Power Surge Safety During the Storm Season
WACO, Texas (PRWEB) March 10, 2015 -- The harsh reality of storm season is that power surges happen, and when they do, it’s important to be prepared. Although nothing is better than unplugging electrical devices during a storm, surge protectors will help to keep plugged-in electronics safe from the storm, therefore keeping homes safe from electrical issues. Electronic devices can greatly benefit from reliable protection.
A power surge is defined as an increase in voltage that exceeds the standard flow of electricity, which is 120 volts. The performance of the appliances and electronic equipment around the home or office can be compromised or completely destroyed by a power surge. Mr. Electric wants homeowners to take the following things into consideration when choosing the right surge protector.
There are three ratings that should be considered when purchasing a surge protector.
Clamping voltage: this rating indicates what voltage level causes the surge protector to pass electricity to the ground wire. The lower the rating, the better the protection. The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approves devices with one of these three ratings: 330 V, 400 V and 500 V.
Energy absorption/dissipation: This rating explains the device’s capacity to absorb excess electricity before it fails. A higher “joule” delivers greater protection. Look for a protector 600 joules or higher for good protection.
Response time: Choose a protector that has a response time of less than a nanosecond. A longer response time puts your equipment at more risk of a power surge.
It’s not enough to have a low-cost, multi-outlet surge suppressor. To protect the devices plugged into different outlets throughout the home, invest in a whole-home surge protection system. This will need to be installed by a licensed electrician.
Homeowners can use smaller whole-house protection for telephone and cable lines, as well as other delicate circuitry. Use the multi-outlet power strip surge protection as a backup to absorb any excess power that finds its way through the primary protection.
For more information on surge protectors, visit mrelectric.com. To learn more about whole-home surge protection, click here.
Jason Lee, The Dwyer Group 1, +1 (254) 745-5085, [email protected]
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