Power surges often times go unnoticed and they normally last for about a few seconds. It makes you think how harmful can they really be. But here’s the thing, power surges, which are also sometimes referred to as Electrical Surges can be quite damaging to any electronic devices connected to power sources – those brief seconds can be quite detrimental. A higher spike in the voltage can damage an electronic device to the point that it can become completely useless; this goes for anything from things like phone and laptop chargers to other home appliances like televisions, refrigerators and any smart devices around as well.
How would you explain what a power surge really is? Well, power surges are the unexpected spikes in the electrical voltage that usually last for just a few seconds. And when it comes to how they occur, there are a few triggering factors but there is no solution to stop them from happening entirely, because these are primarily just the ‘side effects’ of having electricity. By using a surge protection device, it is easy to protect your electronic devices from any sort of damage. Here’s how surge protectors can act as barriers for your electronic devices and appliances.
What Is a Surge Protector?
A surge protector usually comes in the form of a multi-plug or an extension cord, nonetheless it has two functions: to protect your home electronics from a power surge, and to allow you to plug in multiple devices into one power outlet.
How do these work? Well, just like any regular multi-plug or extension cord, surge protectors pass on the electricity to each device plugged into its different ports. However, in the case where the voltage happens to be higher than the designated amount of the surge protector or the devices plugged into it, it diverts the extra electricity towards its grounding wire.
Types of Surge Protectors
Now that you know what a surge protector is, here are 4 types to help distinguish when you decide to invest in it for your home.
- Whole-House Surge Protectors
Whole-House Surge Protectors are also referred to as Point-of-entry surge protectors, which are essentially installed alongside the main electrical panel. It works by diverting the excess electricity towards the ground and works best when paired with other surge protection devices.
- Surge Suppressor Power Strips
Just like any ordinary power strip has multiple electrical ports and connects through one cable to a power outlet, a Surge Suppressor power strip is exactly the same – providing electricity to multiple devices from a single source. These ones in particular however have the ability to ground the excess voltage that passes into the power strip.
- Backup Battery Surge Protectors
Backup battery surge protectors are by far the best option to go for in order to protect your electronic devices and appliances during power outages. They provide instant power during a power outage to devices that are otherwise connected to the main power supply.
- Outlet Adapter Surge Protectors
Outlet adapters are just like multi-plugs, except they come with the built in tech that helps protect any plugged in device from a power surge. They are cordless, and only have to be plugged into a power outlet.
Is There An Alternative?
Are surge protectors the only means of protection against power surges, or are there any other alternatives to these? There is one more means or protecting your homes, and that is subscribing to a Surge Coverage Plan.
A Surge Coverage Plan generally entails that in the event of a power surge, should any electronics get damaged or would have to be replaced, the electric company reimburses the costs of those bills to customers. That basically means customers pay a monthly fee for a whole-home coverage – as opposed to paying hundreds of dollars in bills one-time. FirstEnergy home for instance offers a surge coverage plan for $8.99 monthly, providing up to $6000 in annual protection with no deductibles or any hidden fee.
Another rather unusual alternative is something that is more of a habit. Unplugging electronic devices always help in unwanted damage from power surges. Power surges occur on the frequent, often times going unnoticed so what better than to unplug your televisions, chargers, microwaves, and other devices and appliances when they are not being used? Or even just at the end of the day?
Here’s the thing however, no matter what method you choose to adopt, it is best that you invest in any of the above surge protective methods, with Surge Protectors being a very easy way to overcome the problem instantly. Surge Protectors are easily available, and though they may be pricey they are worth the investment into your home. For more information, head on over to www.firstenergyhome.com and see for yourself.