People sometimes get confused by surge protectors and power strips, but they’re two very different technologies. Surge protectors are an inexpensive way to protect your gear against random power spike damage.

The main purpose of surge protectors is to detect excess voltage and divert the extra electricity into the grounding wire. Therefore, all surge protectors will have a grounding pin (the third prong on a plug) and all surge protectors must be plugged into a properly grounded outlet for them to work as intended.

Unexpected power surges can be damaging to your electrical system, surge protectors can protect your electrical system against them. They can damage your fuses or circuits. Lightning strikes and power outages can cause these unexpected power surges. A whole-home surge protector can absorb this initial volt of electricity, preventing damage to your home or building’s electrical system.

Surge protectors monitor the flow of electricity and any time there is a surge or spike in the electrical charge, basically acts as a buffer between your devices and the live current coming. They can also divert that extra electricity through a built-in grounding wire out of your wall. This prevents the extra charge from reaching your devices and bringing them to an untimely death. When choosing a surge protector, make sure you select one that has a low response time, high energy absorption rating, and a low clamping voltage.

For more information on electrical safety in the home, you can contact us, our electrical contractors can help with your electric needs, including installing a surge protector.