Surge Protectors
What causes power surges?
One of the most common reasons for power surges is the operation of heavy-duty electrical devices. Refrigerators, air conditioners, and clothes dryers are just a few large appliances that require a significant amount of electricity to switch motors and compressors on and off. Toggling high-power electrical equipment and devices can create heavy demands for electricity that can disrupt the constant flow of voltage in the electrical system.
The following can also cause power surges:
- Faulty electrical wiring
- Downed power lines
- Problems with utility company’s lines, transformers, or other components
- Lightning is also a rare cause of power surges. Lightning may increase electrical pressure in wiring by millions of volts, overwhelming even the best power strip style surge protector.
What is a surge protector?
Surge protectors work by passing electrical current from the electrical outlet to the devices plugged into the strip. A surge or spike above the designated level causes the surge protector to automatically redirect the “extra” electricity into metal oxide varistors inside the power strip. Household power strips offer limited protection for devices and usually must be replaced after one power surge.