An electrical surge is an abrupt spike in voltage that may appear within your home's power system and can potentially harm electronic devices that rely on steady voltage levels, including your television set. Understanding why electrical surges happen is the first step toward protecting these sensitive electronics from further harm, as is learning more about surge protector installation.
About Electrical Surges
Electrical surges usually happen during stormy conditions when lightning hits near power lines; however, they may also occur due to electrical grid problems or from using high-powered electrical devices in your home.
Importance of Surge Protectors
A surge protector is essential for safeguarding against unexpected surges of power that could disrupt or even destroy electronic devices. It effectively diverts any excess electricity away from you and into the ground, thus protecting them. A surge protector redirects any extra electricity away from devices directly and onto the ground instead of damaging electronic parts.
Surge Protector Installation
Installing a surge protector may seem straightforward, but it must be performed with care and accuracy to ensure safety and effectiveness. While DIY installation might work for some individuals, professional service will ensure it's performed safely. For maximum success, consider having someone manage this process for you or hiring an electrical repair service to handle this task. Both options ensure the proper functioning of the surge protector system.
Select the Appropriate Surge Protector
Not all surge protectors are created equal. To find the right one for your TV:
- Look for a surge protector with a high joule rating. The joule rating tells you how much energy the surge protector can absorb before it fails, so a higher number means better protection.
- Make sure it has enough outlets. You’ll likely need to connect more than just your TV, so choose a surge protector that can accommodate all your devices.
- Check for a warranty. Some surge protectors come with a warranty that covers damage to your devices if they fail. This is a good indicator of the surge protector's quality.
Remember, a surge protector differs from a power strip, though they look similar. A power strip simply adds more outlets and does not offer protection from electrical surges.
Regular Checks and Maintenance
Even the best surge protector won’t last forever. It’s important to check your surge protector regularly to ensure it’s still functioning properly. Signs that you might need a new surge protector include:
- Visible damage to the surge protector, like scorch marks or a melted appearance.
- The surge protector is no longer powering devices.
- An expired indicator light (if your model has one) that shows it’s no longer providing protection.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to replace your surge protector immediately. You might also want to consult with an electrician or a professional from an electrical repair service to check for any other vulnerabilities in your home’s electrical system.
Other Measures for Protection
Beyond installing a surge protector, additional steps should also be taken to secure TV and electronics:
- Unplug devices during storms: Unplugging electronic devices is one of the best ways to protect them against surges caused by lightning, which may create surges.
- Installation of Whole House Surge Protection: By having an electrician install surge protectors directly at your electrical panel, whole-house surge protection provides an added layer of security to protect all devices in the home and provide another layer of safety for each one.
- Regular inspections: Regular home electrical inspections with an electrician can help address potential wiring problems that could cause electrical surges.
Mr. Electric
Protection is vital to prolonging and optimizing a system's functionality and lifespan. This means understanding risks, selecting an effective surge protector, regularly maintaining your electrical system, or enjoying electronics without worry. Don't hesitate to seek the expertise of certified electricians from Mr. Electric if needed so everything is installed safely and effectively.
