How Your Surge Protector Works
Before you can understand how surge protectors work, you have to know what a power surge is. A power surge is an increase in the amount of voltage going through electrical devices that are higher than normal. Surges can be caused by a lot of different things, like high-powered devices, bad wiring, bad lighting, or a problem with the equipment your utility company uses.
What Is A Surge Protector?
A surge protector is more than just a power strip; it’s a low-cost way to guard your electronics against power surges that could damage them permanently. You can use surge protectors to keep your appliances safe.
When Should I Use A Surge Protector?
Devices that require a significant amount of power to function are typically the root cause of electrical surges. It is possible that the lights in your home will flicker when you turn powerful appliances on and off, such as your air conditioner, but this is something that is entirely dependent on the wiring in your home.
When these devices are activated, they require a significant amount of electricity to function, which places a strain on the electrical grid and has the potential to cause surges.
How Do Surge Protectors Work?
A metal oxide varistor, or MOV, is the most common type of surge protection used in surge protectors. A MOV is constructed from a special material known as a semiconductor. Semiconductors conduct electricity only under certain conditions. Without these conditions, no electricity can pass through the semiconductor. The special condition in a MOV is a high level of voltage. Essentially, if the voltage or flow of electricity is normal, the MOV does nothing. When a surge of power passes through the line, the MOV is able to conduct electricity and thus siphons off the excess power, safely transferring it away from the device and into the ground. The MOV only siphons off power that is ABOVE the normal level, so the TV or PC can continue to operate during the surge. The device connected to the surge protector is completely unaware of the surge in the line. It continues to function as if nothing has happened.
Benefits Of Using A Surge Protector?
- By redirecting unexpected increases in voltage away from sensitive equipment, it shields your electronic devices from damage that could be caused by a power surge, which is typically brought on by a storm.
- The use of oversized plugs, which are becoming more prevalent, can block adjacent outlets on a traditional power strip, preventing you from making full use of the strip’s capabilities.
- There are times when you need extra security, whether it’s for a high-end home theatre system or a pricey computer. Surge protection, additional safeguards, and warranties for equipment damage are all options for some power strips.
Do you want to make sure that your electronic devices are protected against sudden surges? Please don’t be hesitant to get in touch with our team of highly qualified specialists. We are prepared to assist you with any and all of your electrical and surge protection requirements at this time. You can get more information by visiting our website, or you can come see us in person at 100 Copernicus Blvd #2 in Brantford.