Surge protectors do exactly what the name implies; they protect electronics from electrical surges. These surges are actually very common, and all of us have experienced them in our homes, whether we were aware of it or not.
For example, every time the compressor in your refrigerator starts up, it creates an electrical surge. A furnace fan blower will do the same thing. You may have even noticed an electrical surge at times when you turned your vacuum or microwave on, and the lights dimmed slightly. That is essentially an electrical surge.
When a surge like this happens, it is generally during the start-up of an electrical motor. The motor needs a boost of electricity to get moving, then once running, it uses its normally rated amperage at a steady rate. For most appliances and other electronics, a surge protector is not needed. But for sensitive electronics, such as a computer system and even for entertainment components, a surge protector will guard against electrical damage.
Computers are especially at risk. The sensitive electronics in hard drives can be ruined if hit by an electrical surge. Worse, all of your saved files and data can be lost forever.
The best surge protectors will have on “on” and “off” switch as well as a circuit breaker button on the side. Although they are designed to absorb the most common types of electrical power surges without triggering the breaker, a stronger surge, like a lightning strike, will cause the circuit to break. This will ensure that your sensitive electronics will be protected during even the most powerful electric surges. Allowing a few seconds of reset time and then pushing in the breaker button will bring the surge protector back on-line to keep protecting your electronics.
Surge protectors can also protect your equipment in the event of a power outage. Without this protection, when the power comes back on, the sudden surge can damage your electronic equipment.
For more expert advice about surge protectors and other issues related to home comfort, please feel free to contact us at Jackson & Sons, Inc. We’ve been serving eastern North Caroline since 1974.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about surge protectors and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Jackson & Sons services most of eastern North Carolina including Wayne, Johnston, Greene, Lenoir, and Duplin Counties. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!
