How to Protect Your Home with a Surge Protector

A home surge protector has become almost as commonplace in the home as is a personal computer, DVD player or other expensive device that is constructed with ultra-sensitive microprocessors and PCB's (Printed Circuit Boards). The typical American now uses so many of these electronic devices that can become confusing as to how to use one of these surge protectors. Here are some tips for using them:

Tip 1 – How to Understand Surge Protectors

To know which protector to use for your electrical device, you'll need to know something about surge protectors. For example, you should know that a surge protector filters some of the electrical current that flows through it from the electrical source, usually an electrical outlet. The amount of current allowed to pass through the surge protector is referred to as the "clamping voltage." A lower clamping voltage will filter out more of the higher voltages but will reduce the useful life of the surge protector.

Tip 2 – How to Choose Your Surge Protector Type

One important factor in protecting your electronic device is knowing what type of protector to use. This can only be determined by first knowing something about the device you plan to protect. For your PC (personal computer) for example, you'll reduce damage to it if you have it plugged into a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply). The battery in your UPS will filter even the smallest electrical spikes and surges, and will provide power to your PC even when commercial power to your house fails.

Tip 3 – How to Use Rated Surge Protector

Almost without exception, the manufacturer of your electronic device will be able to tell you how much of an electrical current will damage their device. Then, choose a surge protector that will provide protection to match that required by your device.

Tip 4 – How to Use a Surge Protector

To protect your electronic device from electrical spikes and surges, first disconnect your device from the 110 volt receptacle it's plugged into. Instead, plug your surge protector into a house receptacle, then plug your device into one of the receptacles you'll find in your surge protector. Turn on the surge protector's on-off switch. Usually, you'll see an LED (light emitting diode) on your protector that comes on when the protector switch is in the "On" position and is plugged into an electrical circuit. Be sure this LED is lighted.

Tip 5 – How to Protect Your Device Against Lightning Surges

Your electronic device will only be protected against surges that come through your commercial power outlets. Electrical surges from lightning, however can still come from outside lines that are not connected to an commercial power source. For example: higher voltages of power from lightning striking a telephone line can be conducted through that line and into an electrical device that is plugged into a telephone line receptacle. To protect your device from these lighting strikes, install a lightening surge arrestor between the telephone line receptacle and your device.