Ultimate Guide: How Surge Protectors Safeguard Your Home Electronics
In today's digital world, Indian homes are now filled with very valuable electronics - smart TVs, laptops, fridges, solar inverters, etc...
Ultimate Guide: How Surge Protectors Safeguard Your Home Electronics
In today's digital world, Indian homes are now filled with very valuable electronics--smart TVs, laptopsaa, fridges, solar inverters, etc. All of us want the convenience, but not all of us worry about electrical surges, one of the most dangerous and silent threats to your valuable electronics and appliances. Luckily for us, surge protectors are a very affordable and effective option.
In this extensive article, we will discuss what surge protectors are, why you need them, the types available in the Indian market, how to choose the right one, and how surge protectors can keep your expensive devices safe.
What is a Surge Protector?
A surge protector (also called an SPD, or Surge Protection Device) is a safety device designed to protect your electrical appliances & electronics from high-voltage spikes. High-voltage spikes/surges can be created from many different sources, including lightning strikes, faulty domestic wiring, switching operations occurring on the power grid, or simply because of electrical devices with high power consumption (such as refrigerators or ACs) starting & stopping during operation.
Surge Protection Devices (the common name for surge protectors) would typically sense excess voltage that exceeds the agreed voltage rating, and then redirect that voltage safely to ground while minimizing electrical event damage to many appliances and other equipment.
Frequent Causes of Power Surges
Understanding what tends to cause surges can help you decide your best way of protection.
- Lightning Strikes: Whether directly or nearby, lightning strikes produce massive voltage through your wiring.
- Switching in the power grid: Any time the flow of electricity through your home system is subject to abrupt changes, surges may result in a number of maintenance, restoration or cause unexpected grid faults during major electrical storms.
- Appliance Cycling: Anytime your device cuts in or off or starts or stops; any form of a high-power device (AC, dishwasher, any motor) cycles in-and-out of the existing system.
- Induced voltage due to severe electrical storm: Perhaps the storm is away from your home and trees around your home cause electrical surges through the grounded system.
- Poor Wiring: If the wiring of the home is loose or is old, it may create voltage imbalances rapidly when major appliance is engaged or cycled.
No matter how minor, surges will reduce your system’s lifespan and capabilities. Even the smallest of voltage protection can initiate degradation of your appliances, over time.
How Surge Protectors Function
Surge protectors generally operate by using MOVs (Metal Oxide Varistors). Here's how they work in a nutshell:
- When the voltage exceeds the rated safe level (e.g. 240V in India), the MOV operates.
- The MOV safely drains the excess current to ground.
- Voltage still flows to your devices uninterrupted.
More advanced surge protectors include thermal disconnects, a visual indication sign or even a replaceable cartridge for longevity.
Why You Should Consider Surge Protection for Your Home
In India, voltage fluctuations are rampant due to a compromised electric grid, uncontrollable weather conditions, and electrical spikes caused by too many appliances running at the same time. There is risk to your home appliances without any protection at all.
- You are protecting your investment: TVs, AC's, routers, smart devices are not cheap to replace.
- Safety: Reducing the risk of fire from short circuits.
- It streamlines convenience: Especially if you have solar systems or home automation systems.
- Extends appliance lifespan: Limiting wear and tear of slow micro surges in the long term.
Classes of Surge Protectors
There are three main classes of surge protection devices for residential applications:
- Plug-in Surge Protectors
For: TVs, laptops, modems, routers
Easy to use and has a limited use and only protects appliances - Type 2 surge protective device (main db installation)
Installed in the distribution board (MCB box)
Provides whole of house protection
Essential for homes with expensive electronics - Type 1+2 Combo surge protective device
Provides protection from direct lightning surges and internal spikes
Great for homes with high lightning strike levels or homes with rooftop solar.
How to Choose the Correct Surge Protector
Some things to consider:
- Surge Current Rating: Look for a rating of 20kA or higher to 40kA
- Compliance: Please check that it is compliant with BIS or IEC 61643
- LED Indicator: Lets you know if it is active or if it needs replacing
- Replaceable Module: May be useful for you in the long run
- MCB Compatability: Will work with a standard distribution box
đź”— Browse the entire selection of surge protectors from our website
Conclusion
Purchasing a quality surge protector is an easy decision that could save you thousands in replacement and repair costs. Whether you're in a flat in the city, or a bungalow in the country, surge protection is a necessary and important part of any modern electrical system.
Not sure what to choose? Get in touch with a licensed electrician, or one of our experts at Blitz Electrical. Either way, we are always happy to help.
