A surge protector is a device that protects electrical devices from power surges. Power surges can be caused by things like lightning strikes, utility switching, or large electrical appliances turning on or off in your home. These power surges send excess voltage down the power lines which can potentially damage sensitive electronic equipment like computers, TVs, gaming consoles, and more if they are not protected. A surge protector works by diverting this extra voltage to the ground before it reaches your devices. This helps extend the life of your electronics and prevents costly damage or repair bills.

Workings

Inside a surge protector is a component called a metal oxide varistor (MOV). When voltage levels rise above a certain threshold, usually around 150 Volts, the MOV starts conducting electricity to the ground. This clamps or limits the voltage that passes through to your equipment. There are also often fuses or thermal breakers built-in as a secondary layer of protection. If surges are large enough, these safety components will sacrifice themselves to save your valuable electronics. Most quality surge protectors can handle surges up to 1,500 joules which is enough energy to protect against all but the most severe power events.

Protecting Different Types of Electronics

While all Surge Protection Devices function in basically the same way, features may vary depending on the specific needs of the equipment being protected. For home entertainment systems, look for surge protectors with plenty of outlets, often 6 or more, to accommodate gaming systems, set top boxes, streaming devices, and more. Make sure the rating can handle the total power draw of all devices plugged in.

For home office use, choose a protector suitable for computers and peripherals. These often have 2 or 3 outlets that provide more filtering of high frequency noise which can interfere with modems and routers. Surge protectors made for equipment in sensitive locations like a home office need to minimize electromagnetic interference.

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