In 2018, if you have your high-dollar, sensitive electronics plugged directly into the wall with no surge protection, you are begging for trouble. Many of us understand the importance of surge protection, whether it be from first or third-hand experience. However, some choose not to use a surge protector because it’s either not often thought about or they think, “It can’t happen to me.”
Your electronics may be fine today, but remember, it only takes one instance for all that to change.
Outlets are supposed to supply your electronics with a constant, consistent supply of electricity. But because of lightning, a problem with the power grid, or even other electronics in your home that require a large amount of power, a sudden power surge or spike can happen and the resulting increase in voltage can cause very costly damage.
Surge Protectors
Standard outlets have no protection against power surges. While there are single-outlet surge protectors that only protect a single item at a time, the most popular form of surge protector comes in the form of a power strip.
There are a variety of different technologies used in surge protectors to protect your electronics, but they all do the same thing. They use a component to divert any excess energy over a safe amount away from your devices, so they stay safe.
Though surge protectors most commonly come in the format of a power strip, not all power strips are surge protectors. Be sure it specifically says it has a surge protector on board, otherwise you may be putting your electronics at unnecessary risk.
Surge protectors don’t last forever, though. They are rated for specific amounts of energy dissipation (joules), and once they reach their threshold either through multiple small surges or one large instance, they need to be replaced.
Surge protectors are often forgot about when electricity supply is not in question, and they wouldn’t even be needed if electricity never malfunctioned, but that just isn’t the case. Be safe rather than sorry with any one of the many surge protection options available on the market. It is cheap insurance against an instance that could become very expensive.
At AVI Orlando, our experts can help choose the best surge protection option that suits your needs. Whether you need a single outlet protected, or want to protect your entire home, we have you covered. Call us to learn more about surge protection or to schedule your free consultation at 321-228-5053.
