The Do’s and Don’ts of Surge Protection

Our reliance on electronics increases with each passing day, and along with it come certain vulnerabilities. Power surges, manifested as sudden bursts of high voltage, are one such risk that can impact our devices adversely. These surges, caused by factors like lightning strikes and power lines falling, are a real threat, especially in Australia.

Are you in two minds about the need for surge protection? If yes, it’s time to clear the doubts and assertively say YES! Here’s a comprehensive guide on the crucial dos and don’ts of surge protection to ensure the longevity of your precious electronics and to guarantee the safety of your loved ones.

Deciphering Surge Protection

Crafted to buffer your devices from power surges, surge protectors are your front-line defence, channeling excessive voltage into the earth. Like guardian angels, they ensure a steady and safe flow of electricity to your gizmos, shielding delicate bits like computers, tellies, and gaming consoles from energy wave attacks, which, in turn, prolong their lifespan and save you a pretty penny.

Remember, surge protectors come in various shapes and sizes. Knowing your options will help you pick the best protector for your devices.

Types of Surge Protectors

There are several types of surge protectors, each armed and ready to shield your electrical devices from unexpected energy spikes.

1. Service Entrance Surge Protection Device

These protectors are usually parked at the primary power supply kit. They’re your first line of defence against external surges, and perfect for homes in storm-prone areas.

2. Point-of-Use Surge Protection Device

These are installed at the switchboard, doing a bang-up job protecting against internal surges, those triggered by high-power appliances and devices at home.

3. Power Strip Surge Protectors

These fellas come with a built-in circuit breaker, ready to cut the power flow when things get a bit overheated, protecting your low-voltage electronics like computers, tellies and gaming consoles.

4. Battery Backup Surge Protectors

Also known as Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), these protectors can keep your devices running during a brief power outage. They’re like your trusty backup generator.

5. Whole-House Surge Protectors

For homes often plagued by power surges, the Whole-House Surge Protector is the go. This device defends the entire electrical system in a house from both internal and external power surges.

6. Phone and Network Surge Protectors

These protectors are engineered to shield sensitive data lines, which can cop a hammering during power surges.

The Dos and Don’ts of Surge Protection

Now that you’ve got the lowdown on surge protectors, let’s get stuck into the dos and don’t of surge protection. Starting with the dos:

• Do Understand Your Surge Protection: Get your head around it – a surge protector isn’t just a power strip. It protects your devices from power surges, giving extra life to your valuable electronics.
• Do Use Surge Protectors Everywhere: Regardless of size or cost, plug all your electronic gear into a surge protector. Big-screen TVs or dinky old radios, all need protecting.
• Do Check the Surge Protector Rating: Check the joule rating on your protector. A higher rating gives better protection. It’s just like sunscreen—the higher the SPF, the better the protection!
• Do Keep An Eye On The Weather: Lightning can pack a punch. Unplug sensitive devices during storms to keep them safe.
• Do Regularly Inspect Your Surge Protectors: Surge protectors get old. Regular checks for damage or overload are a top idea.
• Do Consult Professionals: Not all surge protectors are the same. Before you dive in, get some professional advice on picking the right surge protector for your needs.
• Do Replace Your Protector: Nothing lasts forever, and surge protectors are no different. If it’s getting old or has survived a significant surge, it might be time to replace it.

Now, moving onto the don’ts:

• Don’t Confuse Power Strips For Protectors: Power strips and surge protectors might look alike, but a power strip isn’t a surge protector.
• Don’t Overload: Packing too many devices into a surge protector can turn it into a fire hazard and sap its protective power.
• Don’t Use Damaged Protectors: Dodgy protector? Don’t risk it. It’s cheaper to replace the protector than your equipment.
• Don’t Ignore The Warranty: Many surge protectors come with warranties for your gear. Know your terms and register pronto.
• Don’t Scrimp On Quality: When it comes to surge protection, quality counts. This isn’t the time to scrimp and save.
• Don’t Do It All Yourself: Leave the installation of whole-house surge protectors to the pros. Don’t risk a DIY disaster.

Safeguard Your Home with Surge Protectors

In our gadget-heavy world, we’ve all gotta keep our heads up for power surges. Following these dos and don’ts can see you dodge power surge dramas and keep your devices shipshape.

Always get help from the right professionals like electrician-nearme.com.au and don’t take on DIY installations when it comes to surge protection. Trust us, the peace of mind you’ll get from protecting your gear is worth its weight in gold.

So, don’t hang around waiting for the next power surge to play havoc with your home – get a move on today!