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Safety Tips for Using & Selecting Surge Suppressors

The average home or office has electronics and other items, such as computers, printers and DVD players, that contain electronic parts. The components function within a certain range of electrical voltages. When disturbances occur in the electrical supply, the spikes affect the component and the performance of the device. Surge suppressors protect electronic parts and equipment from electrical power spikes.

  1. How a Surge Suppressor Works

    • An increase in voltage can put undue stress on electronic components. A significant electrical surge or spike can cause significant damage to electronic equipment. Surge suppressors distribute the electrical current and reroute excess current into the device grounding line. Many homeowners have a surge suppressor or arrestor located at the main service panel to their office or home.

    Individual Outlets or Plug-in Protection

    • Some homeowners have licensed and certified electricians install surge protection outlets in certain rooms. However, the typical person uses a point-of-service surge suppressor that allows them to plug in multiple appliances or electronic devices. Typically, regular surge suppressors provide the least amount of protection. Purchase strip-type surge protectors with a built-in fuse or circuit breaker. This ensures the circuit trips when it becomes overloaded. A standard surge protector may handle as much as 6,000 volts. Be aware that antennas, cable (television) and telephone lines can also have electrical spikes.Special surge protection devices are available for these items.

    Whole House Surge Protectors

    • Some homeowners have whole house surge suppressors installed, which provide safeguards throughout the entire home. This eliminates the need for providing individual surge protection. These install along side the electrical panel. Most have indicators that display the status of the protection. In addition, these suppressors have audio alerts that trip when significant electric surges occur. It is important to conduct periodic inspections of the equipment to ensure proper operation.

    Green Surge Protectors

    • Some surge protector manufactures have developed eco-friendly products. This surge protector has a master outlet, energy-saver outlets and always-on outlets. The energy-saving device automatically senses when a primary appliance or device, plugged into the master outlet is shut down and closes off power to the other items.

    Key Features

    • Consumers need to know the following basic information when seeking to buy surge suppressors. The clamping level signifies the point the Underwriter Laboratories (UL) uses to determine when a surge protector activates. This independent service provides certification for the safety of products. Let-through voltage specifies the maximum voltage allowed through the surge protector to the equipment. According to UL rules, the best let-through voltage rating is 330 volts. The peak surge current indicates the maximum number of voltage a suppressor can handle without damage.

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