A Surge Strategy To Protect Your Electronics

People often think of only electronic gadgets, such as computers, game consoles, and TVs, as being at risk from electrical surges. Actually, nearly every electric item in a house today has sensitive electronics that can be damaged by a surge.

Many times, it’s the repeated smaller electrical surges over time that damage electronic equipment. These can be generated by the switching on and off of inductive equipment (usually electric motors) in nearby businesses. Some of these smaller surges can even be generated by motors from your own vacuum cleaner, refrigerator compressor, or clothes washer.

There are several types of whole-house surge suppressors. Some mount on the circuit breaker panel indoors, others at the base of the electric meter. Many electric utilities sell and install the units that work with electric meters. Check with your local electric cooperative to see if it offers this service. The circuit breaker panel models are not difficult to install, but I recommend hiring an electrician to do it.

How to read the ratings
There are differences in the protection provided by various surge suppressors. A common design uses metal oxide varistors (MOV) to dissipate the surge before it flows through the house wiring.

Using larger components, rated to handle more joules (a measure of energy), allows the suppressor to safely dissipate a larger surge. When comparing surge suppressors, a higher number is better for total energy dissipation. Clamping voltage is the voltage required for the MOV to conduct electricity. A lower number for this is usually better.

Even though the surge suppressor may have protected your electronics, a large surge may burn out the MOVs. Many models have a light on them to indicate if it is still functioning. Check it regularly.

It’s also important to note that many devices like computers and entertainment systems have multiple connections, including satellite or cable, or phone or network, in addition to the power connection. Any of these can serve as a path for a surge.

For the most sensitive electronic devices, also use point-of-use surge suppressors for extra protection.

STORM PREP

Look out for lightning
If your house experiences a nearby hit by lightning, even a good surge suppressor will probably not protect all electronic items.

When a storm is forecast and you begin to hear thunder, unplug as many devices as possible. Just switching them off may not be adequate—a huge voltage surge can arc across an open switch and still fry the electronic components in an expensive device.