Power your home electronics and keep them safe at the same time with Surge Protectors
Home electronics can often involve a significant investment. As consumers, getting that amazing big screen television or lightning fast home computer is an exciting prospect for many of us—so it stands to reason that we are equally as eager to protect our purchases. While most accidents are preventable within our own reasonable control, events such as power surges are difficult to predict. Luckily, peace of mind is at hand with the simple use of Surge Protectors.
What is a surge protector?
As you are likely aware, electricity is constantly flowing through your home. The standard voltage in a typical household is 120 volts, however certain events may cause voltage to briefly spike or surge much higher. Potential culprits of power surges include grid switching by your power company, lightning, or other unpredictable causes.
The resulting increase in voltage has the potential to cause major damage to your home electronics. Too much electricity at once generates excess heat, which can burn out internal wiring and components. This can cause immediate damage, or even gradually wear out components over time. A surge protector essentially stops this from happening by diverting excess voltage away from your expensive home electronics in the event of a power surge.
Is a surge protector and a power strip the same thing?
One of the most common types of surge protectors are referred to as outlet surge protectors. These have a very similar appearance to the power strips (or power bars) we use to add additional power outlets at home. However, it is important to note that a power strip is not the same as a surge protector. An outlet surge protector is a unique product that serves to divert excess electricity in the event of a power surge—while simultaneously normally offering additional electrical outlets to plug in your devices and electronics. Any device plugged directly into an outlet surge protector is safeguarded in this manner.
In short, just because many surge protectors have the appearance of a power bar does not mean that every power bar is also a surge protector!
Can I use an extension cord with my surge protector?
While extension cords and surge protectors may appear compatible on the surface, in general it is not a good idea to combine them. The quality and in particular the gauge (thickness) of extension cords varies, and they will often be incapable of handling the same load as a surge protector. While this may not cause any harm in the short-term, it does increase the potential for prolonged damage over time—and may even pose a fire hazard.
Other features of surge protectors
Surge protectors come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit your needs. They generally have multiple outlets to accommodate additional devices. Some surge protectors include USB ports as well, in additional to traditional electrical sockets.
Another option is a whole house surge protector, which may be incorporated at the primary source where electricity enters your home. Whole house surge protectors are a bit pricier and must be properly installed to an electrical panel, but they can offer a broader blanket of coverage for all your electronics.
Power your home electronics and keep them safe at the same time with Surge Protectors
Home electronics can often involve a significant investment. As consumers, getting that amazing big screen television or lightning fast home computer is an exciting prospect for many of us—so it stands to reason that we are equally as eager to protect our purchases. While most accidents are preventable within our own reasonable control, events such as power surges are difficult to predict. Luckily, peace of mind is at hand with the simple use of Surge Protectors.
What is a surge protector?
As you are likely aware, electricity is constantly flowing through your home. The standard voltage in a typical household is 120 volts, however certain events may cause voltage to briefly spike or surge much higher. Potential culprits of power surges include grid switching by your power company, lightning, or other unpredictable causes.
The resulting increase in voltage has the potential to cause major damage to your home electronics. Too much electricity at once generates excess heat, which can burn out internal wiring and components. This can cause immediate damage, or even gradually wear out components over time. A surge protector essentially stops this from happening by diverting excess voltage away from your expensive home electronics in the event of a power surge.
Is a surge protector and a power strip the same thing?
One of the most common types of surge protectors are referred to as outlet surge protectors. These have a very similar appearance to the power strips (or power bars) we use to add additional power outlets at home. However, it is important to note that a power strip is not the same as a surge protector. An outlet surge protector is a unique product that serves to divert excess electricity in the event of a power surge—while simultaneously normally offering additional electrical outlets to plug in your devices and electronics. Any device plugged directly into an outlet surge protector is safeguarded in this manner.
In short, just because many surge protectors have the appearance of a power bar does not mean that every power bar is also a surge protector!
Can I use an extension cord with my surge protector?
While extension cords and surge protectors may appear compatible on the surface, in general it is not a good idea to combine them. The quality and in particular the gauge (thickness) of extension cords varies, and they will often be incapable of handling the same load as a surge protector. While this may not cause any harm in the short-term, it does increase the potential for prolonged damage over time—and may even pose a fire hazard.
Other features of surge protectors
Surge protectors come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit your needs. They generally have multiple outlets to accommodate additional devices. Some surge protectors include USB ports as well, in additional to traditional electrical sockets.
Another option is a whole house surge protector, which may be incorporated at the primary source where electricity enters your home. Whole house surge protectors are a bit pricier and must be properly installed to an electrical panel, but they can offer a broader blanket of coverage for all your electronics.