Surge Protector: Do’s and Don’ts Leave a comment

Surge Protector: Do’s and Don’ts: We take pride in tastefully furnishing our homes, buy expensive and classy stuff, from the furniture down to electronic devices or appliances, for comfort.

Apart from the comfort these items bring us, they are also important in our lives. While you do this always put safety measures at the back of your mind as some of these appliances can bring us harm if not handled with caution. 

As you shop for appliances like refrigerator, sound speakers, TV set, standing fans, etc, don’t forget to include a surge protector, they are very essential in our homes or offices.

Some people do not think it’s necessary to get surge protectors, they feel it is a waste of money to add it to the budget list.

What’s the essence of getting a surge protector when we have sockets where they plug their appliances directly? (in their thoughts). Surge protectors come in handy in every home.

If you value your household appliances, then you’d do the same to power surge protectors because they prevent them from damage.

What Is The Work Of a Surge Protector?

For those who commonize surge protectors simply because they are ignorant of its functions, these things do much more than they are given credit for.

Surge protectors are often mistaken for extensions cords/power strips because of their similar nature, but no, they are way more advanced than extensions.

A surge protector detects any high voltage or current that may be from the power supply or lightning and waves it away.

There are several types of surge protectors, the most common is SP42U, SP50, and SP510. The SP50 & SP510 have five sockets where you can plug-in wires, then SP42U has two charging ports and four sockets. They are fire-resistant and are very durable, perfect for use.

Do’s

Use a power strip for low capacity electronics

Power strips are capable of handling devices with low capacity and there would be no such thing as sparks as a result of overload.

Examples of these devices are; laptops, mobile phones, tablets, rechargeable lamps, stereos, etc.

Before using power strips ensure it is for indoor use only as lots of them are strictly meant for offices, homes, shops.

Check to see if your power strip can be used indoors only. So make sure you read the wrap to know the instructions written on it, in order not to make any mistakes.

The result of using power strips meant for indoor purposes is usually bad, both the power strip and the device you plugged into it will be damaged.

Know The Number Of Outlets Needed

You must take down the number of outlets needed that can contain all devices. This will stop you from overloading the surge protector with multiple devices. 

Know The Size Of Your Plug

When buying a surge protector, pick one with more space or one with a wide socket so a large plug can perfectly fit in.

Buy Joules

Joules specifies the amount of energy a power surge protector can take in at a time before it relapses. Joules prevents spark situations because you will be able to tell the capacity of the surge protector.

Read The Surge Protector Small Print

Reading the small print on the surge protector is essential, there the warranty is written. If there are any faults with the surge protector, you can return it and get a sound one.

Play Safe

Ensure you buy a surge protector with extra safety features like a Fire-Resistant or Safe-fail. This will prevent any sudden fire outbreaks or sparks.

Get an Energy-Efficient Surge Protector

Choose a surge protector with great features like one with smart technology that detects when the device is not in use and immediately shuts power. Though they may be quite pricey, you will get the value.

Don’ts

Don’t use daisy chain power strips

Some IT experts advise on using daisy chain power strips or using them with extension cords, that it is safe.

No doubt, that could go well especially if handled by someone with a vast knowledge of electricals or NOT.

With all that knowledge, you could make one or two mistakes that will put you at risk. And while doing that, you could also be going against all safety codes.

In order not to fall victim, you MUST follow the necessary precautions.

– Do not plug extension cords into power strips. But if you must, make sure you plug in just one extension cord into the power strip.

– Avoid plugging the power strip into another power strip or extension wires, it can be disastrous. Power strips should be plugged directly into the wall socket.

Don’t Be Frustrated

It is usually frustrating for some people when they try inserting the plug into the socket but proves hard. This is common but with little effort, the plug will fit in.

Don’t Overload Surge Protector

Overloading the surge protectors does not turn out well, it causes damage. Hence, be sure to check the capacity of the device you plug into the surge protector, to know if it is higher.

Don’t Get Surge Protectors Wet

Keep surge protector from getting in contact with water and anything that will get it wet.

Don’t Use a Power Strip as a Surge Protector

It is true that most surge protectors look exactly like power strips, but try not to confuse both of them because power strips are different from surge protectors.

To protect your household appliances, we suggest you use the power strip that is designed like a surge protector with many outlets especially if your electronics are in close proximity to one another.

Don’t Plug High Voltage Appliances into a Power Strip.

Home appliances with a high capacity require much energy to function and power strips do not have that much energy so they’re no match for these devices.

Do not mistake the size of a device for its capacity or energy consumption, some are small but draw so much power.

Examples of high-capacity appliances are; hairdryers, washing machines, refrigerators, microwaves, ovens, blenders, coffee makers, air conditioners, toasters, etc.

So take note of this when using power strips. If power strips are overloaded, the circuit breaker trips off and may likely lead to electrical sparks.

If you are unable to tell what device is suitable for power strips, then it’s best not to plug them at all.

Conclusion

With this little write-up on surge protectors and how best to use them, we sincerely hope you have been able to get it right. You must have a surge protector in your homes for safety purposes.

If you experience any difficulty with surge protection, quickly contact an electrical expert to fix whatever issue.

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