Do I need to use a surge protector? - Everything you need to know
Electricity is essential for households, businesses, factories, transportation, aviation, the defense sector, and literally everywhere. Electricity made all technologies and scientific inventions possible. However, a power surge is a complex issue that can disrupt electrical circuits and appliances.
Power surges are common in Canada, and thousands of households suffer losses due to power surges, but many don’t take precautions to protect their household appliances. So, how do you tackle a Markham power surge? Experts suggest that a surge protector can help you protect your electronics from a power surge. Let’s explore more about it.
What is a power surge?
The appliances, machines, and electric-powered devices can only handle a certain voltage level. For instance, typical household appliances and devices can handle 110 volts to 220 volts max, which is the default range in many countries.
Sometimes, there may be Voltage fluctuations due to issues in the public electrical infrastructure, and such volatility doesn’t create considerable impact. However, if the Voltage level goes above 220volts, it is called a power surge.
When there’s a Markham power surge, the devices get damaged or stop functioning temporarily. Power surges are always sudden and short-lived, but protecting the wiring and appliances from power surges is possible.
Do power surges damage electronic devices?
To be honest, all power surges damage electronic devices connected to the circuit. However, some damages may be visible while others may not. Your electronic devices may function normally after a power surge, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t damaged.
Power surges weaken the wiring, switches, and appliances gradually. If you don’t prevent power surges from damaging the electrical framework, sooner or later, you may have to pay a hefty price.
What causes a power surge?
Markham power surges are common, but the impact can be small or big depending on the cause. Massive power surges are rare and don’t occur very often. Nevertheless, when it happens, it can cause too much damage. So, it’s best to learn about the causes of power surges and ways to tackle them.
Circuit overload: If too many appliances are connected to one circuit, it may cause a power surge. When one or more devices is switched on or off suddenly, voltage spikes may occur. Besides, a large appliance may overload circuits and cause a power surge.
Malfunctions: Transformers, power lines, power boxes, and transmissions may malfunction due to external causes. The same could cause a power surge in nearby properties and public light poles. Also, when electric companies switch grids, a power surge may occur.
Power resumption: Power blackout is a common incident, and power blackouts could happen for many reasons. Typically, power resumes shortly, and power blackouts don’t damage any electrical appliance. On the flip side, when the power resumes, a power surge may occur, and the same could cause damages.
Lightning & thunderstorms: A household current is 110volts to 220volts, but a lightning strike would be around a 300million volts. When such a vast power hits a household or a particular spot, it may cause a sudden power surge in nearby circuits. Such power surges can be hazardous and damage all appliances connected to the circuit.
How to tackle a power surge?
Most power surges don’t last more than a few seconds. However, when it is massive or long-lasting, the damages could be severe and may cost you a lot. You cannot prevent a power surge, but you can protect your electrical framework and appliances from a power surge.
You can do three things to tackle a power surge.
- Always keep the appliances unplugged when not in use
- Check and upgrade your devices and wiring
- Use a high-quality surge protector
The first option is easier said than done. Let alone unplugging, most people forget to switch off the power supply when they remove the mobile phones from charging. The second option may be easier, but there’s no guarantee that it would give the ultimate protection. Last but not least, using a high-quality surge protector is the best way to tackle power surges effectively.
What is a surge protector? How does it work?
Surge protectors, popularly known as surge suppressors, are the easiest and cost-efficient way to protect your wiring and appliances from power surges. Let’s skip the technical stories and move on to the explanation.
A Surge protector acts as a gateway for electricity. It pulls current from an outlet and supplies power to all the connected devices. Surge protectors come with MOV, short form for Metal Oxide Varistor, that can handle high power supply and ensure the connected devices get consistent power supply at all times.
MOV in the surge protector is like an automatic valve that regulates the power supply to the appliances and outlets in your household. Also, the MOV is connected to a grounding line. MOV redirects the surplus volts to the grounding line when the power is beyond the acceptable level.
Are Surge protectors fail-proof?
Surge protectors can protect your devices from power surges caused by technical issues in your neighborhood’s electrical infrastructure. These power surges are widespread and tend to occur frequently.
Sometimes, a power surge could be too powerful. For instance, a lightning strike can cause a massive power surge, which could be too much for any device to handle. There may be other reasons that could cause such powerful surges. In such instances, even a surge protector can’t help you avoid damages.
What's more?
Usually, an electrical framework will have fuses and trippers for safety. When there’s a short in the circuit, it disconnects the power inflow to prevent further damage to the devices in the circuit. However, fuses and trippers may not help tackle power surges.
If you are looking for the best protection against power surges, you need expert help. Call our Markham electrician to inspect and suggest ways to tackle Markham power surges. Call us 647-494-9447 for a quick consultation.
