What are the Types of Surge Protection Devices?

A comprehensive guide that addresses all commonly-raised questions regarding power surge protectors like what is surge protectors and which features make a surge protector the most suitable device for you,

Today’s modern devices and appliances have become very sensitive than they used to be in past. They rely on steady and constant power to ensure a reliable working and safe environment. So much so that any device that is plugged into a power outlet is prone to severe damage resulting from power surges, spikes, or power outages. But before we discuss the role of Surge Protectors, it is important to understand what is surge protectors, to begin with.

What is Electrical Power Surge?

Power surges happen when something boosts electrical charges in the power lines. The factors responsible for these surges can be multiple: lightning strikes, power failure, and voltage fluctuations are some major reasons behind this phenomenon. The aging grid infrastructure further exacerbates this destructive phenomenon, thereby putting computers and other electronic appliances at greater risk. Sometimes, utility companies misjudge the total demand and inject more voltage into the power lines than required thereby boosting charges and creating power interruption. But one should bear in mind that it is not just the thunderstorms or weakened power grids that cause power problems, in the USA, on average, 120 different types of power interruption attack computer systems and other sensitive electronic devices. Sometimes, the power surges are long and intensive enough to heat up internal circuits to such an extent that they catch fires. Power surges cause massive losses annually. It has been estimated that American power consumers suffer from a whopping $ 80 billion in losses annually due to power interruptions. To make matter worse, power quality issues cost $15 billion to $20 billion additionally. Plus, businesses face productivity loss as well when employees sit idle in a business atmosphere while waiting for the replacement of damaged appliances or devices.

These statistics do indicate that companies must put in place some protection against these power problems to avoid any untoward damages. They should provide protection for every device plugged into power outlets, otherwise, they are extremely vulnerable to power surges, spikes, brownouts, and even power outages.

Here Surge Protectors come in handy.

What are Surge Protectors?

Surge Protectors are electrical devices that are used to protect equipment from power surges and voltage spikes while maintaining the voltage at a minimum threshold level which is generally 120V. If voltages cross the threshold level, surge protectors immediately begin grounding or blocking the voltage. Without surge proctors, the excessive voltage can cause component issues such as permanent damage, reduced life span of internal parts, burned wires, and in the worst case, complete data loss. In other words, surge protectors protect equipment from sustaining damages in wake of power surges, faulty wiring, or fluctuation in voltage.

Out of all surge-protecting solutions, Surge Protectors are the least expensive ones and you shouldn’t risk frying your expensive equipment for sake of a few bucks. So installation of Surge Proctors is important whether are putting it in a home office or data center. But what kind of specifications a good quality surge protectors have and what you should look for? The next paragraphs would attempt to address these questions. .

What to Look for in a Good Quality Surge Protector?

In order to make an informed decision, you need to consider these specifications of surge protectors.

  • Joule Rating:
    Joule Rating(JR) indicates the total amount of energy the surge protector is capable of absorbing. It is generally accepted that the higher the Joule Rating, the better it is. Therefore, always select a Surge Protector device with a Joule Rating of at least 200-4000. For sensitive equipment, like computers, displays, and the like, go for a surge protector with at least 1000 JR. A Higher JR rating also indicates a longer life span of the surge protector as well.
  • Clamping Voltage (UL VPR):
    This is a measurement that indicates the highest surge that the protector allows before restricting additional voltage. A surge protector with lower clamping voltage triggers much earlier and defends devices against a power surge much quicker. So the lower the clamping voltage, the better the protection. The lowest clamping voltage is 330 volts.
  • The Number of Outlets:
    The number of outlets is also an important factor that should make up your mind. Count the devices you want to protect and purchase a model of a surge protector with the same number of outlets. Plus, if you want to charge your USB device from a surge protector, find the device with USB-type charging ports as well.
  • Indicator Lights:
    Indicator lights indicate that your surge protector is working well and it is fully functional. Surge Protector is a device, it can suffer damage as well, so it is very important to know whether your device is working or not. Therefore, find the surge protector with the feature of indicator lights.
  • Three Line Protection:
    You must choose a surge protector which provides protection to all three lines: hot, neutral, and ground. This is because only the Three-Line Surge Protector can give you optimum and comprehensive protection against all threats of power fluctuation.
  • Response Time:
    Response time indicates how the fast surge protector can react and respond to power anomalies. The lower the response time, the better.
  • Individual Outlet Control:
    The surge protectors having this feature helps network administrators switch off individual outlets without interrupting all connected devices. This is an important feature because it can be instrumental in bringing efficiency and convenience to device management.
  • Warranty:
    Since surge protectors are deployed to absorb power surges and spikes, they undergo tough conditions which take a heavy toll over time. Therefore, it is a good idea to look for a surge protector which has been covered by a lifetime replacement warranty. If there is insurance coverage regarding repairing or replacement of devices damaged by power surges that would be an additional advantage.
  • Types of Surge Protectors:
    Surge Protectors are of multiple types, for instance, Surge Protector Power Strips, Wall-Mount Surge Protectors, Whole House Surge Protectors, Energy-Efficient Surge Protectors, and Remote Controlled Surge Protectors. Each device has its discreet specifications and distinct usage, so always select the device which best accommodates your requirements.
  • Connection Types:
    This should be clear to all that power surges are not only limited to power lines, they can travel telephone lines, cable lines, satellite lines, and even Ethernet lines. They can move in any wiring. So finding surge protectors that have connections to other lines is also vital to avoid any power surge-linked damages. There are many surge protectors which provide a connection for coaxial, phone cords, and Ethernet cables and thereby, safeguarding your telephones, modems, and other networking devices.

Conclusion:

All electrical grids experience power surges which can potentially be devastating for your expensive appliances and other connected devices. Surge Protectors provide protection against these surges inexpensively. So, you must invest a few bucks and deploy surge protectors so that you can avoid damage.

A Few Words About Morgan Ingland LLC:

Morgan Ingland LLC is a leading e-commerce firm in the USA and beyond. With our global outreach and collaboration with more than 100 plus IT brands, we are committed to providing cost-effective IT hardware and end-to-end ICT services & solutions at the most competitive level on the market. Morgan Ingland LLC has a vast portfolio of products including all types of Surge Protectors, e.g., Surge Protector Power Strips, Wall-Mount Surge Protectors, Whole House Surge Protectors, Energy-Efficient Surge Protectors, and Remote Controlled Surge Protectors. Feel free to contact our solution designers and product experts at 415-704-8713 or email us at info@miatlantic.us 24/7 for further detail and information.