Why Do You Need Surge Protection?

Living in the 21^st century means that, in at least some way, we will always be depending on some sort of electronics in our day-to-day lives. How much we individually rely on electronics may vary, but suffice to say that when something goes wrong with the electrical system in a building, it can cause a major hassle. This is why you need surge protection in North Scottsdale, AZ.

A power surge can happen at any time, sometimes without warning, and can be damaging to electronics plugged into an affected outlet. Fortunately, there are protections that can be taken against power surges. Here’s some more information about power surges, including why you need surge protection in North Scottsdale, AZ and what you can do to be prepared in case of a power surge.

What is a power surge?

We’ve all heard the term “power surge,” but what exactly does this refer to? Well, a power surge is defined as a quick, short-term, high-voltage aberration that is at least 10 percent above the normal power level. “Quick” is a key element here, as power surges only last between one and 10 microseconds.

A power surge can be caused when an electrical current is interrupted and then resumes. This can be triggered by external factors like a lightning strike on power equipment or a blown transformer, but most often it is caused by internal factors like a hair dryer turning on at full blast or an air conditioner kicking on.

Why is a power surge dangerous?

Most power surges are small enough that they are not even noticed. Larger ones will trip circuit breakers or GFCI-protected outlets. The fact is that all types of power surges are harmful to electronic devices plugged into outlets.

A surge in power is a problem for electronics with a microprocessor, which these days means almost all electronics. A large power surge can overload the circuitry and fry a device’s circuit board entirely. But even small surges can create “electronic rust” and degrade the circuits over time, leading to premature electronic device death.

Surge protection

Fortunately, there are ways to protect your electronic devices against power surges. There are many types of surge protectors on the market today, made for a wide variety of uses. Some are lighter duty and meant for home use, while some are commercial-grade and include features like battery backup and warning alarms.

One important thing to keep in mind, however, is that there is a difference between a power strip and a surge protector. While they may look similar, a power strip alone does not protect against power surges. A power strip with surge protection will be clearly labeled. This enhancement usually leads to higher cost, so one quick way to tell the difference is by looking at the price of the product.

Now that you know why you need surge protection in North Scottsdale, AZ, you should also know who to call should you experience a power surge that causes problems in your building. For top-rated customer service and experienced technicians, contact Eavenson Electric Co. today.

Categorised in: Surge Protection

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