Several hundred million dollars of damage to property occurs every year due to power surges. A power surge can create an instant overload on a circuit and cause shorts. Even small surges can cause damage that builds in electronic devices and significantly decrease the lifetime of a stereo, computer, television or any electronic device that plugs into the wall. An experienced
electrician can help you protecting your home from electrical surges.
How power surges cause damage
In the US, homes use 120-v electrical power. Generally, it is provided in single phase, 60Hz, AC current.
That power however is not always at a consistent 120 volts. Instead, it rises and falls from 0 volts to 169 volts. This is no problem for most electronics sold in the country as they are designed to make use of this form of electricity.
If the power exceeds the 169-volt maximum voltage, there is said to be a power surge.
The surge or spike in voltage can harm many of the electrical devices found in the home. The electric current within the electronic device may arc. This creates a great deal of heat and can damage printed circuit boards as well as other components in the device.
While computers, televisions and stereos may continue to work after a small power surge, the spike affects the device, and one day it stops working altogether.
How to protect Electronics
SPDs are simple to install devices that many people may confuse with a power strip. These devices do not arrest the surge, but when used with a good grounding system diverts the surge to the ground.
Not all power strips are surge protectors. Unless the strip you are using says that it is a surge protector, assume it is only a power strip with no protection.
An electrician can install a special outlet that offers protection from surges. These outlets are an excellent choice in the kitchen for the microwave or other places that strip protectors do not work well.
Surge protection at the service entrance
An electrical contractor can also install a device to protect the home at the service entrance. This device installs on or in the electric circuit breaker box or on the electric meter base. The device ensures the entire home is better protected from power spikes. Whether the surge is produced by lightening or a power fluctuation from the electric company, this device reduces the power to a safer level before it gets to the home.
Points to remember
• Look for surge protectors that have indicator lights or other alarms to alert the user when to replace.
• Read the warranty for the device carefully. Does it cover the electronic device as well as the surge protector?
• Surge protectors should meet the UL Standard 1449.
• In a thunderstorm, even the best protection can be overwhelmed. The safest choice is to unplug devices if you expect a possible surge.
