2 minute read
Surge Protection for Your Home’s Electrical System
by Expert Contributor Andrew Martella, Owner of Martella Electric
When buying a large new TV, most people also usually buy a new point-of-use surge strip (“surge protector”) for it. Despite that being a common add-on when buying a TV, many people don’t know why a surge protector is not really an optional accessory for a TV.
TVs are sensitive electronic devices that do not react well to electrical surges. Most home appliances today such as refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and microwaves include many electronic circuits. Most voltage surges in your home originate from some of those same appliances.
Voltage surges are caused when an appliance that has a motor gets turned on or cycles on. Think about how many times a day your refrigerator alone cycles on and off! Another source of voltage surge comes from outside of your home, most commonly when the utility power goes off and on from storms, accidents or regular system maintenance.
A surge protector is made of an iron core transformer and a zener diode. When a voltage surge occurs, the surge protector provides additional internal protection. Any voltage surge can be highly dangerous. If a surge protector is not used or not properly installed, a surge higher than 120 volts may cause decreased device lifetime, burned wires, permanent device damage or even personal injury.
When a TV experiences a voltage surge, a point-of-use-surge strip is the TV’s second of two layers of protection. The surge strip is commonly called the “stage 2” protective layer. The “stage 1” layer is typically a piece of equipment that’s attached to your electrical system service panel. That equipment provides protection from the small surges that originate inside your home as well as those generated externally from the power grid. Those two protective layers work together, to extend the life of the electronic components in all your home appliances.
To keep your appliances and devices safe, regularly check your surge protectors. Generally, a green light indicator on a surge protector indicates that it’s functioning properly. This one small add-on when you purchase a new TV can be trusted protection against dangerous high-voltage scenarios. To ensure the protection of your electronic appliances and devices specifically and of your home in general, a surge protection system that includes stage 1 and stage 2 units is a good and safe plan.
Andrew Martella, Expert Contributor and Owner of Martella Electric
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