Power Surge Facts

Storms and lightning strikes can cause powerful surges that can destroy electronics and cause data loss.
Surge Protectors keep your loved devices safe from damage caused by power surges. As technology
advances, there is an increased need for surge protection due to smaller and more sensitive electrical
components in the devices we use everyday.

This Surge Protector Buying Guide will help you learn more about why surge protection is important,
how surge protectors actually work, and what features to look for when choosing the best surge
protector for you.

WHAT IS A POWER SURGE?

A power surge is a spike in the electrical current flowing through the wires of your house. They can
damage common appliances, sensitive AV electronics and computer equipment. Different things cause
power surges, including severe weather, wildlife, defective wiring or power company repairs.

WHY WORRY ABOUT POWER SURGES?

Power surges happen all the time-not just during storm season. The investment you made in your home
equipment can be wiped out in an instant. In addition to surges caused by storms, the average home can
experience multiple "hidden" surges a day from other various sources. These smaller surges cause
cumulative damage to electronics, shortening their life and eventually causing them to fail.

WHAT DOES A SURGE PROTECTOR DO?

A surge protector safeguards electronics from the harmful effects of power surges and voltage spikes.
Surge protectors have the ability to absorb and dissipate the power of a surge so that connected
equipment is shielded from the surge.
A surge protector is an electrical device that is used to protect equipment against power surges and
voltage spikes while blocking voltage over a safe threshold (approximately 120 V). When a threshold is
over 120V, a surge protector shorts to ground voltage or blocks the voltage. Without a surge protector,
anything higher than 120V can create component issues, such as permanent damage, reduced lifespan
of internal devices, burned wires and data loss.

A surge protector is usually installed in communications structures, process control systems, power
distribution panels or other substantial industrialized systems. Smaller versions are typically installed in
electrical service entrances located office buildings and residences.

Surge protector components and features include:

An iron core transformer transfers alternating current (AC) power but cannot absorb sudden surges.

A zener diode protects against common circuit spikes and is sometimes combined with a transient
voltage suppression diode.

If a circuit breaker is out or blows a fuse, a surge protector provides internal protection and protects
against device and exterior surges.

Uninterruptible power supply takes in spikes using a low pass filter and allows external power beyond
the battery, which supplies uninterrupted power.

A metal oxide varistor (MOV) is thermal fused and limits voltage three to four times that of a regular
current. Parallel MOV connections expand life expectancy and increase current capacity. If exposed to
many large transients or numerous small transients, MOVs can self-destruct.