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■ play it safe


PROTECTION FROM Power Surges


BY GUY DALE COORDINATOR OF SAFETY & LOSS CONTROL


P


ower surges are responsible for millions of dollars of property damage each year. Over time they can cause cumulative damage while decreasing the lifespan of your TV, computer, stereo equipment, and anything else plugged into a wall outlet. Selecting the best surge protection for your home will help protect your electronics and yourself.


Surge Science


A surge is basically a boost in the electrical charge over a power line. It can be caused by lightning, but it’s more likely caused by a refrigerator or an air conditioner or other motor-driven electrical device that requires a lot of energy to start and stop the compressor. Some surges can also be caused by faulty wiring or even tree limbs bumping into a power line.


Power surges come in all shapes and sizes but the most extreme case is a lightning strike because it can destroy equipment and sometimes set your house on fire. Smaller, less severe power surges can be caused by a myriad of reasons. The severity of a surge depends not only on the voltage and current involved, but how long the surge lasts. Most surges are very short. Surges can happen through any connection on your equipment. If there is a wire connected to your equipment, then it provides a path for a surge.


Protect Yourself


A surge protection device mounted at your home’s main electrical panel or the base of your electric meter


12 | march 2014


protects equipment inside your house from surges coming through “ports of entry” such as an telephone, and cable TV or satellite dish line.


Point-of-use surge protection devices won’t suppress or arrest a surge, but they will divert it to ground. They’re designed to protect sensitive electronic appliances, such as computers, and resemble a regular plug strip. Many folks assume that all plug strips offer surge protection, and then they wonder why their computer isn’t working. Unless your strip specifically says “surge protection,” don’t trust it. You can also install special electrical outlets that offer surge protection, which is a good idea in places like kitchen countertops.


Surge protector or power strip?


Although surge protectors and power strips both allow you to plug several devices in one location, it's important for to understand that they are not interchange- able. A true surge protector includes internal components that divert or suppress the extra current from surges, protecting your valuable electronics from electrical spikes. A power strip simply provides more outlets for a circuit. Be sure to check your device before plugging anything in.


Some surge protection devices can be mounted at the base of your electric meter or main electrical panel. Others resemble a simple power strip that you plug into the wall and then plug your appliance or electrical device into the strip. But remember—your power strip doesn’t provide surge protection unless it specifically says so.


If you’re serious about protecting your property use both devices: Install a service entrance surge protection device to reduce surges to a lower level that will protect large appliances, and use point-of-use surge protectors to guard your sensitive electronics.


It’s a good idea to be cautious when your shopping for surge protectors. Some products claim that they can save energy, too, which is misleading. Surge protectors protect. If its energy savings your’re after, turning off your TV and cable box is a step in the right direction. ■


Guy Dale is coordinator of co-op safety programs including free safety presentations for the community and CPR courses. To contact him, please call 800-780-6486, ext. 227.


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