When we take a look at electrical components, surge protectors and power strips are terms that are often used interchangeably. You will often find power strips and surge protectors in store or online and you may not know the difference between the two devices. We are here to provide you with an update on what you may need to tell the difference.
The differences between surge protectors and power strip:
A surge protector is a different option than a traditional power strip. Power strips will add some extra outlet spaces that are able to help you plug in extra appliances equipment and more. A surge protector can appropriately defend against a variety of voltage spikes that can damage your equipment, electronics, appliances and more. There are some differences between the two, but they can look the same.
A power surge protector will often come with a much higher surge protector rating on the packing. Surge protectors are the only devices that you will find this rating as the measurement will determine the level of protection that the device can provide for everything that is plugged into it. Surge protectors carry a rating of joules for protection that will show the amount of power that can be shut off on the device if there is a massive surge in power. With this joule rating on the side of the packaging, you can tell that power spikes of X value or below will be protected on the device and the power strip with surge protection will shut off to protect the device. If you see a label that contains a 2000 joules protection, this ensures that the device can be shut down when a surge occurs. Some surge protectors will have an alarm system or a fast shutoff that will protect your devices.
Most surge protectors and their systems will deplete over time. As the device ages and is tested by variances in power, its rating will deplete. Our devices are also getting more advanced so it is important to change out a device regularly to make sure that it is able to protect against the increased demands of new devices.
Why consider a surge protector?
Surge protectors are essential if you are operating multiple electronics in the same vicinity. When you don’t have multiple electrical outlets to power your devices, there is a chance that any surge or fluctuation in power at the site of your outlet could lead to the device being unprotected. A surge protector could help you to protect an entertainment unit, television, computer, workshop appliance and more.
Major appliances and sensitive electronic components may require a highly rated level of surge protection unless they are connected to a battery backup or uninterrupted power supply. Commercial grade surge protection is an upgrade but it can be helpful for protecting the items that mean the most to your business or for your home operation.
Keeping a surge protector in place can be a far less expensive option than replacing a major item within your home. It is often advantageous to consider a surge protector that comes with a guarantee or rating so that you get extra piece of mind the manufacturer will protect the items you have from damage.
The advantage of a power strip that has surge protection:
A power strip that has surge protection can give you the best of both worlds. You will eb able to plug in multiple electronics in a close proximity and make sure that you are able to keep your electronics protected from power surges and fluctuations in power. You can often find devices that can help you get several extra outlets for plugging in sensitive electronics and you will be able to keep your devices safe over time as they are plugged in. A surge protector will make sure that the bulk of your devices will be protected in their extra sockets and it can be an affordable way to protect your devices as well as have enough sustainable outlets to use them.
How electrical surges happen:
Electrical power surges are more common than you may think. An electrical power surge can occur as a result of a change in your building power grid, as a result of you turning on a device that fluctuates the power in a local outlet or as a result of weather effects. Some of the most common reasons that a power spike may happen in your home comes down to:
Faults in wiring: If you have faulty wiring or you are using a device with an external or workshop outlet, there is a chance you could hold yourself more sustainable to surges. The same can be said if you are using extension cords to extend power beyond the reach of your traditional outlets.
High power device power on and off: AC unites, refrigerators and other high power devices will all cause the power to potentially surge inside your home. When you are regularly subjecting sensitive electronic equipment to this surge, there is a chance that you could damage it. Having a form of protection for your sensitive electronics will make sure that as they turn off and on, you will receive the best support to keep them safe by interrupting power when it fluctuates to the device.
Lightning Strike/ Weather: When poor weather occurs, this can cause severe voltage surges. These are the types of outside factors that will burn out computers, televisions, sensitive appliances and more. Having protection from a lightning strike is a great way to prepare for the unexpected and make sure that your devices are going to be safe even during bad weather.
If you would like to learn more about the best types of surge protector power strips on the market for protecting your devices, be sure to check out the latest offerings from Rocket Socket today.