Do you have PCs, monitors, TVs, and other electronics connected directly to a power outlet? Plugging devices straight into a wall outlet this puts your electronics at risk of damage due to power surges.
What is a Power Surge?
A power surge is a spike in the electrical current. These spikes usually last less than 1 second, but they can cause a lot of damage to electrical devices that are not connected to a surge protector.
Power Strip vs. Surge Protector
A Power Strip plugs into a wall outlet and offers outlets for multiple devices, but that is all a power strip does. Connecting devices to a power strip is the same as connecting it directly to a wall outlet, at least in terms of safety.
A Surge Protector, also called a Surge Suppressor, often come in the shape of a power strip, but it has many more benefits. Surge protectors have electronics built in that help prevent power surges from damaging connected devices.
When to Replace a Surge Protector
Surge protectors do need to be replaced over time and wear down from constantly diverting power surges. Some surge protectors have lights that indicate that it needs to be replaced or even an alarm that goes off on some of the more expensive models.
If you have additional questions about Surge Protectors or would like to learn more, contact JMK today!