Got Surge Protection?
Spring and summer go hand in hand with thunderstorms. This means frequent lightning strikes that can send massive power surges into our homes. These surges can in turn fry expensive electrical equipment, such as our TVs, computers, routers, and phones—anything that’s plugged in. Storms can also lead to power outages. When the power comes back on, it’s also common for an extra jump in current to course through our home’s wires, damaging our equipment.
Multi-outlet surge protector
Fortunately, surge protectors are an affordable appliance that can help prevent such devastation. Here are three things to know:
If you already have a surge protector, make sure that it’s an actual surge protector, and not simply a power strip. They often look alike. Look for the words “surge protector” (etc.) or suppressed voltage rating, which is the maximum amount of voltage the device will let through during a surge. Also check for the surge protector’s joule rating, which is the amount of energy the protector can absorb before it fails.
Replace your surge protector every 3-5 years, as that aforementioned joule rating diminishes over time with each surge absorbed. Many models have an indicator light on them to let you know when it no longer offers protection.
Most importantly: If you don’t have a surge protector, get one.
For a relatively small amount of money, buying a surge protector is essentially buying peace of mind to keep our expensive electronics from being zapped.