A surge protector is an electrical device that protects against voltage spikes in AC circuits. These transient events can cause over one thousand volts of electricity to flow through a circuit. This can seriously damage your electronics. Surge protection devices are essential for preventing this from happening. These devices can be purchased at most electronics stores or online.
Besides damaging your electronic devices, a power surge can damage appliances and other devices. These surges can also damage light bulbs, electrical outlets, and air conditioning components. Even garage door openers and lights may become damaged or destroyed. In the worst case scenario, a power surge could even cause a fire! If you don't protect your electronics with surge protection, you can risk losing everything.
Whether to invest in surge protection depends on your needs and risk assessment. Some surge protection products can cost as little as a couple of hundred pounds. You may even be able to find surge protection devices that can be installed in an existing consumer unit or external enclosure. If you are considering upgrading your home or business, surge protection may be an excellent idea.
Surge protectors work by detecting a sudden change in voltage. Once a surge is detected, a surge protector diverts the excess electrical pressure to earth. Some devices can even absorb the surge energy and release it as heat. However, a surge protection device needs to have special components in order to protect against any surges.