Surge Protection: 5 tips to protect your electronics

When we think of a power surges, we usually think of storms or bad weather and a lightning strike near your home could indeed be catastrophic for your electric equipment. But did you know a power surges can also originate from within your own home? Faulty wiring or something simple like the AC unit or fridge turning on can trigger a surge. 

We hereby provide you with 5 tips on surge protection to keep you and your electronics safe.

Tip 1

Because today’s electronic equipment needs lower voltages to operate than their predecessors, the same electrical surges that didn’t affect your electronics 10 years ago, can these days fry a circuit board.  A little prevention, like minor electrical repair and a top notch surge protector, is a lot cheaper than replacing your TV, laptop or sound system.

Tip 2

When buying a high quality surge protector there are three key traits to consider:

“Low clamp level” – the voltage it takes to trigger the surge protector to divert electricity to the ground.

“Low response time” – the time, in nanoseconds, it takes the surge protector to respond to the surge.

“High surge capability” – the amount of voltage the surge protector can take and still function properly.

Tip 3

Don’t rely on the surge protector warranty. They can do everything advertised on the package and still fry your circuit boards. Get one with a status light so you know if it’s taken its last surge.

Tip 4

Avoid the power strip surge protectors with a lot of outlets, at the risk of damaging all electronics connected to it. The electricity has to go past each of those outlets before it is being discharged through the ground.

Tip 5

Even the best surge protectors can be bested by severe weather. If you live in an area prone to lightning, you may want to consider protection for the whole house and place a surge protector system at your electricity’s point of origin. 

 

All surge protection products can be purchased at https://www.ennia.com/preventiewinkel. It is advisable to have your surge protection equipment installed by a certified electrical contractor to be insured of well equipped protection. If you have any questions or want some more information please contact ENNIA because we will also make the safety and security of your electrical system our priority.