. Lightning Strikes
Lightning is electricity from the sky. It is caused by a rapid buildup and discharge of electrical charges within clouds or between a cloud and the ground. When lightning strikes your home, it introduces an immense charge of voltage.
Your grid is not designed to handle such power. A typical home uses between 120 to 240 volts of electricity. A lightning strike has an average power output of approximately 300 million volts.
4. Utility Grid Issues
Power grid fluctuations, transformer malfunctions, grid switching, and outages can all lead to temporary voltage strikes. These causes are unpredictable and out of your control, so your only protection would be your surge protector or power strip.
Power Strips
A power strip is a device with multiple electrical sockets connected to a flexible cable that plugs into a wall outlet. It closely resembles an extension cord.
Mode of Action
Power strips have built-in circuit breakers. If a connected device draws excessive power, or the electrical grid experiences a surge, the circuit breaker trips, cutting off the flow of electricity. As a result, it protects devices from damage and electrical hazards.
It’s important to note that not all power trips provide surge protection. Standard models are designed to expand available outlets for multiple device connections. If you want to protect your gadgets, look for a power strip labeled as a surge protector.
Surge Protectors
Surge protectors (also known as surge suppressors) are advanced versions of protective power strips. They employ two devices to diffuse unwanted voltage. The first is a metal oxide varistor (MOV). This is a type of metal resistor that, under normal circumstances, allows only minimal current to flow through it. When a surge occurs, it absorbs and redirects the excess voltage to the ground.
The second device is called a gas discharge arrestor (GDR). It contains a sealed chamber filled with ionized gas that acts as a switch. Under normal voltage, the gas is an insulator. When a surge occurs, the gas ionizes and becomes conductive, diverting the excess current safely away from connected devices and to the ground.
Types of Surge Protectors
Your technician can install three types of surge protectors in your house, including:
Meter Protectors
Meter protectors are surge protection devices installed at the electric meter located outside the home. They serve as the first line of defense against voltage spikes, effectively intercepting surges before they enter a home’s electrical system. Meter protectors are crucial in minimizing the risk of damage from lightning strikes, transformer malfunctions, and utility grid fluctuations.
Panel-Mounted Surge Protectors
Panel-Mounted Surge Protectors are installed directly within electrical panels. They are also commonly referred to as whole-home surge protectors. They safeguard appliances and electronics by absorbing excess voltage before it can spread through the wiring system. They are effective against internally generated surges caused by high-powered devices, such as HVAC systems and refrigerators, cycling on and off.
Point-of-Use Surge Protectors
Point-of-use surge protectors plug into individual wall sockets to protect specific devices from power surges. They come in different forms, including single-outlet units and surge-protected power strips. They are commonly used for computers, televisions, gaming consoles, and sound systems.
The Best Approach: Whole-Home Surge Protection
Each surge protector is useful in its own way, and there is no harm in using all of them at once. However, if you are looking for comprehensive protection for all your home systems and devices, a whole-house surge suppressor is the most effective and convenient solution available.
Factors to Consider When Looking for a Surge Protector
If you’re considering a meter-based or whole-home surge protector, it’s crucial to consult a qualified electrician. They will assess your electrical system, evaluate your energy demands, and recommend the most suitable types and models for your home. Avoid purchasing or installing these surge protectors on your own, as improper installation can lead to ineffective protection or potential electrical hazards.
When buying point-of-use surge protectors, consider these factors.
Joule Rating
A joule rating measures the excess energy a surge protector can absorb before failing. The higher the rating, the greater the level of protection.
For basic devices, a surge protector with a rating of 600 to 100 joules is sufficient. However, for high-value electronics like home theater systems, consider a model with 2,000 joules or higher.
Clamping Voltage
Clamping voltage is the voltage threshold at which the surge protector activates. For example, if the clamping voltage of a power strip is 330 volts, it will begin suppressing surges once the voltage exceeds 330 volts.
A lower clamping voltage offers faster response times, which is perfect for protecting small electronics. Look for surge protectors rated at 400V and below.
Response Time
Electricity moves fast, so you need an even faster surge protector. Response time refers to how quickly a surge protector detects and responds to a power surge. The shorter this time is in nanoseconds, the better.
Contact Us for More Information
Protect your today by consulting with Fuller Electric about your electrical safety needs. Our residential electricians provide personalized recommendations and professional installation for surge protection systems. We also offer surge protector repairs and maintenance.
Call Fuller Electric for surge protection services in Federal Way, WA.
