Home Safety: How to Protect Your Appliances from Power Surges
Inside our homes the appliances, computers and other electronically-powered devices we depend on and use everyday are expensive and can be costly to repair. Any device or appliance that is plugged into an electrical outlet can be vulnerable to power surges, which makes protecting them extremely important to help save you money and provide home safety.
A power surge occurs when the power flowing through a typical wall outlet (120 volts) exceeds 169 volts, which can be damaging to electronics and appliances and possibly create a safety issue. Most often power surges occur when an electric utility company is performing a power grid switch, or a malfunction happens to a nearby transformer or transmission line. Power surges can also be a result of lighting strikes.
Smaller power surges can also occur from inside your home when an appliance like an air conditioner or a refrigerator turns on or off. Because the motor or compressor that operates some larger appliances require a substantial amount of energy to turn on and off, this can result in these appliances creating a power surge.
Preventing power surges from damaging your appliances and electronics is important and fairly simple if you know how to choose the right kind of surge protector. The type of surge protector you will need depends on how you are planning to use the surge protector and what fits your budget.
· Power Strips Surge Protectors: The most common and affordable type of surge protector is a power strip that can be found at any electronic retailer or hardware store. Power strips with surge protectors are rated in joules, so it is important to choose one that has the appropriate rating for the types of electronics and appliances you are trying to protect. Be aware though, not all power strips have surge protection capabilities, so be sure to shop carefully.
· Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors (TVSS): These types of surge suppressors are hardwired directly into the outlet boxes inside your home and provide protection for any type of electronic device or appliance that is plugged in. Some even come equipped with a light indicator or alarm to let you know when a power surge has occurred. The average cost of a Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor (TVSS) cost ranges from $25 to $100 depending on available features.
· Whole-home Surge Suppressors: Whole-home surge suppressors connect directly into the fuse box and prevents power surges from entering your home at the source. Depending on the capacity needed in your home, these can range from $50 to $100.
Should you choose to invest in a TVSS or whole-home surge suppressor, contacting a licensed electrician is a great way to get started. Not matter which option you choose, protecting your home and appliances from power surges is a vitally important part of homeownership.
