A surge protector is an important part of any home or office. It helps to protect your electronics from spikes in voltage, which can cause damage and expensive repairs. But how does a surge protector work? In this blog post, we will look at the science behind How does Surge Protection Device Works. We will also discuss how you can choose the right surge protector for your needs.
What Exactly is a Surge Protection Device?
A surge protection device is a piece of electronic equipment designed to protect your electronics from spikes in voltage. These devices are also known as surge suppressors, transient voltage suppressors (TVS), or power line filters. Surge protection devices are connected between your electronic equipment and the power source. They work by absorbing the excess energy from a voltage spike and dissipating it safely into the ground.
How Does a Surge Protector Work?
Surge protectors work by diverting the excess voltage from your electronics and into the ground. It is done through a process called clamping. Clamping is when the surge protector “clamps” down on the voltage spike, redirecting it away from your equipment. There are two types of surge protectors: those with metal oxide varistors (MOVs) and those with silicon avalanche diodes (SADs). MOVs are made of a material that becomes conductive at a certain voltage threshold. When this threshold is reached, the MOV will allow current to flow through it, diverting the excess voltage away from your equipment. SADs work similarly, but instead of becoming conductive at a certain voltage, they “avalanche,” or breakdown, allowing current to flow through them. If you live in an area with frequent power surges, consider investing in a whole-house surge protector. These devices are installed at your electrical panel and protect all of the electronic equipment in your home. Whole-house surge protectors are more expensive than smaller devices, but they offer the best protection against damaging power spikes.
How to Choose the Right Surge Protector
There are five main things to consider when choosing a surge protector:
First, buy the right number of ports: You’ll want to ensure you have enough ports to plug in all your devices. Most surge protectors have between six and 12 outlets.
Check the joule rating: This measures how much energy the surge protector can absorb before it needs to be replaced. Look for a surge protector with a high joule rating (1000 or more).
Choose the right voltage protection: The three most common voltages are 120V, 240V, and 277V. 120V is the standard household voltage in the United States so most surge protectors will offer this type of protection. However, if you live in an area with higher than average voltages (240V or more), you’ll need to purchase a surge protector that can handle that voltage level.
Make sure it has a warranty: A good surge protector should come with a warranty covering the cost of replacing any equipment a power surge damages.
Look for response time: The best surge protectors will have a very low let-through voltage—the amount of voltage that gets through even after the suppression circuitry has kicked in. Look for let-through voltages below 40 volts.
What is the Best Way to Use a Surge Protector?
The best way to use a surge protector is to plug it into a wall outlet that is not used by any other devices. It will ensure that the surge protector can do its job without interference. If you have multiple devices that need to be plugged in, you can use a built-in power strip with a surge protector. Make sure that the power strip is rated for the same voltage as your devices.
Conclusion
A surge protector works by monitoring the electrical current running through it. When it detects an increase in current, usually caused by a power surge, it diverts some of that energy away from your devices and into the ground. As a result, the spike in electricity prevents your devices from being damaged. Of course, not all surge protectors are created equal, so you’ll want to make sure you do your research before purchasing one or before purchasing one contact our expert team in Madison St, Allentown. But with the right protection in place, you can rest easy knowing that your devices are safe from harm.